Charlie Conrad (R-Eastern Lane County) convened a summit of statewide experts at the University of Oregon to discuss opportunities and challenges for fixing the state's youth behavioral health system. Those in attendance included behavioral health leaders from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Health Sciences University, Oregon Department of Education, University of Oregon, and other state departments and programs along with behavioral health experts representing providers from all areas of the state.

Oregon has an estimated 24,000 youth suffering from substance youth disorders, one of the highest rates in the United States, and has one of the lowest rates of access to care for youth. According to a 2023 study by Mental Health America, Oregon ranks 51st among all states and the District of Columbia for providing access to behavioral health care to youth.

"Oregon's youth are in crisis, and we must do better. This is not a partisan issue: we need urgent action across parties and at all levels of the system," said Representative Conrad.

Those who attended the summit describe the current youth behavioral health system as "neglected", "morally unacceptable", and "a desert with a corn maze in the middle." The highest priorities identified by the group include:

• Simplifying the current system;
• Improving integration and communication; and
• Balancing local control with state support.

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While the summit dwelled on administrative and structural changes that would add government support and increase funding, Measure 110 remains the source behind substance disorders that Democrats don’t want to discuss repealing. Teenagers with substance disorders get more satisfaction from the substance and are more likely to become addicted says clinical expert Sarper Taskiran MD, at Child Mind Institute. Kids with negative thoughts will turn to a substance and half will end up with a substance use disorder making it harder to treat mental health issues.

At the close of the summit Conrad stated, "I will work closely with agency leaders, care providers, researchers, youth, and families across the state with the goal of introducing legislation in the 2025 session that will have a significant impact on our youth SUD prevention and treatment services."

Conrad is attempting to regain his credibility after the ORTL PAC asked him to step down and announced a campaign to defeat him due to his support for what ORTL says was dangerous abortion and assisted suicide legislation. Representative Conrad voted to pass House Bill 2002 seriously damaging children and weaken the parent-child relationship removing parental consent. They also objected to him voting for House Bill 2279 in the 2023 legislative session opening up assisted suicide to out-of-state access.


--Ritch Hanneman

Post Date: 2023-11-05 18:10:06

Last Update: 2023-11-07 15:00:28

Speaker of the house Dan Rayfield has appointed Representative James Hieb (R-Canby) as a non-voting advisor to the 11-member Willamette Falls Locks Authority.

In 2021, HB 2564 established the Willamette Falls Locks Authority as “a public corporation with the mission to establish ownership, oversight, and management of the Willamette Falls Locks project for the purposes of enhancing the economic vitality of Oregon through facilitating the resiliency and navigability of the Willamette River and repairing, maintaining, upgrading and operating the Willamette Falls Locks project…for commercial, transportation, recreational, cultural, history, heritage and tourism purposes.“ The 11-member Authority will assume ownership of the locks after the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) completes necessary repairs.

USACE will continue to oversees the locks until seismic repairs are completed. The official transfer of ownership to the Willamette Falls Locks Authority is expected to be in 2026. This will allow time to perform geotechnical explorations involving drilling a series of holes to investigate the systems substructure and ensure seismic anchors installed throughout the repairs have been properly designed.

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The Willamette Falls Locks Authority will oversee the ongoing refurbishments and preserve the water table for renewable energy generation at PGE’s Sullivan Power Plant. Steelhead and salmon habitat upriver will also benefit from repairing the locks.


--Ritch Hanneman

Post Date: 2023-11-05 12:41:39

Last Update: 2023-11-07 15:19:41

The Growth Management Division at the City of Bend says that they want to hear from the community about where to locate areas where people can live, work, and play without requiring a car.

This concept is called a Climate Friendly Area. City staff are in the phase of analyzing locations throughout the city to designate as Climate Friendly Areas in a multi-year project driven by the state of Oregon.

As a part of this phase, the community is invited to the Climate Friendly Areas Community Open House on Nov. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. It will be held in the Audubon Room at the Environmental Center at 16 NW Kansas Ave. An online open house will also be available at the City of Bend: Climate Friendly Areas website.

