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On this day, September 1, 1836, Protestant missionary Dr. Marcus Whitman led a party to Oregon. His wife, Narcissa, was one of the first white women to travel the Oregon Trail.
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OREGON STATE FAIR |
Monday, September 2, 2024 at 5:00 pm |
STATE FAIR IS RUNNING NOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2.
Make sure and visit the Americans for Faithful Election booth. |
Salem, Oregon |
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2024 Gathering of Eagles |
Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 am |
Click for more info
|
Ames Ranch, Turner |
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Forest carbon sequestration is decreasing
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden issued a
press release regarding introduction of a
forest restoration bill cosponsored with U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas, D-Ore., John Duarte, R-Calif., and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash. The bipartisan legislation would improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, sequester more carbon, and boost rural economies by supporting innovative timber products, such as mass timber.
The Timber Innovation For Building Rural Communities Act would:
- Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in consultation with Tribes, State Foresters, and private sector partners, to establish a platform for measuring, monitoring, verifying and reporting data about the carbon impacts from forest management and wood products.
- Reduce the match requirement for the existing Wood Innovation Grant Program and direct that priority be given to proposed projects in communities with higher-than-average unemployment, that recognize or enhance carbon reduction strategies in building design, or report on the resilience and economic benefits of the proposal.
- Establish the Wood Building Accelerator Grant Program to fund programs that support the critical elements of designing and building with wood, including traditional wood products, mass timber and other advanced wood products.
- Establish the Rural Infrastructure and Building Pilot Program to fund pilot programs that demonstrate the use of innovative wood products in the construction and renovation of rural infrastructure and building projects, such as affordable, modular housing.
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The bill introduction comes days after the U.S. Agriculture Department released the
Resources Planning Act Assessment report making an alarming disclosure. The report projects that annual carbon sequestration by U.S. forests will decrease, with total above ground carbon leveling off by 2070. To date, the Forest Service’s greenhouse gas bulletin shows that nine western states are now net emitters of carbon due to disturbances, including wildfire, insect infestation and disease, and the aging of forests, which is reducing their carbon-absorbing capabilities.
The U.S. Forest Service reports that in the past two-months there have been 197 human-caused fires in the Pacific Northwest, a 150 percent increase over last year. The cause of four fires are still under investigation.
Wyden said. “Oregon’s cutting-edge leadership in wood products innovations strengthens rural economies by generating fresh job opportunities, all while paying for restoration work that’s key to creating healthier, more fire-resistant forests statewide, and adding timely tools in the climate crisis battle. The Timber Innovation for Building Rural Communities Act would build much-needed federal support for that triple crown of economic, firefighting and environmental goals. And I’ll fight hard to get this legislation passed into law.â€
As air quality is threatened, homes in danger and the economy suffering, where is Oregon on fire prevention?
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2023-08-01 12:04:02 | Last Update: 2023-08-01 12:44:03 |
“We write with deep concern for Oregonians’ safetyâ€
US Represenatives Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) and Cliff Bentz (OR-02) have urged Governor Tina Kotek to review every conditional commutation granted by her predecessor, Governor Kate Brown. The
letter comes after investigators linked four suspicious deaths from earlier this year to one person of interest, and reports indicate that this individual was released from prison early after being granted conditional clemency by Brown.
“In light of these recent events, we write with deep concern for Oregonians’ safety. It is no secret that the Portland area has already been experiencing a severe and dangerous crime crisis in recent years. 2021 and 2022 were the deadliest years in Portland’s history, with both years soaring past the previous homicide record set in 1987,†the lawmakers wrote.
As Portland’s homicide rate soared, Brown proceeded with granting some form of clemency to over 1,000 inmates -- more than all Oregon governors in the last 50 years combined. The person of interest in the serial killer case is believed to be one of those inmates, who has an extensive criminal record. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has referred to the individual as a “prolific thief and career criminal.â€
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“Despite this extensive and troubling record, and despite the Portland area facing an unprecedented onslaught of crime, Governor Brown proceeded with granting this person a conditional commutation without any other public input or feedback,†the lawmakers continued. “Understandably, this situation has left many Oregonians deeply concerned about the hundreds of clemencies granted by Governor Brown. As we work to decrease crime and restore safety for Oregonians, we urge you to review every single conditional commutation granted by Governor Brown to ensure no one is a victim of the former governor’s reckless leniency. Additionally, we would like to work with you to determine a clear and transparent clemency procedure to ensure Oregonians have a say in the process.â€
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-08-01 12:02:57 | Last Update: 2023-08-01 14:51:09 |
Final decisions will be made by August 4
Pursuant to Article V, section 15b, of the Oregon Constitution, Governor Tina Kotek provided notice to the Legislature that she is considering vetoes of a handful of policy bills and budget items from the 2023 legislative session.
