Oregon Republican candidate Monique DeSpain has been reported for criticizing Rep. Val Hoyle for stating the southern border must be open. DeSpain is running against Amy Ryan Courser and Jeff Kubler in the Republican Primary for the Fourth Congressional District. The winner will face Val Hoyle in the General Election. DeSpain is making public safety a top priority. She states, "No common sense person can deny we have a crisis at our borders that will not be controlled if we do not secure our border. Our open border is both a serious national security threat to our survival as a country and an intentional humanitarian crisis of profound suffering for hundreds of thousands."

She has garnered the support of key law enforcement endorsements, making her the only candidate in the race to receive endorsements from law enforcement officials.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support from retired and current law enforcement from every corner of our District, representing 478 years of service,” said DeSpain.

“Public safety is the number one responsibility of our government. Today, too many career politicians have abandoned this sober responsibility in favor of radically transforming our criminal justice system to one where law enforcement is defunded, criminals are rewarded, and crime victims are left abused and forgotten. Citizens are seeing their neighborhoods overwhelmed by crime, homelessness, and drug trafficking,” added DeSpain. “Every day, we read headlines of record drug busts of enough fentanyl to kill millions right here in our 4th District. We hear of devastated families mourning personal loss. Their loss is one of the 100 thousand overdose deaths a year. We see homeless encampments consuming parks and neighborhoods right here in our district. And we hear reports that hundreds of known terrorists have entered our country”

“As a retired Air Force Colonel and lawyer, I know what fighting for our country and and our communities looks like. I'm running for Congress to reverse the policies damaging our communities and harming people, and to restore the livability we all deserve. I will be a Member of Congress who prioritizes public safety and fights crime, starting with a secure, controlled border. Our law enforcement and our communities in the 4th District need reinforcements in Washington, D.C.,” said DeSpain. “In Congress, I will ensure our law enforcement has the authority and resources they need to keep us safe.”

“Monique brings the passion, experience, and sensibility needed to solve complex challenges. I noticed that she asks the right questions, relentlessly pursues the answers, and brings a fresh perspective that is often sorely lacking in the halls of government,” said Representative Ed Diehl.

Crime Victims United President Steve Doell said, “Monique DeSpain is the kind of fighter for public safety, law enforcement, and crime victims that we need in Washington, D.C. With Monique serving the 4th District in Congress, we can turn the tide and restore the rule of law, bring back safe neighborhoods, and once again see crime victims protected as they deserve to be.”

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The following is a list of Monique DeSpain’s public safety endorsements:

• Doug Marteeny - Linn County District Attorney
• John Kilcullen - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, not Retired
• Mike Bedacht - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Detective, not Retired
• Ron Ridings - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, not Retired
• Ben Sunderland - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Captain, Retired
• David Walp - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, Retired
• Larry Schrenk - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant, Retired
• Byron Trapp - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff, Retired
• Joni Mogstad - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant, Retired
• Todd Farmer - Lane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, Retired
• Jerry Smith - Springfield Police Dept. Chief of Police, Retired
• Bill DeForest - Springfield Police Dept. Chief of Police, Retired
• Bruce Cummings - Springfield Police Dept., Retired
• Scott Thomas - Eugene Police Dept., Retired
• Sam Kamkar - Eugene Police Dept. Captain and Oregon State Police, Retired
• Bill Childers - Eugene Police Dept., Retired
• Gary Olson - Eugene Police Dept. Detective, Retired
• Mike Grover - Cottage Grove Police Dept., Retired
• Ken Matlack - Morrow County Sheriff, Retired

In addition, Monique has received letters of support from:

• Gabe Fabrizio - Coos County Sheriff
• John Ward - Curry County Sheriff
• Michelle Duncan - Linn County Sheriff

Monique DeSpain is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, mother of twin boys, and public policy advocate who resides in Eugene, Oregon. She is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Oregon’s 4th Congressional District in a bid to unseat incumbent Congresswoman Val Hoyle in 2024 and bring about a safer, more prosperous Oregon. Go to her campaign website to see her full campaign.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-05-08 16:32:30

Last Update: 2024-05-08 17:14:42

State Representative E. Werner Reschke will appear before the House Committee on Conduct to defend himself for remarks he made during an interview with a Christian broadcaster. A conduct report, produced by an independent investigator outlines the facts upon which the complaint is based.

It is the policy of the Legislature to keep the name of the person making the complaint anonymous, and it is not known if the person making the complaint is an employee of the legislature. Freedom From Religion Foundation President Annie Laurie Gaylor has sent a letter to Representative Reschke asking that he apologize or resign.