Climate Friendly Areas are part of the Climate Friendly and Equitable Communities rules required by the state of Oregon that intend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing land use patterns. Bend says the end result will involve designating walkable, connected areas that provide a mix of businesses, housing and amenities such as parks and schools through code and policy amendments.

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The City of Bend says the process of adopting these changes is supportive of many Bend City Council goals, policies and plans already underway related to climate, equity, housing and transportation.

"It’s vital that we plan for a sustainable future", said Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. "One where everyone in Bend has the chance to thrive, with a place to live that they can afford, a job that pays the bills, and a community where they feel welcome and safe."

Those interested can visit the City of Bend: Climate Friendly Areas website for an online open house and opportunity to comment.

The City of Bend says that the Environmental Center is not sponsoring this event.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-11-04 12:19:08

Last Update: 2023-11-04 13:10:14

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Refugee Program has announced that it invites community agencies to apply for a portion of $2.25 million in funding that is available to provide services and support to certain individuals from Ukraine or those who entered through the Uniting for Ukraine program.

The application to apply for funding can be found online, the deadline to apply is Nov. 24. ODHS will be hosting an informational session for organizations who are interested in applying for this funding on Nov. 17. This session is to provide information on this funding and provide an opportunity for session attendees to ask questions before they apply for the funding. Details on how to join the learning session are available in the application that can be found online.

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is operated by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) through contracts with national non-profit organizations called Resettlement Agencies. These organizations have local affiliate offices throughout the nation.

The ODHS Refugee Program is responsible for some of the services that are outside of initial resettlement provided by Resettlement Agencies.

The ODHS Refugee Program administers refugee cash and refugee medical benefits. Additionally, the ODHS Refugee Program contracts with Community-Based Organizations and Resettlement Agencies to provide culturally responsive services for populations deemed eligible by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Since February 2022, it is estimated that upwards of 4,500 individuals from Ukraine have resettled in Oregon.

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The Department says that the purpose of this request is to ask for applications from culturally or linguistically responsive organizations who provide services to immigrants or refugees (and those eligible for refugee services) to increase services and supports. estimated that upwards of 4,500 individuals

ODHS says that funding is available to support:

• $1 million for housing assistance services
• $500,000 for employment services assistance
• $300,000 for health and mental health promotion services
• $300,000 for legal services
• $75,000 for senior services

ODHS says organizations may express interest in supporting more than one service area. The application for this funding, and additional information regarding the ODHS Refugee Program can be found on the Oregon Refugee Services website.

The Oregon Department of Human Services says that their mission is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-11-03 11:16:59

Last Update: 2023-11-03 11:54:42

Eight Democrat Oregon Legislators travel to Washington DC to boost about why Oregon is one of the highest taxed states in the nation. They joined state leaders across the country at the White House to discuss how federal dollars are being put to good use. Because of historic legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS & Science Act, Oregon legislators have been able to create more good paying jobs, strengthen the state’s infrastructure, support small businesses.

Representative David Gomberg (D-Lincoln & Western Benton/Lane Counties) gives credit to Oregon’s recovery to federal dollars “helping us build back better and stronger. Projects in rural and coastal Oregon like the replacement of the Newport Dam in my district are going to revitalize our infrastructure, create jobs, and keep our economy strong.”

Senator Wlnsvey Campos (D-Aloha, Beaverton & South Hillsboro) says partnering with the Biden-Harris Administration is “empowering Oregonians to be more competitive in the 21st Century economy with access to broadband, expansion in the semiconductor industry, opportunity in green energy, and support for our small businesses.”

Does Campos not remember passing HB 4092 (2022) costing Oregonians $200 million in order to receive $100 million in federal help from the American Rescue Plan Act? And, in a special session, SB 1603 (2020) transferred $5 million from the Oregon Business Development Department each year to develope rural broadband. It passed without a 2/3 vote adding a tax surcharge to cell phone bills after the Emergency Board allocated $20 million to broadband.