"My commitment to Oregonians is that I will dig into the details and ask hard questions to make sure our state government is delivering results," Governor Kotek said. "Over the last month, my team and I have been thoroughly reviewing every bill, agency budget, and
appropriation. While I understand and support the intent behind several of the items I am considering vetoing, I am weighing concerns about
implementation and budget prioritization."
Policy Bills
- HB 2079: Requires the Legislative Revenue Officer to study potentially implementing a tax credit and direct grant program to encourage preservation of historic property. Reason for possible objection: The Governor believes studies such as this can and should be done without statutory direction.
- HB 2763: Creates the State Public Bank Task Force to study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of a state public bank. Reason for possible objection: While the Governor supports exploring the creation of a state bank, this bill has several logistical challenges, including directing the Oregon Business Development Department, which already manages over 80 programs, to manage a new task force, establish an RFP process, and finalize a substantive report on an abbreviated timeline.
- SB 1095 (line-item veto of emergency clause): Adjusts membership of certain boards and commissions whose governing body membership is based on congressional districts now that Oregon has a sixth congressional district. Reason for possible objection: Removing the emergency clause will allow for the additional time needed to recruit and vet additional members to the impacted boards and commissions.
Line-Item Budget Vetoes
- SB 5506, Section 32: $100,000 to the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission for a study on the advantages and disadvantages of decriminalizing prostitution. Reason for possible objection: While there is value to this study, particularly as it relates to understanding disproportionate impacts on communities of color, the Governor believes it can and should be privately funded.
- SB 5506, Section 74: $250,000 to the Department of Administrative Services for distribution to Cherriots in order to collaborate with state agencies and other entities to study the feasibility of developing a rail streetcar system in the City of Salem. Reason for possible objection: The Governor does not believe this study is a top priority for the state at this time.
- SB 5506, Section 300: $500,000 to the Oregon Health and Science University School of Public Health to perform a public health study on the effects of current laws and policies on people in the sex trade in the state of Oregon. Reason for possible objection: While there is value to this study, particularly as it relates to understanding disproportionate impacts on communities of color, the Governor believes it can and should be privately funded.
- SB 5506, Section 312: $1 million to the Department of Administrative Services for distribution to the Willamette Career Academy to fund regional career and technical education programs provided by the Willamette Career Academy. Reason for possible objection: The Governor supports career and technical education programs, but technically the funding should be distributed through a local school district or education service district.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-31 15:33:31 | Last Update: 2023-07-31 15:04:00 |
QPO partners with Yulon
Representative Ben Bowman (D-Tualatan) proudly participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony of Yulon Motors, a Taiwanese company, and QPO Energy, a battery and energy storage company to be based in Tualatin, Oregon. The Taipei Economic & Cultural Office (essentially the Taiwanese Consulate) invited state and local leaders, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and executives from Yulon Motors and QPO Energy to attend the signing.
Yulon has purchased a 49.5% stake in QPO Energy and is the company’s partner in launching the Tualatin factory. The factory will build battery packs and modules for utility-scale energy storage systems and homeowners. The Inflation Reduction Act incentivizes utilities and homeowners to buy energy storage systems made in the United States. These incentives have created an opportunity on which Yulon and QPO are hoping to capitalize.
Bowman states, “QPO has partnered with Yulon to relocate part of their battery manufacturing from China to Tualatin. The factory will employ up to 400 people and shows that Oregon is benefiting from the post-pandemic supply chain reshuffling away from China.â€
This may be moving a part of the manufacturing out of China, but it doesn’t make it American owned. Yulon was founded by Shanghai-born entrepreneur Yen Tjing-ling in 1953 when Taiwan was trying to establish its own automotive industry after World War II, and started out by making car components. Today, Yen’s son is chairman and Yulon is a major Taiwanese carmaker, repair service and distributor. It’s top institutional shareholders with only 5% are Vanguard Group, Inc., Norges Bank Investment Management, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, and BlackRock Fund Advisors.