At issue is remarks Reschke made to former Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert who is host of Save The Nation with Jason Rapert

Jason Rapert: Tell people about why you think it’s important that Christians should be involved in government and voting and be a part of the authority in our country. What drew you as a Christian to do it and what would you tell those people that are listening today?

Rep. Reschke: What drew me to it was primarily looking at our history and the men and women who were part of that history in building this nation. Whether it’s George Washington, whether it was Madison, whether it was Abraham Lincoln, whether it was Ronald Reagan, who was the first president I got to vote for. I think, you know, you just go back through history and you look at men and the struggles

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that they faced and the faith that they had and those are the type of people that you want in government making tough decisions during tough times. You don’t want a materialist, you don’t want an atheist, you don’t want a Muslim, you don’t want, you want somebody who understands what truth is and understands the nature of man, the nature of government and the nature of God.

Jason Rapert: Yea

Rep. Reschke: If you don’t understand those things, you’re going to get things wrong and in Oregon that’s a classic example, we have a lot of people who are godless, unfortunately, leading the way and it’s the blind leading the blind.

Jason Rapert: Yea

The Committee will meet on Monday, May 13 at 13:30 PM. The meeting will be held virtually and will be open to the public on the OLIS website. Testimony will only be taken from invited persons.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-05-07 13:27:08

Last Update: 2024-05-07 14:34:31

A week after Oregon's Governor Kotek joined 52 other Governors of states and territories sent the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III, strong opposition to a legislative proposal that disregarded gubernatorial authority over the National Guard, the Oregon National Guard held a pre-deployment Yellow Ribbon event. Approximately 2,000 Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade, headquartered in Clackamas, are scheduled to deploy to Kosovo, Egypt; the Horn of Africa; and Syria starting summer through next spring.

The Governors objected to a one-time transfer of 14 National Guard units to the Space Force moving 1,000 Guardsmen from six states, excluding Oregon. The Governors said it is imperative they retain the authority and even proposed that states have their own military space forces, which Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall rejected and didn’t understand the fuse over a few hundred people in a handful of states. Two governors didn’t participate, Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Texas’ Greg Abbott.

"Oregon National Guard members proudly serve the communities they live in during state emergencies and also serve the nation in defense of our interests overseas," said Oregon Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold at the Yellow Ribbon event. "That's what makes us the Service of Choice."

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program connects National Guard members with resources throughout the deployment cycle through events for service members and their loved ones.

"Deployments are difficult for everyone, especially in the Guard since we don't have a base with all the resources and all our families in one place," said Col. Peter Helzer, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team. He also noted the challenge of completing an intensive Joint Readiness Training Center rotation at Fort Polk, Louisiana, right before mobilizing. "That exercise will be key in ensuring we are ready for any challenge we may face while deployed."

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Oregon National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment scout sniper section in Ashland sent a three-member team to the Winston P. Wilson Small Arms Championship. Sgt. Trahern Fox, Sgt. Kevin Martin, and Spc. John Adamson were first-time competitors at the National Guard’s most prestigious and grueling rifle and pistol marksmanship event. Their fourth member had a family emergency that prevented the team’s chances at the championship, but the three Oregonians were undeterred in their goal of personal growth.

When finalized, their scores would memorialize new shooting milestones with rifles and pistols. But the trio’s greatest prize was incalculable – fortified skills to elevate their scout sniper section’s operational lethality.

While disappointed to lose their fourth shooter, the Oregonians focused on the invaluable skills they’d absorbed. The Marksmanship Training Center’s rifle and pistol experience will burn bright when passed from Camp Robinson’s ranges to their scout sniper section’s training.


--Dollie Banner

Post Date: 2024-05-07 10:56:18

Last Update: 2024-05-07 01:29:18

Vice-chairs of the Senate and House Committees on Housing Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City) and Representative Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) attended a ceremonial signing for a bipartisan housing package which came out of the 2024 Legislative Session: SB 1530, SB 1537, SB 1564, and HB 4134. The bills aim to boost housing production, fund critical infrastructure in communities across the state, develop an innovative revolving loan fund, and address workforce housing levels. The signing took place at the site of the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland.

“We know Oregon is grappling with a severe housing crisis that affects individuals, families, and entire communities across the state. Because of it, many of my constituents experience skyrocketing rents and an acute shortage of inexpensive housing options every day. We must quickly build out of this crisis by unleashing builders, land, and resources for infrastructure. I am pleased with the bipartisan package we were able to pass earlier this year to begin increasing housing production, but my hope is that it remains a top priority for the Legislature in sessions to come,” said Senator Anderson.

