House Speaker Tina Kotek released a statement on the September Economic and Revenue Forecast. “The substantial improvement in today's revenue forecast highlights the uniqueness of a recession brought on by a global pandemic. While we are in a better financial position than we expected to be, it is still an unpredictable road ahead, particularly without further federal relief assistance.

“Oregon and the country are still facing a deep recession that is disproportionately impacting lower-income communities. Income inequality is glaringly clear in this forecast. I am pleased that the Legislature took a measured approach to rebalancing the budget in August by strategically using one-time dollars to protect critical services that are essential to encouraging an equitable recovery.”

At the same time, Jay Kudlow took the podium at today’s President’s press conference with a different story. With charts and graphs, he explained the economic recovery. He showed that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the real median household income growth from the Census Bureau released last week was an increase of $6,000, 5-times higher in three years than under eight years of the Obama Administration. His response to an “A” shaped recovery, where only the top did well and the bottom did not do well, he says the lower income levels increased significantly higher than the top 1% or top 10%. Automobiles and housing are showing the highest sales in 14 years. “It’s a phenomenal increase in living standards.” He continued, “While living standards went up, poverty went down and inequality went down.” There isn’t any question we have more work to do on the recovery and unemployment particularly in targeted areas – getting back to school and working on COVID-19 related safety precautions and health precautions. Recovery is looking very good but may still do something to help the small business owners.

Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner release his statement on federal response:

“I continue to be disappointed by Congressional inaction and their failure to provide further pandemic relief to individuals and states. State and local financial support would help our efforts to keep Oregonians housed, safe and able to access health care.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-23 17:25:34

Last Update: 2020-09-23 17:33:28

The 2020 Oregon revenue forecast was announced today on the second day of autumn, and it seems Oregon has a positive $2 billion dollar ending balance from general and other funds.

This may seem somewhat surprising to some Oregonians that we are seeing such economic activity, but considering that Oregonians have at least received some federal assistance from the Trump administration, it may have been effective enough to help the dire situation imposed on Oregonians by Kate Brown's mandated lock-downs.

Senator Brian Boquist (R-Dallas) and Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) issued the following joint statement:

“The revenue projection shows we are $2 billion ahead, even with the political pandemic, wildfires and Governor Kate Brown’s horrific policies that destroy the livelihoods of hardworking Oregonians and leave bureaucrats untouched.

“The state is not facing grim numbers thanks to President Trump and federal assistance. Governor Kate Brown and Democrats will twist this fact to raise taxes that benefit their special interests on the backs of the dwindling middle class, and low and fixed income Oregonians, despite record setting revenue streams flowing in from personal and corporate income tax collections. The current disparities are thanks to decades of Democrat failures.

“Governor Brown cares only about consolidating her own power, while inciting lawlessness and embracing anarchy and chaos. She has failed to protect and support law enforcement as they put their lives on the line each day, except when she needs them, as the governor rolls through the state with an entourage of fully-armed security.

“Portland was labeled an anarchist jurisdiction by the federal government, complete with the threat to cut federal funding, which compromises the very entity that provided the revenue stream that has saved the state from bankruptcy. Governor Brown would rather watch Oregon burn and its citizens waste away than be a true leader and work with the federal government.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-23 16:25:40

Last Update: 2020-09-23 16:30:07

Editor's note: Oregon Abigail Adams Voter Education Project equips voters with information on how candidates stand on issues through a questionnaire process featured in comparison guides.

Three candidates for Congressional District 3 are running against Democrat incumbent Earl Blumenauer. Republican candidate Joanna Harbour, Libertarian Josh Solomon, and Alex DiBlasi of the Pacific Green party are all vying to represent the northern metro area taking in Portland and Gresham.

Rep. Blumenauer co-signed the Green New Deal introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, claiming 100% energy from a mix of “clean renewable and zero-emission energy sources” by 2030. “I am fighting for solutions to long-term issues like protecting and expanding Social Security and Medicare, making sure we’re ready for the jobs of the future, dealing with our housing crisis, and promoting a Green New Deal to combat the climate crisis.” He wants to abolish ICE, institute universal background checks, keep assault weapons and high capacity magazines out of public space, and make sure unscrupulous gun dealers are held accountable to the law.

When you look at what is happening in Portland spreading to other parts of the state, change is what voters are looking for. Habour, an attorney, believes in constitutional law and wants to correct issues with the justice system. She says she is “not a politician by the classic definition. I believe in keeping my promises and speaking the truth. I will not say whatever it takes to get elected.” She will fight to combat sex and human trafficking, find solutions for homelessness, make tax cuts permanent, find solutions to better forest management and supports Second Amendment rights and religious freedom. She believes in legal immigration, term limits and a balanced budget.