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Yulon manufactures and markets Luxgen-brand vehicles, and operates dealerships for Nissan via a joint venture in Taiwan and China. It also distributes Mitsubishi vehicles through affiliate China Motor. The latest release is Luxgen7, a six seat MPV turbocharged 2.2-litre petrol engine with the bells and whistles of a 360-surveillance camera – night vision and a lane departure warning system. The company also plans to launch a Model C battery-powered SUV under it upmarket Luxgen brand this year followed by the Model E sedan made in Taiwan.
Yulon has struggled over that past four years
reporting a loss of $25 billion in 2019. They show a profit in 2020 and 2021, but it only covered a third of what was lost in 2019, only to be hit with another nearly $5 billion lost in 2022.
The partnership with QPO Energy and building the Tualatin factory will be an expansion for Yulon adding manufacturing of battery and energy storage systems.
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2023-07-29 15:56:38 | Last Update: 2023-07-28 16:47:25 |
Per capita emissions are at 60 year low
Remember at the beginning of 2020 when gas was $2.59 per gallon when President Trump left office, until June 2022 when prices jumped 62 cents per gallon in one month? Now, according to AAA, gas is at an average of $4.59 per gallon and diesel has risen to $5.62 per gallon.
Biden keeps saying he has lowered gas prices. He’s right that they’ve fallen from the peak of above $5 a gallon in his financially disastrous first 18 months in office. Of that 18.4 cents-per-gallon goes to pay federal fuel tax, and 38 cents goes to Oregon's state fuel tax, which is scheduled to increase to 40 cents in 2024.
Climate change proponents in Europe and in the Biden administration are bribing governments in poor nations to endanger their energy sectors, impoverish their people, and actually discourage the economic growth they desperately need. South Africa’s electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stated that the new climate change agreement with wealthy countries will be a disaster for his country – causing power blackouts and energy shortages. He denounced Western attempts to turn South Africa into a “guinea pig†for the worldwide Green New Deal.
Climate change “justice†isn’t just impacting poor countries. Where is the justice when low- and moderate-income families spend a larger percent of their income on energy and gas, and rising gas and energy prices take a bigger bite out of their income? The options provided to coup with climate change is also out of their reach.
Oregon’s answer is to increase energy costs and restrictive building regulations. Omission restrictions are increasing cost on everything from food and housing to transportation. To compensate, provide incentives to go electric, give away over $2 billion for affordable housing including $7.5 million in down payment assistance. Governor Kotek signed a number of bills this week that neither helps low-income families or the economy.
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She sign a bill in the Climate Resilience Package Investment (
HB 3409,
HB 3630), which invests $90 million in community-focused and forward-looking solutions with the idea to increase energy efficiency, keep Oregonians safe from extreme weather, and grant counties up to $50,000 for developing energy resilience plans in the event of grid disruptions to basic services with a focus on an equitable energy system. Appropriates $4,641.112 general funds.
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But is all this energy subsidy, caused by climate change regulations, really necessary? The U.S. per capita person emissions are lower today than at any time in the last 60 years and lower than during World War 1 when the economy was less than one-tenth as large as it is today. Since 1990 per capita carbon emissions has decreased nearly 15t. How can they claim that productivity is the culprit?
Even the Paris accord climate negotiators agreed there is currently no reliable accurate way to measure emissions or how much CO2 is coming from individual nations. They admit the science of accurate carbon accounting is in its infancy and there are gaps in the data. “Even developed nations with lots of climate scientists do not deliver demonstrably reliable emission statistics,†according to Sourish Basu, a research scientist at the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He
reported that national CO2 emissions are only known “to within 5-10 percent for most developed countries.â€
Since U.N. executive secretary, Christiana Figueres, admitted at the UN’s
Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2017 that Global Warming was framed to destroy capitalism, and not an environmental goal to save the world from ecological calamity, the world, U.S. and Oregon remain duped pursuing a false narrative.
--Donna BleilerPost Date: 2023-07-28 12:01:08 | Last Update: 2023-07-28 16:36:23 |
Drones have the ability to arrive at a scene within a couple of minutes
The Gresham Police Department is the first law enforcement agency in the State of Oregon to implement the Drones as First Responders program (DFR) and the sixteenth law enforcement agency in the Country. The
program launched on Friday, July 14. The city says it will continue as a pilot program depending on staffing levels.