“Rural Oregon faces unique challenges such as limited job opportunities, outmigration of young residents, and insufficient housing options. We have to get serious about expanding housing production so these communities can attract and retain a workforce, stimulate economic growth by supporting local businesses and services, and ensure families and individuals have safe and inexpensive housing options close to their workplaces,” said Representative Breese-Iverson. “From this housing package, I will be glad to see dollars flow to rural Oregon so communities with aging and at-capacity infrastructure can allow for growth.”

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One of the key priorities for Senate Republicans is boosting housing production by embracing bold solutions rather than the failed policies that have handcuffed cities, overregulated builders, and stifled development for decades.

for some, this package is a case of a government created problem which begs a government solution. Celeste Walker of Grants Pass who provided testimony to the Senate Committee On Housing and Development said, "At the very least, [the bill summary] is referring to Oregon’s Climate Friendly Areas (also known as 15 minute cities) of which I am opposed to, as should everyone. SB 1530 allots $15 million to this project. This is a way to corral people into a very small area and thus eventually control every aspect of our lives. Look up the city of Grants Pass 71 page report on Climate Friendly Areas. Be wary when they say "We're from the government and we're here to help"! It’s a hard no!


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-05-06 19:14:12

Last Update: 2024-05-06 19:35:26

Sixteen Oregon Republican legislators and candidates visited Yuma, Arizona, at the border and meet with Arizona lawmakers in Phoenix. They were invited in response to lawmakers sending a letter to Texas Governor Abbott earlier this year supporting his stance against the Biden administration over Abbot closing the border. The letter led to connections in Arizona and the invitation. They participated in a tour of the border in Yuma led by Jonathan Lines, a Yuma County supervisor and former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.

Hannah Howell, executive director of the House Democrats’ campaign arm, and Senate Democratic Leadership Fund, Oliver Muggli, coordinated their comments panning the visit as a campaign stunt. “Oregonians expect their elected officials to be focused on our people in our state, not playing MAGA politics a thousand miles away. This is a cheap election-year stunt that does nothing except show how deeply out-of-touch Republican politicians are with Oregon priorities.” They point to “rising prices and safety and homelessness”, of which all are directly related to the border crisis.

Representative Court Boice (R-Gold Beach) ties the border crisis with consequences to our quality of life in Oregon. “The cartels are in control of our borders, that’s a fact. Criminals, human trafficking, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and please may we never forget the child trafficking. Not all, but many very bad people are invading from 157 countries – individuals with unhindered access to our country. The impact on our kids, our medical, our law enforcement, our education and our communities is staggering!”

In 2006, the Occupy Wall Street riots gave way to organized groups like Antifa, BLM, BAMN and sleep camps that Democrat leadership allowed, and even welcomed. In 2019, the Democrat legislature majority defied Oregon voters and gave illegals drivers license. Then in 2022 they passed SB 1510 stripping law enforcement of funds and weapons to control riots. That was after the Kerby, Oregon, slave camp was busted with 250 slaves forcing the legislature to acknowledge that Oregon has slave camps run by cartels. They were convinced to allocate $21 million that went towards busting eight slave camps in one county. Democrats show no interest in replenishing this fund to continue fighting cartels.

Governor Kate Brown took unvetted refugees from the Middle East, and many ended up in Sheridan state prison. Then she shut down two state prisons and released 1,000 more violent offenders on our streets.

Illegals have poured into the state through open borders exploiting them for fentanyl mules and sex trafficking and many are gathered into slave camps. Housing in motels was opened at taxpayer expense while Oregonians lost homes during the pandemic. In 2022, Democrats gave free medical care to anyone in the world coming to Oregon.

In 2023, former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan exposed La Mota's giving to 20 elected politicians and is still being researched as a cartel front. Senator Wyden gave Oregon Democrat Party FTX money that went unreported.

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Boice said he learned a great deal from this 2-day trip. "We saw more than substantial evidence that the Joe Biden 'Open Borders' is allowing the most pervasive and invasive criminals and cartels to enter our country and state unchallenged, which is accelerating the drug, human, sex and child trafficking problems. It’s heartbreaking. Certainly the trip was worthwhile in planning and preparing Oregon legislation and critical work toward security and enforcement for the 2025 Full Session."