Solomon says, “to protect the liberty of the individual is to protect the liberty of our nation.” He wants to promote indigenous land management techniques including controlled burns, invest in alternative energy technologies, protect our First Amendment rights and prevent internet censorship, and end the wars in Syria and Afghanistan.

DiBlasi asked the Portland City Council to write a resolution creating a legal definition of “Sanctuary City” to protect immigrants from ICE. He supports establishing nationwide, locally run, civilian police oversight review boards to ensure justice is served against officers who abuse their authority. He supports his Green Party’s Green New Deal eliminating fossil fuels going to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Revitalize the economy through localization and infrastructure projects, create a Universal Basic Income program, reduce the military budget by 50%, and establish a Universal Healthcare program.

Who will make the best representative for We The People?




--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-23 08:56:16

Last Update: 2020-09-30 10:55:18

In the shadow of seemingly interminable riots and lawlessness in Portland, the House District 37 race in the suburban cities of Tualatin and West Linn is highlighting the contrasting the views of West Linn Pharmacist Kelly Sloop and first-term incumbent Rachel Prusak (D-West Linn) on the role of police in public safety.

Prusak voted for all of the "police reform" legislation, largely seen as unsupportive of police. Nearly all of the bills contained a tribute to Black Lives Matter in the "whereas" section of the bill, a move that some lawmakers found offensive and unnecessary.

She has also taken $5,000 in donations from the American Federation of Teachers-Oregon, a group that has supported the effort to -- in their words -- "...disarm, defund and ultimately abolish police forces." Sloop describes Prusak as "out of touch with the fabric of our district."

The Democratic incumbent Prusak's website doesn't mention public safety or the issues with violence in Portland. She does have a section on Racial Justice where she says, "Black lives matter. The dehumanization of Black, Indigenous, and people of color in this country has caused more pain, violence, and death than we can ever fully quantify. I see it clearly from a public health perspective: it is slow motion violence." In contrast, on her website, the Republican challenger Sloop says "My opponent is supported by extreme groups that want to defund and even abolish local police."

Voters in West Linn and Tualatin have a clear choice on the issue of public safety this year.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-22 21:00:30

Last Update: 2020-09-22 21:30:03

--Northwest Observer Meme Team

Post Date: 2020-09-22 17:19:50

A Republican senator in Oregon is expressing concern about the Oregon Department of Education's failure to get Oregon students back in schhol and back to learning.

Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) claims the arbitrary COVID-19 education standards enacted by Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will impair access and harm students’ success.

Some rural Oregon communities will be reopening schools for in-person instruction for 3rd grade and younger children, excluding older students.

“What is the difference between a 3rd grade student and a 4th, 5th or 6th grade student?” asked Senator Linthicum. “After all, each grade level will interact with their teachers and other students and, one could argue, older children have a decidedly better capacity for exercising more caution and care about their environment. Governor Brown and OHA will be the ones responsible for denying education access for those most vulnerable, and they are ruining the chances of success for those who are excluded.”

Senator Linthicum continued, “The arbitrary decision regarding one grade level verses another cannot be justified. Why are some students given opportunity to learn in-person when they live in specific geographic locations, but not others? This is a capricious policy.

“According to the CDC, COVID-19 poses low risks to school-aged children and teachers, therefore getting students in school must be a priority. The governor has failed to open in-person public education for all Oregon students, and is making it harder to seek alternatives through online charter schools and private school education. These education opportunities are critical to Oregon’s future and it is shameful to see our children’s education politicized.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-22 16:09:23

Last Update: 2020-09-22 16:37:27

Editor's note: Oregon Abigail Adams Voter Education Project equips voters with information on how candidates stand on issues through a questionnaire process featured in comparison guides.

Candidate for House District 31 Brian Stout is challenging incumbent Brad Witt, his 9th run to represent Columbia and portions of Multnomah and Washington Counties.

Three major issues to Oregon voters are the economy, safety and education. Witt voted to increase taxes and fees including the corporate gross receipts tax, voted for a natural gas investment recovery fee, and to reduce the kicker. He voted against cap and trade, but supported a prohibition on hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas exploration and production. Stout said he would vote no on these issues and says as a business owner he “defends small businesses from unreasonable regulations and taxes.”

Witt voted to require employers to notify employees of ICE investigations, and prevent courts from asking immigration status and notifying ICE. He supported the bill to request Congress de-nuclearize the U.S. Stout said he would vote no and supports the work of ICE. He says, “we should enforce constitutional laws before forcing sanctuary status laws.”