House Bill 3201 enabled Oregon to receive an award of over $156 million to expand broadband infrastructure across the state through the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund. This will secure high-speed internet access to an estimated 17,000+ new locations in the state, helping to connect rural and low-income communities with critical services like telehealth, jobs, education, and more. Criticism of the bill exposed the lack of funds being distributed equitably to rural areas having conflicting maps. Representative Anna Scharf (R-Polk) says “federal maps are based on carrier information not independent research, and the State of Oregon map is based on a survey.” Some local counties have done their own mapping. “This bill excludes locally collected data, which is the most accurate data available.”

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The semiconductor bill, SB 4 Oregon CHIPS Act, allocated $210 million. The biggest share, $190 million, pays for grants and loans for semiconductor companies competing for $53 billion in federal funding to expand in Oregon. Added to that, Governor Kotek provided $1 million to help small and mid-size firms prepare applications for federal funding. Oregon already employs 40,000 in the semiconductor industry, third in the nation with 15% of the nation’s semiconductor workforce. Oregonians should anticipate more legislation for companies to conduct research and development.

The group also praised $500 million available to K-12 schools to upgrade their HVAC systems, assess ventilation systems, place carbon dioxide monitors in each classroom, and submit a report on ventilation and carbon dioxide levels to a mechanical engineer for review. Districts will then implement any improvements recommended by the engineer. However, the legislature passed HB 3031 despite disagreement with unions on making it a fair process for HVAC businesses. The requirement for trained agents in order to contract directs the business to metropolitan areas and makes it difficult, if not impossible, for rural contractors to bid on projects in their own area, said Representative Lucetta Elmer (R-McMinnville).

Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association’s PNWH2 Hub was selected as one of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs following a competitive nationwide process. The PNWH2 Hub will span across Oregon, Washington, and Montana, and will leverage the abundant clean power and innovative technology companies in the Pacific Northwest to accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen production and use. The hub’s projects will drive economic opportunity and are expected to create over 10,000 good paying jobs. No study has been made on the cost to residence to convert away from natural gas and fossil fuels. But if the federal government is providing fund, then surely it be good.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-11-02 17:29:31

Last Update: 2023-11-02 18:37:43

State Representative Christine Goodwin (R-Canyonville) announced her decision to run for the Republican nomination for the Oregon State Senate. Oregon Senate District 2 is comprised of great communities in Josephine, Southern Douglas, and Northern Jackson Counties.

“I am running for Senate to continue my fight to protect Southern Oregon values. Serving others has always been a passion for me, but my time in Salem has taught me just how crucial it is that we have experienced, conservative leaders fighting back against the radical agenda of Portland Democrats that has been ruining our great state for over a decade. Doing so is the only way we can meet the needs of our communities and ensure our voice gets heard in our State Capitol. The more our values were attacked and ignored in Salem, the more my constituents asked me to speak for them. I will be that energetic voice in the Senate refusing to give up."

Representative Goodwin has a lengthy history of public service outside of being a current State Representative: School Board Chairman, Urban Renewal Board member, Parks Advisory Board member, Douglas County Planning Commission member, and later as a Douglas County Commissioner.

She served Southern Oregon as a State Representative for House District 2 before being elected by an overwhelming majority to represent the people of House District 4 in 2022 after redistricting.

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“The more our values were attacked and ignored in Salem, the more my constituents asked me to speak for them," said Goodwin. "I will be that energetic voice in the Senate refusing to give up pushing for real solutions for our failing schools, out-of-control homelessness, rampant drug crisis and the surge in crime it brings with it. Now is a time for leadership in the State Senate, and I am up for the challenge.”

Goodwin is a former school teacher, successful owner of multiple small businesses, and was named Woman of the Year by Myrtle Creek/Tri City Chamber of Commerce. She is also a proud wife, mother, and grandmother.