Boice states, “There simply is no question that there are currently some very, very bad people coming here that hate us and want to do incredible harm to us and everything we love. The power and ruthlessness of the cartels cannot be overstated! It is absurd for all political parties not to come together at least on this!”

No one denies that Oregon has seen a crime explosion from open borders. The fact that law enforcement have to wear masks to protect their identity at the border or may end up dead or their families kidnapped and tortured should be a wakeup sign for Oregonians that leadership is putting us at risk with policies that give free access to Oregon benefits, and are doing very little to secure our safety.

Those visiting the border included: Sen. Tim Knopp, R-Bend, Sen. Fred Girod, R-Silverton, Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson, R-Prineville, Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, Rep. Court Boice, R-Gold Beach, Rep. Virgle Osborne, R-Roseburg, Rep. Boomer Wright, R-Coos Bay, Rep. Lucetta Elmer, R-McMinnville, Rep. Christine Goodwin, R-Canyonville, Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, Bruce Starr, Senate candidate from Dundee, Michael Summers, Senate candidate from Redmond, Keri Lopez, House candidate from Redmond.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-05-06 10:21:26

Last Update: 2024-05-06 17:27:53

The situation at Portland State University (PSU) is part of a larger national movement of protests and occupations at universities across the United States, sparked by the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the university’s ties to companies with connections to Israel. The protests began on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and continues spreading into Portland. Protesters occupied the university’s Millar Library fleeing after Portland police surrounded the building leaving behind graffiti on walls and furniture and a supply of make-shift weaponry.

The protesters are demanding that PSU take action to support the Palestinian cause, including releasing a statement condemning the violence in Gaza, cutting ties with Boeing having connections to Israel, and including Palestine in the university’s ethnic studies requirements. They have also demanded that the university drop charges against students who have been arrested during the protests.

The university responded to demands by offering to provide financial support for anti-racist efforts and adding Palestinian works to the university’s Race and Ethnic Studies requirements. They also temporarily cut ties with Boeing. However, it appears the protestors aren't paid to negotiate. The Soros activists are being paid $2400 to cause chaos, and surveys show only 20% are students. In downtown Portland, they have set off fireworks, windows were broken and property was spray-painted during a march on Wednesday, according to Portland Police Bureau. On Thursday, 15 police cars were set on fire at the Bureau's training facility.

PSU cancelled classes for a few days but has reopened, except for the library. The Portland Police Bureau was called in to assist with the de-escalation, and at least 12 people have been arrested. However, those in the library were allowed to leave peaceably.

Campus students, even those sympathizing with the cause, are asking them all to leave. One student said, "There is so much destruction on the campus and in the library, all students will have to pay for it." Cutting Boeing donations is also not beneficial to students.

Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to criminal activity in Portland:

”I fully condemn the criminal actions taken Thursday morning that resulted in the burning of 15 Portland Police Bureau cars, endangering first responders and the surrounding community. I have absolutely no tolerance for discriminatory harassment, violence, or property damage. This includes the acts of vandalism seen this week at the Portland State University library and against nearby businesses. These actions are in direct opposition to Oregon values and threaten working people, families, businesses, and our community as a whole. The Oregon State Police have launched a response on the outer perimeter of Portland State University. The state is prepared to exercise the full extent of the law.”

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Cause hungry Pro-Palestinian protesters have spread to the University of Oregon, and Lewis & Clark College. The popup camp outside of Knight Library at U of O has grown to 100 tents and is a mixed bag. Several groups that include Students Justice for Palestine, Jewish Voices for Peace, Grads for Palestine, and Young Democratic Socialists of America organized the camp, and seem to be on a "peace" mission organizing activities for the squatters. The protesters also want to see statements and actions from the U of O to affirm the safety of Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, and Jewish students. Although, they do demand an end to businesses supporting ties with Israel.

In response to a letter from Portland State University (PSU) President revealing failed negotiations to end the occupation of the University library, Republican Leader Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River) issued the following statement.

“PSU’s president hasn’t learned the biggest lesson from the past few years: you can’t appease the mob. It only encourages more chaos in the future,” said Helfrich. “These students and outsiders chose to commit crimes. We need decisive action now; let law enforcement do their jobs and end the occupation of the library. People who intimidate others and deface public property need to be held accountable.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-05-03 16:01:08

Last Update: 2024-05-03 13:34:24

The Oregon Open Learning team at the Oregon Department of Education includes those involved in the effort to support Oregon educators with learning about, adopting and implementing generative AI related tools and lessons into their instruction.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are an ideal way to build, access, revise, curate and implement new AI-related learning opportunities for both educators and their students. They have started the Oregon Artificial Intelligence group that already has over 80 AI-related resources for teachers to use in their classrooms.