"Without the additional staffing the Gresham Safety Levy would have provided our department, we are having to find innovative ways to be more efficient while keeping our community safe,†said Gresham Police Chief Travis Gullberg.
Gresham says the drones dedicated to the DFR program will launch from Gresham City Hall and are deployed specifically for exigent circumstances which could include but are not limited to, searching for lost or missing persons and crimes in progress.
These drones have the ability to provide critical information to ground personnel.
The city says that it is important to note that the drones do not record video unless it is necessary for the collection of evidence. The drones deploy with their cameras at a 15-degree angle, meaning, they are aimed straight ahead in order to better locate the scene and they return to City Hall at the same angle.
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The City of Chula Vista, California, which implemented DFR in 2018, has recorded the average response time for a drone to a priority one call as three minutes, nine seconds, and the patrol unit on scene as six minutes, six seconds. For priority two calls, they recorded drones arriving on scene within an average of five minutes, three seconds, and patrol units on scene within ten minutes, one second.
The Gresham DFR program allows an officer to get visuals on a situation in approximately two minutes, which can be almost half the amount of time of a patrol unit response.
“Utilizing the Drones as First Responders program allows our police to respond faster to our community’s needs while keeping our officers safe,†said City Manager Nina Vetter. “Drones have the ability to arrive at a scene within a couple of minutes, which allows our officers to have their eyes on an incident in record time and can potentially reduce the amount of personnel needed.â€
With the failure of the Gresham Safety Levy in May 2023, the City of Gresham says it is now leveraging technology in order to continue the efforts of the
Safe Gresham initiative developed last year.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-28 10:33:45 | Last Update: 2023-08-04 10:18:17 |
“It won’t be solved overnightâ€
Governor Tina Kotek has hosted a signing ceremony for four bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the housing and homelessness crises.
“These bills are about progress toward making sure every Oregonian has a place to live, safely and securely,†Governor Kotek said. “Each tackle these issues from a different angle and complement the efforts well under way through the Emergency Homelessness Response Package that passed early in March. We have work to do. There isn’t one solution to our housing crisis, and it won’t be solved overnight. So let’s keep going.â€
In March, Governor Kotek signed House Bills 5019 and 2001 to help address Oregon's housing and homelessness crisis, which included the urgent funding she proposed in response to the homelessness state of emergency that she declared on her first full day in office. The funding is dedicated to homelessness prevention programs, more shelter capacity, rehousing services and more. Critics have said that much of this work enables homelessness and doesn't address the core issues of mental illness and drug abuse.
Below is the list of bills Governor Kotek signed:
- SB 611: Provides predictability and stability for renters by limiting rent increases to no more than 10% each year, while maintaining exemptions for new construction to support housing development.
- HB 3042: In the unfortunate circumstance where affordable housing is not preserved and the owner chooses to transition the property to market rate, this bill provides predictability for current residents by expanding notification requirements, preventing certain types of evictions and limiting rent increases for a period of time.
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- HB 3395: An omnibus policy and funding bill that includes funding to help low income college students access affordable housing options; grants to develop housing projects for agricultural workers; grants to cities, counties, and tribes to aid in housing and community development initiatives; funding to establish programs that guarantee loans for affordable housing projects; and more.
- SB 5511: The budget bill for the Housing and Community Services Department, which includes $130 million to further critical investments the state has made in the homelessness response, including maintaining Project Turnkey sites, navigation centers, and the shelters being built now through the Governor’s emergency declaration on homelessness; $55 million to expand the state’s homelessness response by preventing homelessness for more households; $5 million in direct funding to tribes to prevent and address homelessness, $12.5 million to support homeownership for low income families; $6 million for tenant services; and more.
The Legislature did not make much sought changes to land use laws -- what many point to as a major source of the problem with housing availability.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-27 21:52:29 | Last Update: 2023-07-27 22:16:25 |
“Oregonians deserve better than the reckless tax and spend policiesâ€
Senate Republicans across Oregon have announced plans for re-election to their current Senate seats. Barring litigation on Constitutionality of
Measure 113 nine Senators -- 10 Republicans and 1 Independent -- will no longer be able to file to run for their seats.