The primary election will be held on May 21, 2024. State Senate District 2 is currently held by Art Robinson, whose eligibility for re-election remains uncertain at this time. Robinson, and other Senators await an Oregon Supreme Court opinion on the unclear language of Measure 113, scheduled to begin proceedings on December 14th. Art Robinson's son, Noah, has also filed to run for the position.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-11-02 08:57:28

Last Update: 2023-11-02 09:24:34

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced that she has appointed Mike Reese to head the Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC). Reese has worked in public safety in the region for 30 years. Most recently, he was the Multnomah County Sheriff.

“I am grateful to Acting Director Heidi Steward stepping up to lead and staying the course through the pandemic,” Governor Kotek said. “I have confidence in incoming Director Reese’s ability to bring a clear vision and advance the organizational and cultural changes needed to bring forward the next chapter at DOC. He has an unparalleled record within the public safety sector for being a collaborator and a problem solver, guided by justice, equity, and a commitment to uphold the public’s trust.”

Incoming Director Reese began his career in law enforcement over 30 years ago as a deputy for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. Five years later, he joined the Portland Police Bureau and rose through the ranks to serve as one of the longest-standing police chiefs in the City in recent history. In 2016, he was elected Multnomah County Sheriff where he managed a $175 million dollar budget and 800 employees and the largest jail system in Oregon. He served until 2022 when he retired from the office.

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Incoming Director Reese holds two degrees from Portland State University including a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and an Executive Master’s in Public Administration. He also attended the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy and the FBI National Executive Institute.

Reese has also held paid and volunteer positions for non-profits, including working as a counselor, director and later serving as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Portland. He has also served as a board member of Transition Projects, the Irvington Community Association and the First Christian Church.

“As DOC Director, I will do my very best to lead this department, our staff, and adults in custody towards better outcomes. The Department of Corrections is a core pillar of our public safety system. Our ability to adequately rehabilitate adults in custody and recruit, train and retain a skilled workforce driven by accountability, integrity and professionalism has a direct impact on Oregon communities and I am resolved to ensure these standards are met.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-10-30 12:04:44

Last Update: 2023-10-30 18:01:18

In a recently resurfaced video of a Congressional hearing, newly elected US House Speaker Mike Johnson objected to excluding parents from making decisions for their children. To the left, he said, they are the state’s children. Even a parent has no constitutional right to transition a child. “Whether it’s by scalpel or social coercion, it’s an aggressive attempt to transition the young people of our country. There is something deeply wrong…The coverup is extreme.”

While stating his views on LGBTQ issues in a hearing, Speaker Johnson revealed a deleted blog of Oregon Dr. Blare Peters, Oregon Health Science University. Dr. Peters is a double fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in gender-affirming surgery and peripheral nerve surgery.

Speaker Johnson summarized his criticism in his speech.

"...We see adults inflicting unspeakable harms on helpless children to affirm the adults' own worldview: that gender is somehow fluid, that sex can be surgically altered, that there are no lasting consequences of all this madness as the result of the sex-change procedures. What is even more alarming is that the central tenet of the trans-gender movement and its allies is to exclude parents as much as possible from making decisions about the health of their own children. Medical professionals and schools increasingly see parents as "trans-phobic bullies who must be prevented from standing in the way of a medical sexual transition of their own kids."

Speaker Johnson states that Dr. Peters calls himself the ‘Queer surgeon’ and he boosts about the shocking, fully experimental, irreversible and life-altering invasive procedures that he and others are performing on children to surgically modify their genitals. He admits that no one has published any studies on these procedures. They are “just kind of learning and figuring out what works,” rearranging anatomy and they know nothing regarding the outcome.

During the interview, which is embedded in the video below, Dr. Peters says:

"The one thing that is very new is genital surgery in someone who has underwent pubertal suppression. [It is] not so much an issue in someone with assigned female at birth anatomy that undergoes a phalloplasty because we're crating something new with a free tissue transfer -- a flap anyway, but a much bigger issue for a person undergoing a penile inversion vaginalplasty because we use all that tissue to create the vulva as well as lining the internal vaginal canal and as a specialty those of us who do a fairly high volume of genital gender-affirming surgery -- we've maybe done a couple, a handful, of fully purebertally suppressed adolescents as the field and no one's published on it yet, OHSU is still just putting our first series together as we're kind of learning and figuring out what works."