Since AI is here to stay, it's going to be important for our schools to teach students how to use it safely, responsibly and effectively. They provided a test run asking both Microsoft Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT:

Explain why you think (1) it's important for K12 classroom educators to learn about and teach about the use of generative AI tools with their students, (2) what are the most important skills specific to generative AI teachers should have and (3) what important safeguards teachers should teach to their students when using generative AI tools themselves. Use a conversational tone so someone without a deep understanding of AI can easily comprehend your output and keep it to fewer than 200 words.

Copilots response:
Sure thing! Here’s the lowdown:

1. Why it’s key: Think of generative AI as a new member of the classroom. It’s a tool that can help with learning, creating, and even thinking in new ways. For teachers, knowing about AI is like having a superpower—they can guide students to use this power wisely and creatively.
2. Top skills for teachers:

   • AI Savvy: They should know how AI works and what it can do.

   • Ethical Compass: Teachers need to navigate the tricky waters of AI ethics, importantly understanding privacy and fairness.

   • Learning Mindset: AI’s always changing, so staying curious and up-to-date is a must. Student safeguards:

   • Critical Lens: Students should learn to look at AI’s answers with a bit of skepticism and do their own fact-checking.

   • Privacy First: They need to know what info to keep to themselves when chatting with AI.

   • Bias Detective: Understanding that AI might not always be neutral helps students use it more thoughtfully.
   In short, AI’s a big deal, and getting the hang of it now is like getting a head start in a race. Teachers can pass the baton of knowledge and caution to their students, prepping them for a tech-smart future.

ChatGPT (3.5) response:
Sure! So, here's the scoop!

1. It's crucial for K12 teachers to dive into generative AI with their students because it's shaping our world big time! Think about it: from chatbots to creative writing assistants, these tools are everywhere. Teaching kids about them helps them understand the tech they'll be encountering throughout their lives.
2. When it comes to skills, teachers using generative AI need to be rock stars at explaining complex concepts in simple terms. They should also be wizards at guiding students to think critically about the ethical and social impacts of AI.
3. Safety first, always! Teachers should make sure students know to use these tools responsibly. That means understanding things like plagiarism and the importance of fact-checking. Plus, they should stress the importance of not sharing personal info with AI systems.

In a nutshell, diving into generative AI isn't just about staying ahead in tech—it's about empowering students to navigate a world where AI plays a big role while also staying safe and savvy.

One of the featured open educational resources is a video on Ethics of AI Bias for classroom use, which delves into the human problems brought out by issues in artificial intelligence, specifically with respect to bias. It is set in a college classroom of five students taking a deep dive into making AI unbiased. They somewhat conclude that AI overrides choice when not used appropriately, and possibly without knowing it. “Those that build and therefore control AI, will build AI systems for their own benefit… All systems of AI are biased in some dimension no matter what you do.”

Interestingly, their answer to an unbiased AI is capitalism, which they call transparency so consumers can buy well-developed systems that are unbiased, and the market weeds out the bad actors. However, that may be shifting the bias according to the purchaser’s point of view.

Let’s face it, AI has been around from the beginning of the Internet, sorting and directing our searches to what influences us with a bent toward corporate thinking. It confirms our thinking and drives the left and right further apart until “unite” became the campaign that set up sides, which separates even more. Then they introduce Serie and her siblings. She collected all your favorites and what will influence you. Now Google wants to take it to the next level by incorporating all it learned about you into AI to think for you as your brain substitute, making us hybrids, boiling you like a frog in a pot, never knowing what is happening.

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Michael Rectenwald, Ph D, wrote the Great Reset and the Struggle for Liberty; and Google Archipelago, The Digital Gulag and the Simulation of Freedom. He is running for U.S. President for the Libertarian Party, not to win, but to expose where freedom has gone. He says wokeness is a totalitarian idea on how to control the whole being. Government is the source of most problems – housing, education, economy. They are creating their reality for you. AI will be creating our “lived” experience. He says, "with AI in the hands of the state, it’s a recipe for total and complete totalitarian rule", and writes how AI is going to displace people’s cognitive functions. "We are outsourcing our brain functions to AI so much so that we won’t have the executive functions as people did in the past. If the brain isn’t exercised, it will atrophy like any other muscle."

Browsers are becoming more transparent identifying information generated by AI, but it still takes the human brain to identify errors and biases. If AI stimulates thinking to assess and determine what is right as truth and what is wrong with the wrong, then students can advance their thinking.