In the area of education, Witt voted to include in all curriculum’s contributions from every minority group such as immigrants, LGBTQ, disabled and women. He voted for mandated vaccination with no exceptions and ban those from schools that don’t comply. Stout said he would vote against forced vaccinations and would vote against curriculum mandates to include minority group contributions.




--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-22 15:06:24

Last Update: 2020-09-21 09:24:09

In the wake of alawsuit filed by several Oregon businesses shuttered by order of the Governor, House Republican leader Christine Drazan has commented on the lawsuit. “The governor has exercised her authority without moderation or consideration. While the governor has the authority to protect public health, Oregonians have the right to demand equal treatment and compensation for their losses.

“Oregonians do not owe the governor their livelihoods, as she continues to move the goalposts in the fight against COVID-19. It’s past time for accountability.

“The governor has issued arbitrary, at times contradictory, standards for different communities and groups, handpicking winners and losers for who will be protected from devastating economic impacts, and who will bear the brunt of her orders. If she will not operate with an even-hand toward all Oregonians, then the citizens of Oregon will exercise their authority to call her to account.

“This lawsuit would not be necessary and could still be averted if the Governor would treat all businesses fairly.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-22 12:06:00

Last Update: 2020-09-22 12:13:26

The Oregon Department of Transportation has issued a press release describing the requirement for a variance for any sign that is greater than 12 square feet and is visible from a state highway. Most political field signs are 32 square feet. The rules were posted recently on the ODOT website. Persons, including political campaigns, who wish to place signs greater than 12 feet can apply to ODOT for a temporary variance.

Though the rules have been in place for years, they haven't been enforced, or have only been enforced on a "complaint driven" basis. According to ODOT,

• Signs may not be posted on Oregon state highway right of way. That includes trees, utility poles, fence posts and natural areas along highways, surrounding intersections and interchanges, etc. Signs are also prohibited within view of a designated scenic area.
• Private property: If a sign can be seen from a state highway, it must meet certain requirements.
• New signs must be 12 square feet or less.
• No compensation may be exchanged for the right to place the sign or the message displayed.
• The signs must be posted on a temporary basis (60 days or less) and may not be on a permanent base.
• No flashing or intermittent lights, animated or moving parts are allowed.
• Signs must not imitate an official highway sign or device.
• The sign must be posted on private property and may not be accessed or placed from the right of way.

ODOT's sign program is located in the Salem ODOT offices, and has some level of responsibility for controlling all signs that are visible to state highways throughout Oregon. Their response to temporary sign placement is generally “complaint” driven. In an effort to stem a majority of complaints, ODOT often issues a press release around election time, to help answer questions and to provide information for those who are placing signs. ODOT's release was in response to citizen complaints the department has been receiving recently. One legislator said he suspects that the group Progressive Yamhill is responsible for the bulk of the complaints.

The temporary sign process was changed by the Legislature in May of 2007, in response to the Oregon Supreme Court decision in December of 2006 that held that the Oregon Motorist Information Act (ORS 377.700 through 377.844 & 377.992) was unconstitutional in its permitting requirements. Since that time, the sign program has increased the time a temporary sign is allowed to remain in place from 90 days to 120 days in response to citizen concerns about signs for seasonal businesses. Also changed was the restriction only allowing a variance for size, or time. The OAR now allows a sign owner to request a variance for both, the larger size, and extended posting time, for the same sign. Other than those two changes, the ORS and OAR have remained largely unchanged since they were implemented in 2007.

Stepped up enforcement of these regulations is thought to impact Republicans more than Democrats, because Republicans are more popular in rural areas that are good locations for large political signs.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-22 08:34:29

Last Update: 2020-09-22 10:56:01

Oregon's governor Kate Brown's administration is finding itself to be the target of yet another lawsuit put forth by small business who were mandated to shut their doors during the extent of the ongoing COVID-19 lock-down in Oregon.

A bowling alley, a salon, and Bullwinkle’s Fun Center in Wilsonville have filed the demand letter.

"Although many other types of businesses were permitted to remain open, subject to social distancing guidelines, those businesses specified categorically … were closed summarily with no opportunity to illustrate how they could safely operate under similar conditions imposed on other types of business enterprises."

“What’s happened here is the governor has basically destroyed property for the purpose of furthering the policy behind the executive order,” says Portland attorney John DiLorenzo, “Property doesn’t have to be tangible.”

Numerous types of small business are listed in the notice of the class action suit.

“There’s a whole constituency that hasn’t been helped at all,” he said. “That’s the small business people.”

"We do wish to point out that whereas you have taken care to provide some level of financial compensation to many affected Oregonians, you have failed to do so for the small business community which we consider to be the backbone of our state's economy. Dilorenzo continues, suggesting the state put forth a compensation plan “if you are of a mind to attempt to address this issue without resort to litigation.”