Long before HB 2002 was passed in June, OHSU was given research authority in 2001 under ORS 353.556. MEAWW News reported last July that Dr. Peters has been performing gender altering surgery for some time. They exposed a deleted video in which a surgeon going by the name "Dr Frankenstein," spoke openly about the drawbacks of performing genital reshaping procedures on transgender children and adults. They report that in the video, Dr Peters, a self-described "queer surgeon" with pink hair, who uses "he/they" pronouns, and has a "passion" for genital procedures, claims that patients must deal with lifetime post-operative difficulties related to fertility, sexual satisfaction, and other issues.

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Empower Physiotherapy in Seattle produced the 37-minute interview with Dr Peters, during which he made the confession to the comparison to another doctor, the fictitious researcher who creates a monster out of body parts in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel, Frankenstein.

In the video, Dr Peters discusses developments in phalloplasties and vaginoplasties, such as the use of a robot operated by a second surgeon to create a 'neo-vagina' from tissue taken from the penis and scrotum. He also discusses "nullification," a growingly common treatment that involves the total removal of genitalia from non-binary individuals. He controversially refers to the 'puberty-suppressed teenagers' having genital surgery at OHSU - young people who have used drugs to postpone puberty.

Dr Peters stated, "We're kind of learning and figuring out what works." After surgery, patients commonly experience issues, and says they might have "rectal injury and urinary incompetence." Some people find it difficult to get "sexual satisfaction" from changed bodily parts, and their odds of "future childbearing" are worse.

Some of them require "really demanding post-operative care." Over time nearly every patient who has had male-to-female genital surgery just aren't able to have sex, and they will lose a lot of depth.

As more Americans, both young and old, choose to have genital surgery, Dr Peters claims his methods and success rates will increase. However, there is still much to learn in this developing field of medicine. He said, "We're going to learn a lot more about it in the next five to 10 years as we're doing increasing numbers of these cases."



It appears that the initial video was posted and then removed last year, and recently found in an archive and reposted on social media. Speaker Johnson says he wants to shed light on what this problem is and how we can address it.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-10-29 19:36:20

Last Update: 2023-10-30 12:12:34

The Oregon Secretary of State completed a Request for Proposals seeking the development of software to “identify and mitigate harmful information online as it relates to elections (misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information or MDM).” Negotiations for the RFP is scheduled to execute October 27th, 2023, in time for the 2024 election season.

The RFP refers to a “significant increase in burdensome public records requests over the past two years seemingly fueled by MDM on social media.” It refers to MDM as “threats” throughout the RFP.

The purpose states, “In order to effectively promote accurate information regarding election administration and combat MDM, the OED and CC must have the capability to detect and analyze MDM. OED and CC currently do not have capacity or technology support to track, follow, and trace all of the threats.”

“The only way I can comprehend the SoS’s reference to threats is because the speech targeted by the SoS to ‘mitigate’ is confirmable truth,” states Ben Edtl. Edtl is a plaintiff in the lawsuit Thielman v. Fagan which claims there is a “crisis in confidence” in Oregon’s election system and challenging the legality of Vote by Mail. The case is now in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and was victoriously awarded expedition based on the timing of the upcoming General Election and the merit of evidence.

This past July Democrat House Speaker Dan Rayfield, who is now running for Oregon Attorney General, along with the Secretary of State’s Office conspired with Meta and USA Today to censor one of Edtl’s Instagram reels and suppress his account. In the video on X, Edtl discusses the evidence brought against the Secretary of State in Theilman v Fagan. Evidence obtained by those “burdensome public records requests,” which is now the last remaining channel for citizens to provide oversight on the integrity of State managed elections.