Senators Tim Knopp and Dennis Linthicum have sent a letter to Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade asking for a declaratory ruling on
Measure 113 on whether Senator Knopp and Senator Linthicum will be allowed ballot access for the 2024 election. This is being done to lay the foundation for a Republican lawsuit to have the measure invalidated -- most likely based on the 1st Amendment to the US Constitution.
Republican Senators Eligible for Re-election Based on M113 |
David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) |
Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) |
Fred Girod (R-Lyons) |
Senators Not Eligible for Re-election Based on M113 |
Lynn Findley (R-Vale) |
Bill Hansell (R-Athena) |
Tim Knopp (R-Bend) |
Art Robinson (R-Cave Junction) |
Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer) |
Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook) |
Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) |
Cedric Hayden (R-Roseburg) |
Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) |
Brian Boquist (I-Dallas) |
“Oregonians are fed up with the national Democrat agenda.†Knopp said. “They are tired of out-of-control crime and drug use making their neighborhoods more dangerous. Oregonians deserve better than the reckless tax and spend policies driving up the cost of living and inflation across Oregon. They desperately want balance. Senate Republicans are looking forward to vigorous debates over the course of the campaign season.â€
Senators Dick Anderson and David Brock Smith did not participate in the walkout. Senator Fred Girod had a well-documented medical reason for his absences.
Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) Senate District 1, Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) Senate District 5 and Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) Senate District 9 have announced for 2024. and are not barred from running in 2024. Additionally, Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) Senate District 27 and Senator Dennis Linthicum (R-Klamath Falls) Senate District 28 will need a successful challenge to
Measure 113 in order to file for election.
--Staff ReportsPost Date: 2023-07-26 15:50:30 | Last Update: 2023-07-26 16:12:16 |
Rebate amounts vary based on the project
The Oregon Department of Energy
has announced that it is now accepting incentive reservations through the agency’s new
Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program. Under this new program, owners of rental homes and manufactured dwellings or recreational vehicles in a rented space may receive incentives for installing energy efficient heat pumps and related electrical upgrades.
The heat pump program was established at ODOE by the Oregon Legislature with bill
SB 1536 following the 2021 heat dome event, during which at least 100 Oregonians died of heat-related illness – often in their own homes.
Heat pumps, which move heat rather than create it, are becoming more popular in Oregon homes thanks to their efficient heating and cooling, lower energy use, and potential incentive savings (including a
federal tax credit.
Oregonians interested in installing energy efficient heat pumps in their rental properties should contact an
approved program contractor, who will be able to reserve rebates on behalf of their customers. After completing installation, the contractor will submit project completion information to receive the rebate from the agency. The full amount of the savings must be passed on to the customer.
Rebate amounts vary based on the project, and higher incentives are available for homes with tenants who have low or moderate incomes. For rental homes, rebates are available between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on the efficiency of the heat pump and the income level of the tenants. For a manufactured home or recreational vehicle renting space in a manufactured home or RV park, rebates are available between $2,000 and $7,000 depending on heat pump efficiency and income level.
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Grants are also available for associated upgrades alongside the heat pumps, such as electrical wiring. For homes where tenants meet low- or moderate-income eligibility, up to a $4,000 grant is available. For those who are not low- or moderate-income, up to $2,000 is available.
“Renters are often limited in making significant energy improvements at home since they don’t own the property,†said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “The Oregon Department of Energy looks forward to helping rental home owners across the state make the switch to energy efficient heat pumps, which will make their tenants’ homes more comfortable – and safer – in the heating and cooling seasons.â€
More information and a list of approved contractors is available on
ODOE’s website. The agency also continues to recruit contractors statewide to participate in the program. Interested contractors can also
register online.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-26 10:22:37 | Last Update: 2023-07-26 11:17:01 |
Approximately 4,000 valid signatures are due August 9th
There is
now an ongoing effort to avoid yet another devastating tax in Oregon, this time in the state's capital city, Salem. Oregon Business & Industry (OBI) has launched an effort to refer the city of Salem’s recently adopted payroll tax to voters.
On July 10, the Salem City Council voted 5-4 to adopt a nearly 1% payroll tax despite overwhelming opposition during public comment.
OBI says the new tax will be a significant burden for employees, exacerbating the effects of steadily rising inflation and providing an incentive to seek work outside of Salem or stop coming to Salem for portions of work as they otherwise might have. For employers, the tax will create a significant compliance burden, especially for those with employees who work on the road, at various job sites, or on hybrid schedules.