Parent and teacher info on AI tools are available at Oregon Open Learning.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-05-02 13:04:53

Last Update: 2024-05-02 15:59:57

After resignations started pouring in over Governor Tina Kotek hiring her spouse, the Governor has issued a statement regarding the role of the First Spouse. Should Oregonians be concerned?

“Fellow Oregonians, I want you to know that my focus is doing the best job possible for you and your families. I take responsibility for not being more thoughtful in my approach to exploring the role of the First Spouse. I am sorry for the way this conversation between my office and you has started.

“I was honored to be elected as Governor, so that I could bring clarity and energy to tackling the state’s biggest challenges. My administration, since Day One, has held that True North, prioritizing the state’s homelessness and housing crisis, the inadequate system of mental health and addiction care across the state, and the need to improve educational outcomes for children with a focus on early literacy and summer learning. We have much to do together to achieve our shared goals, and with these priorities and a renewed focus on strengthening how state government does its work, I believe we have made progress and will continue to make progress.

“My job as Governor is to see the entire playing field. Whether it is deepening my understanding of the needs of our entire state by visiting all 36 counties in my first year, collaborating with lawmakers to pass critical new laws and investments, focusing on the future success of the Portland Central City, or responding to the inquiries of individuals who contact my office – no topic is too small or too big when it comes to serving Oregonians.

“First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson has been by my side for 20 years. The First Lady and I share a profound commitment to standing up for the most vulnerable among us, fighting for a more just world, and making sure we leave this world better than we found it. She is a social worker, someone with lived experience with mental health and recovery and someone who has throughout her career helped lift up the stories of others to make meaningful change. As a family, the First Lady and I jointly and intentionally decided that she not return to employment or have any outside income as to avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest. And her work as First Lady is also unpaid and is on a volunteer basis. As a family, we have traversed Oregon on the campaign trail and on the One Oregon Listening Tour, reaffirming our faith that nothing is impossible if Oregonians work together.

“In my short time as Governor, I have considered how Oregon can emulate other states that rely on the time and talent of a First Spouse who has no financial interest or benefit in state government.

“There is no road map in Oregon for defining the role of a First Spouse, who is a 'public official' under Oregon law. I make all policy and personnel decisions for my office. I have sought guidance from the National Governors Association and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC). I am committed to defining the role of the First Spouse with respect to what we learn from OGEC, not only on behalf of this administration but future administrations as well.

“After listening to and reflecting on the concerns of Oregonians who have contacted my office, as well as the advice of staff, I want to be clear about these things: There will not be an Office of the First Spouse. There will not be a position of Chief of Staff to the First Spouse. Other than staff that is assigned to support the First Lady in her official duties, no state staff will report to her or be supervised by her.

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“My office is also assembling a First Spouse Manual to spell out policies and procedures related to that role, including protocols for addressing any staff concerns or complaints. The First Spouse manual is in progress and is one of the reasons Meliah Masiba was brought on as a temporary advisor to my office. She reports to Chief of Staff Chris Warner. You can read her job description here.

“Between now and when we learn more from OGEC, the First Lady will continue to accompany me and attend events representing the Governor’s Office, such as Tribal visits and ceremonial events, and she will listen to Oregonians about the issues most impacting them, especially in the area of mental health and addiction.

“Your trust is important to me. I will continue to work hard to solve problems so that every Oregonian can have what they need.”


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-05-01 16:25:55

Last Update: 2024-05-01 16:52:47

A new Alternative Shelter Evaluation Report from Portland State University’s Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative indicates that alternative shelters provide better outcomes for people experiencing homelessness than traditional shelters. The research, conducted by HRAC on behalf of Multnomah County’s Joint Office of Homeless Services, analyzed the cost, participant experiences, and client outcomes in village-style and motel shelters as compared to more traditional congregate shelters.

"This research shows that motel and village shelters, which provide private living spaces that support the autonomy, dignity, and safety of clients, lead to better experiences and more positive outcomes than congregate shelters," said Jacen Greene, HRAC assistant director.

Village and motel shelter models have grown in recent years as an alternative to traditional shelters. In Portland, several villages have been constructed by community members and local agencies to better support the houseless population. This report shows that the village model is not only more desirable to people experiencing homelessness, but can be less expensive in some circumstances to build than congregate shelters. The success rate for moving an individual into housing is also higher than at traditional shelters.