BREAKING NEWS: Hey @OregonSOS I'm sure you've heard the news. See you in the #9thcircuit. #Election2024 #orpol #pdx #Oregon #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/UbYGCUOGtJ

— Ben Edtl (@benedtl) July 27, 2023

“This is extraordinarily scary,” states Edtl about the RFP. “Rather than address the blatant election security issues and the ever-increasing removal of transparency, the State is cracking down on the most basic of Civil Rights: Free Speech.”

The U.S. Supreme Court, in Brandenburg v. Ohio, established that speech advocating illegal conduct is protected under the First Amendment unless it is likely to incite "imminent lawless action." Brandenburg was convicted for a speech at a Klan rally advocating violence under the Ohio Criminal Syndicalism Statute. The syndicalism law made it illegal to advocate "crime, sabotage, violence, or unlawful methods of terrorism as a means of accomplishing industrial or political reform." The court found that the Ohio law violated Brandenburg's right to free speech and ignored whether or not the advocacy it criminalized actually led to imminent lawless action, rendering the law overly broad and in violation of the Constitution. If this case was unconstitutional, it will be impossible for Oregon to not violate free speech in this RFP in its attempt to limit speech.

Under Section 1.5.2 the RFP lists one of its primary objectives as sharing information with the FBI and State Police. The RFP also asks for reports to social media platforms that censors accounts sharing information opposed by the Secretary of State. The Minimum Solution Requirements are:

• The Solution must have the capability to monitor online media.
• The Solution must have the capability of providing notifications.
• The Solution must not exceed a total cost of $146,000 for a 16-month period of performance.

The Secretary of State is using procurement statutes under ORS 279A.050(4) as the authority for contracting with a vendor to administer a censorship program. The Secretary of State's office did not respond to a request for a comment.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-10-28 12:29:48

Last Update: 2023-10-28 19:21:49

Bruce Starr, a current city councilor and former State Senator, filed and announced that he is running again to serve in the Oregon Senate. Starr, a conservative Republican, served in the State House and Senate from 1999 to 2014.

Starr and his wife, Rebecca, currently reside in Dundee. Since leaving the legislature, Starr cofounded a Christian preschool company which partners with local churches in several states offering quality private-education. Starr also continues to farm his family’s nearly-60-year-old Hillsboro farm and run Bulldog Fence Company which he founded in 2018. He and Rebecca have a strong Christian faith and attend Living Hope Fellowship.

“I feel an immense call right now to step up and serve my community,” said Starr. “These last 10 years in the private sector, both as a contractor and founder of a Christian preschool, has really sharpened my perspective and given me greater strength.”

Sen. Bruce Starr was known in the legislature as a transportation expert. One of his key accomplishments was securing funding and groundbreaking for the Newberg-Dundee Bypass.

“Senator Starr was key in helping us get the Newberg bypass approved. His knowledge and persistence were critical,” said Sen. Larry George, who served with Starr and says he will be supporting him.

Starr says he is waiting to hear the outcome of incumbent Senator Brian Boquist’s ability to run for reelection. Boquist, who Starr once served with, is one of the senators who helped deny quorum as Democrats pushed what Starr calls the most extreme abortion and transgender agenda in the United States.

“I 100% support Sen. Boquist and have utmost respect for him. The decision by the Republican senators using tools available to them to best-represent voters was correct,” said Starr. “I will continue serving Senate District 12 with effective, conservative leadership much like Senator Boquist’s nearly-two-decades example.”

Bill Rosacker, Mayor of Newberg, said: “Bruce’s past accomplishments securing road infrastructure speak for themselves. Having him in the Senate fighting for our community’s needs will be quite an asset for us.”

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"Starr's record on protecting victims is stellar, from championing Jessica's Law to never wavering on support for Measure 11, I look forward to working with him again in the Oregon Senate,” said Steve Doell, who is the President of Oregon Crime Victims United.

Dave Brown, former Newberg School District Board Chair, said: “I’m excited at how driven Bruce Starr is to influence positive change in Oregon’s failing public education system.”