“OBI is headquartered in Salem, and we care deeply about this community. We have no problem with Salem or any other city asking voters to support levies for important local services. However, this proposal is vague, the tax is high, the administrative burden is significant, and there is little assurance as to how funds will be spent. At a minimum the community deserves a chance to vote,†said Angela Wilhelms, OBI’s president and CEO.
Preston Mann, OBI’s director of political affairs and a Salem resident, filed the petition on July 14. The city approved OBI’s petition that same day. Approximately 4,000 valid signatures from Salem voters are due Aug. 9 to refer this to the November 2023 ballot.
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To account for possible errors and ensure success, OBI says they aim to submit 6,000 signatures. OBI stressed that time is of the essence, if the effort to avoid the tax is to be successful.
Those who are interested can find out more on the Let Salem Vote website, including how to sign a petition, circulate a petition among neighbors and friends, or contribute to the campaign
OBI is a statewide association representing businesses from a wide variety of industries and from each of Oregon’s 36 counties. In addition to being the statewide chamber of commerce, OBI is the state affiliate for the
National Association of Manufacturers and the
National Retail Federation. They boast 1,600 member companies, more than 80% of which are small businesses, and they employ more than 250,000 Oregonians.
Oregon’s private sector businesses help drive a healthy, prosperous economy for the benefit of everyone.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-25 14:28:11 | Last Update: 2023-07-25 14:58:51 |
The application deadline is August 9th
The
Newport City Council is seeking applications from residents interested in filling the vacancy of mayor on the Newport City Council. The vacancy was created by the resignation of former mayor Dean Sawyer. The selected applicant will fill the remainder of Sawyer’s term, which will expire on Jan. 6, 2025.
The mayor presides over and facilitates council meetings, preserves order, enforces council rules, and determines the order of business under council rules. The mayor is a voting member of the council and has no veto authority.
The mayor shall appoint committees and boards as provided by code, ordinance or council rules. The mayor shall sign all records of council decisions and acts as the representative of the city at all ceremonial events, but may delegate this responsibility.
Council members, including the mayor, receive no pay or other compensation, but may receive reimbursement for attending conferences, or other expenses in accordance with council rules.
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Applicants must be qualified electors and have resided within the city limits for at least one year immediately prior to appointment. In addition, the mayor may not be employed by the city.
The application deadline is Aug. 9 by 5 p.m. The city council will conduct interviews of the applicants at a work session open to the public on Aug. 14, beginning at 3 p.m. An appointment to fill the vacancy may be made by the city council at a special meeting on Aug. 14.
Anyone interested in applying to fill this vacancy shall apply using the city’s
committee application found online. The completed form can be submitted electronically. It can also be printed and hand delivered to the city manager’s office at Newport City Hall, 169 SW Coast Highway.
Questions may be directed to Melanie Nelson
by email or by calling 541-574-0603.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-24 13:24:48 | Last Update: 2023-07-24 13:51:42 |
Grants in biking and walking facilities that are “off systemâ€
The Oregon Department of Transportation
has now announced that they are spending $34.6 million on 25
Oregon Community Paths (OCP) projects approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission. It was approved at the meeting last week in Pendleton.
“We had another round of outstanding applicants, requesting a total of $80 million,†said Alan Thompson, OCP program manager. “All 57 of them addressed needs for off-road paths or as necessary alternatives to busy roadways.â€
The
OCP program, created by the large transportation funding program
HB 2017, is a program that is intended to provide federal and state grants in biking and walking facilities that are “off system,†meaning facilities that are not primarily on or along a roadway.
ODOT says they will now develop agreements with the successful applicants allowing the projects to start after October 1. Grantees will then move forward with their various construction and planning projects.
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ODOT says that staff reviewed and ranked applications according to procedures approved by the
Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The staff scored an initial list of projects as follows:
- Those that addressed needs in the highest transportation-disadvantaged areas.
- Those that addressed safety barriers.
- Those that had a high probability of project completion within five years.
The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee then reviewed all applications for this second round of funding and recommended the list of applications to the Oregon Transportation Commission for approval.
More information about the program is available on the
Oregon Community Paths Program website.
--Ben FisherPost Date: 2023-07-23 13:52:17 | Last Update: 2023-07-23 15:02:38 |
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