DiLorenzo states that the same law that allows Kate Brown to declare an emergency also provides for compensation. The quoted statute is found here

John DiLorenzo is the high-profile Portland Oregon Attorney who led the recent timber lawsuit against the State of Oregon for the amount of $1 billion dollars.

See a related article.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-09-21 17:26:16

Last Update: 2020-09-22 12:29:46

As announced last week, Governor Kate Brown has issued vetoes of several line-item appropriations in order to preserve funding for the state's ongoing emergency wildfire response efforts and maintain a balanced budget.

Combined, the vetoes will preserve over $65 million, improving the state’s ending balance to total $164.3 million in general funds and $16.7 million in lottery funds. In order to expedite an immediate relief package by the Legislature’s Emergency Board, the Governor has also requested that legislators reserve at least $150 million in the state’s emergency fund for upcoming requests relating to the fires.

"When it became apparent that COVID-19 disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and Tribal communities in Oregon, the Legislature and I worked together to steer Coronavirus Relief Fund dollars to those communities," said Governor Brown. "Now, we must work together to help Oregonians who have lost everything from these fires.”

"Until we understand the total impacts and costs, we must help Oregonians while being judicious with our funds," added Governor Brown. "In light of the current wildfires state of emergency, which occurred after the adjournment of the Second Special Session, I am exercising my veto authority to ensure that state agencies fighting wildfires have necessary resources for responding to this emergency."

Under Article V, section 15a of the Oregon Constitution, the Governor is granted the “power to veto single items in appropriation bills . . . without thereby affecting any other provision of such bill.” Both SB 5723 and HB 4304 are appropriation bills.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2020-09-21 14:37:13

Last Update: 2020-09-21 14:56:25

Walking into the Curtright hanger, the floor-to-ceiling U.S. Flag takes your breath away. It covers the entire airplane door. The other three sides are glassed out with floor to ceiling windows that outlines crosses, which Ames Curtright was passionate about. Fog hung in the valley below, and we were all thankful it wasn’t smoke after a week of wildfires. About 150 people gathered to be educated on issues and encouraged to be active in the upcoming election. One attendee said it went beyond sharing knowledge, it created ‘understanding.’

After the Invocation by Rev. Matthew Price, Oregon Gospel Ministries, the event started with John Tamny, Freedomworks D.C. and editor of RealClear Markets, speaking on how the coronavirus didn’t cause a crisis, but it was politicians who caused a panic. He pointed out that we need free people doing business to learn how the virus spreads. Instead they use numbers, which is dangerous because the next time they will just use different numbers.

The first featured speaker was Trevor Loudon, author on U.S. politics and featured in his documentary “Enemy Within.” With his distinguished accent, he made points on national security, or lack thereof when it comes to politicians, for which he said that Oregon’s delegation couldn’t pass a background check. He covered key points from his Documentary making the country ungovernable to take it down, and how President Trump is realigning the U.S. economy.

The underlying thread was aimed at getting out the vote, which was capitalized on by Richard Burke, Western Liberty Network and Jeff Kropf, Oregon Capital Watch Foundation, tag-teaming on developing a personal campaign. They emphasized helping people that were burned out of their homes to find a place to vote. Kropf said a poll he was involve with shows that Democrat women are the most moved by the early release of criminals, stressing that defunding police is part of the security issue.

The afternoon started with the Ames Curtright Stand Your Ground Award presented to Mike Pihl representing Timber Unity.

Federal and State Panels each responded to the most urgent question of forest management and controlling fires. Alek Skarlatos, running against Peter DeFazio contrasted his stance of harvesting forest salvage to DeFazio’s recent vote against salvage in forests. Jo Rae Perkins, running against Jeff Merkley, wants to get back to the full authority of the Constitution giving ownership of lands to the states, except for what is specific in the Constitution a clear contrast to Merkley.

On the State Panel, Kim Thatcher running for Secretary of State, and Jeff Gudman running for Treasurer, both had similar strategies for forest management as the Treasurer and Secretary of State serve two positions with the Governor on the Oregon Land Board.

Anna Kasachev and Amelia Salvador, running for representatives, were quizzed on how to reach minority voters and how to reach the younger generations. Kasachev explained that her community was new to the political scene so as the adults learn they are including the youth. Salvador said economy is her field and believed more should be done for businesses, especially small business owner.

The event was capped off with Jessie Jane Duff, Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and Trump Campaign spokes person for Women and Veterans, led us in some modified gunnery drills. She made it clear that Trump was interested in Oregon because it shows the best contrast with Trump’s policies.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2020-09-21 14:30:06

Last Update: 2020-09-21 14:37:13