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“Alternative shelters provide participants with levels of privacy, autonomy, and safety that are not always present in congregate shelters,” according to the report. “These factors helped participants feel like they could pause, breathe, and work toward their goals."

As compared to other shelter models, villages have the lowest capital costs per unit when the land is free (as has been the case for villages in Portland), but are more expensive than motel or congregate shelters if land costs and pod replacements are factored in. Motel shelters are often faster to set up and are more flexible in terms of conversion to housing, but can be difficult to set up due to supply. In evaluating cost, HRAC found that moving a person into housing and providing supportive services — like rental assistance or vouchers — is comparable to the cost of providing a congregate shelter bed, and costs less than alternative shelters.

"We found that placing somebody into housing, paying their rent, and providing supportive services is usually a less costly alternative than any type of temporary shelter, and is the only approach that actually ends homelessness," Greene said. While much funding is available for homeless alternatives, critics point out that relatively little of the money goes to actually provide housing.

These findings provide guidance to determine which type of shelter is most appropriate based on the circumstances of the population being served. An effective shelter strategy should:

• Utilize shelter types with individual, private rooms
• Size shelters to a smaller total number of units
• Center equity in services and programming
• Include identity-supportive shelters and/or programming
• Locate shelters close to essential services and amenities
• Consider long-term shelter costs and site usage/conversion potential in planning
• Incorporate input and feedback from people with lived experience of homelessness

“Ultimately, any shelter strategy should be viewed as a temporary stopgap until enough housing can be provided to address current and forecasted needs,” according to the report. “Someone in a shelter is still experiencing homelessness, and the only true solution to homelessness is to ensure that people who are housed are able to remain there, and people who are unhoused are placed in housing as soon as possible.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-04-30 13:08:54

Last Update: 2024-04-30 13:23:24

House Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA 1) of the U.S. House of Representatives announced his endorsement of Republican candidate Monique DeSpain to represent Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District.

“As a retired Air Force Colonel, attorney, and single mother, Monique DeSpain knows what it means to roll up her sleeves and get things done. She will fight to secure our border, rebuild our economy, reduce crime, and support law enforcement. Unlike her democrat opponent, Monique will deliver for the people of Oregon and I am proud to endorse her in her race for Congress in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District,” said Majority Leader Steve Scalise.

“It’s my distinct honor to have the endorsement of Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise in my campaign to unseat corrupt career politician Val Hoyle and bring my commonsense, accountability focused, problem-solving leadership to Congress on behalf of the people of Oregon’s 4th District,” said Monique DeSpain.

Oregon's 4th Congressional district includes Benton, Coos, Curry, Northern Douglas, Lane, and Lincoln Counties. The largest city in the district is Eugene.

“Leader Scalise is a fighter who, despite having to battle back from a near-fatal gunshot wound and fighting off cancer, he continues to fight for the American people every day,” added DeSpain. “Demonstrated grit and determination are required to deliver victory in all our personal and public fights. I understand what it means to fight for my family, my clients, and my country. Results are what counts. I’ve served my country for 30 years in the Air Force, stood up to the Governor on behalf of crime victims, and raised my twin boys as conservatives right in the heart of progressive Eugene. Voters are ready to end five decades of failure, neglect, and waste at the hands of career politicians and deploy me, a political outsider, to fight for them in D.C.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-04-29 10:45:23

Last Update: 2024-04-29 10:59:01

April 15th brought out protesters blocking I-5 south of Eugene. They weren't protesting tax day, they were united countrywide protesting against the theft of their lands and livelihood and protesting the theft of 1,976 acres of land in the Jordan Valley to be used for development projects for hundreds of settlement housing units. The Palestinians make up 21 percent of the population and own 1,065,156 acres. In other places the same day they shutdown the bridge in New York City, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as well as an access road for the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport.

As a result of the demonstration in Eugene, 52 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Two individuals were additionally charged with conspiracy and theft 2. Six vehicles were towed from the scene, and all suspects are in custody at the Lane County Jail. The incident required 121 law enforcement responding agencies and the use of 10 transport or emergency vehicles.

This doesn't seem to have satisfied the instigators. They have now moved on to college campuses taking over Columbia University, Harvard, New York University, and University of California has cancelled it commencement ceremonies due to protesters. Andy Ngo, an Oregon independent journalist, says they are targeting Portland State University reporting one of the militant 2020 BLM-Antifa rioters, Danialle James, has called for protesters.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Columbia University has been the epicenter of student protests for over a week, especially after the university's president, Minouche Shafik, called in the New York City Police Department and more than 100 students were arrested. The student protesters have called on universities to cut financial ties to Israel and Israeli companies, however, Columbia's biggest donor is a Jewish businessman who threatens to withdraw funding if the president doesn't get the protest under control. President Shafik is hemmed in after Speaker Mike Johnson suggested he resign.