“Bruce Starr has a great record of fighting tax increases,” said Jason Williams, who is the President of the Oregon Taxpayers’ Association.

Lois Anderson, Executive Director of Oregon Right to Life, said: “Bruce is a tried and true pro life leader, which is exactly what is needed in the Oregon Legislature.”

“Bruce Starr’s depth of knowledge and work ethic make him a perfect fit to represent us in the Legislature at such a critical time,” said Chris Chenowith, who is a McMinnville City Councilor.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-10-28 10:41:40

Last Update: 2023-10-28 16:23:17

Through Measure 110, Oregon was the first state in the nation to decriminalize possession of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Funding was shifted away from public safety, schools, cities, and counties and redirected to the Oregon Health Authority to implement Measure 110. Representative Christine Goodwin (HD-4), a Republican serving in the House Chamber of the Oregon Legislature, says that the results have been atrocious and that Measure 110 policies have failed Oregonians miserably.

Goodwin says that the overwhelming majority of the state wants change that and many are calling for full repeal. Representative Christine Goodwin (R-Canyonville) has been appointed to the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response and calls for a repeal of Measure 110 to restore protections for our communities. She says Oregon needs to give law enforcement the tools they need.

"Measure 110 is a failed experiment. The decriminalization of drug possession and lack of required treatment has led to dramatic increases in drug addiction, open drug use in public spaces, homelessness, and crime. We have reduced the deterrent effect of law enforcement and taken away their ability to arrest, which has compromised community safety. Oregonians are fed up and demand action," said Representative Goodwin.

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Goodwin points out that CDC data indisputably shows that drug overdoses from drugs like heroin and fentanyl have tripled in Oregon and that of the 5,000 citations for drug possession, only 120 called the treatment referral hotline, and 60% of those ticketed never paid their fines.

Oregon is #1 in the nation for meth use and #4 for opioid use. Overall, we have the 2nd highest addiction rate in the country. Yet, our state ranks last in the nation in providing treatment options.

The Douglas, Josephine, and Jackson County Commissioners, District Attorneys, and Sheriffs are passing resolutions requesting the Governor and/or the Oregon Legislature repeal Measure 110. "I strongly support those requests and will work diligently with my county governments to return public safety to our communities," concluded Goodwin.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-10-28 10:11:57

Last Update: 2023-10-28 16:16:51

In an unusually brief meeting, Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist and Sherrie Sprenger approved an agreement with the city of Albany, that supports county Justice of the Peace Jessica Meyer also serving as Albany’s Municipal Court judge.

Commissioner Will Tucker was not present.

Commissioner Sprenger said she strongly supports this agreement, calling it a “great partnership” and an “opportunity for Linn County and Albany to do something together.”

Judge Meyer is a partner in the Morley Thomas Law firm in Lebanon.

She was Linn County Justice of the Peace pro-tempore from 2012 to 2018 and has been Justice of the Peace since 2018. She also prosecuted cases for the city of Lebanon.

Judge Meyer has a degree in horticulture and business management from Brigham Young University. She earned her Doctor of Juris Prudence degree from the Willamette University School of Law in 2005 and joined what was then the Morley, Thomas and McHill Law firm in 2006. She became a partner in 2011.

While at Willamette, she served as an editor of Willamette Law Online and was a member of the Willamette Law Review.

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Judge Meyer will succeed Municipal Court Judge Forrest Reid.

The Linn County Justice Court and the Albany Municipal Court have similar responsibilities. The Justice Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor crimes and other offenses committed in Linn County such as traffic, boating, wildlife and other county offenses.

In addition to county issues, the Justice Court handles similar issues for the cities of Brownsville, Halsey, Lyons, Millersburg, Sodaville, Tangent and Waterloo.

The Albany Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors committed within the city limits of Albany.

Away from work, Judge Meyer serves on the boards of the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation and the Oregon Justice of the Peace Association.

According to her law firm website, Judge Meyer enjoys, “running, skiing and spending time with her busy family.”


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-10-28 09:39:53

Last Update: 2023-10-28 16:17:03