Earlier the Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic on Airport Way to PDX, blocked the freeway in Northwest Portland, harassed a pro-Israel supporter on the street in Portland, vandalized Portland music hall for hosting a pro-Israel musician, busted a faith-unity window display, and painted graffiti on windows and walls. Just as Portland was recovering, career protesters are paid to keep the city in unrest and fear.

Breitbart now exposes that the groups organizing college campus protests is funded by George Soros and others. One group is Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). The U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights (USCPR) is also funded by the Soros-founded organization Open Society Foundations, which gives between $2,880 and $3,660 for its campus-based ‘fellows’ in return for spending eight hours a week organizing campaigns led by Palestinian organizations. Students joining the protest that were interviewed, couldn't say what the protest was about. Portland State University appears not to have either of these student groups, so are they just an easy target? How must protection can students expect from the police?


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2024-04-27 14:43:31

Last Update: 2024-04-26 19:55:43

The U.S. Supreme Court rules 9-0 in a landmark decision that undercut all DEI-based discrimination, sending Oregon's policies into question. The US Supreme Court ruled that a St. Louis police sergeant can sue over a job transfer she claims was discriminatory lays the foundation for legal action against employers who push discrimination against white people in job hiring, work assignment and promotion. Those “diversity-preferred” job postings, the practice of passing over whites for promotions, discriminatory job transfers, pushing unfair diversity trainings, etc., all of these are now legally actionable.

Lawyers tried to argue that there is ‘good discrimination’ and ‘bad discrimination’, that white people should be purposely disadvantaged to pave the way for diversity. The lawyers stated that the decision will complicate DEI programs and limit their ability to discriminate against white men.

The Supreme Court discredited these claims, re-asserting that everyone is equal in the eyes of the law. The court also established a relatively ‘low standard’ for bringing discrimination cases. The victim need not suffer ‘actual harm.’ An employee only must show “some harm” under the terms of their employment, and that harm need not be “material, substantial or serious.” The decision makes it much easier for workers to sue over discriminatory practices. This is a big win for equality if lawyers don't run wild.

Oregon has been chipping away at equality for several decades replacing it with equity for underserved and underprivileged. Every bill and every program passed, no matter how equality driven it is, leadership is obsessed with releasing statements that ties the outcomes to filling gaps for the underserved, underprivileged. That has been seen anywhere from safety issues, availability of healthcare, high-speed internet access, education agendas teaching white privilege, to jobs and affordable housing.

It has been nearly a year since the Supreme Court ruled on Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College and University of North Carolina, concluding that these colleges including many private colleges in Oregon, violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Justice Neil Gorsuch, in his concurring opinion, notes that "the trial records reveal that both schools routinely discriminate on the basis of race when choosing new students -- exactly what the law forbids."

A Heritage Foundation study measured how many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) “instructors” there are at major public state universities. The study reported that DEI staff and departments urge students to embrace radical leftwing ideologies, including that people should be treated differently due to their race. The study showed DEI bureaucracies are better understood as an academic version of a political commissariat that articulates and enforces an ideological orthodoxy on campus.

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A D V E R T I S E M E N T

As the Supreme Court continues to verify, the orthodoxy tends to make many groups of people feel unwelcome, promotes division, and encourages conformity rather than diversity on various social and political issues. Heritage analysts found that surveys of students reported the worse campus climates they have measured. Oregon’s universities averaged 4.6 exclusive DEI personnel for every 100 faculty members.

ORS 342.437, Minority Teacher Act, established diversity goals for Oregon’s educator workforce for the number of minority teachers, including administrators, employed by school and education service districts to be approximately proportionate to the number of minority students enrolled in the state's schools. In addition, HB 4031 added that the Higher Education Coordinating Commission may award scholarships of $10,000 to culturally and linguistically diverse teacher candidates to use at approved educator preparation providers for the purpose of advancing the goal to employ diverse educators in a percentage of diverse students. These state educator preparation providers are instructed to train on CRT and sexual orientation. Does such a policy based on race and color violate the court's ruling?

According to the U.S. Supreme Court, it appears Oregon needs a serious look at who they are really discriminating against.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-04-26 11:35:04

Last Update: 2024-04-26 19:30:01