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Primary Ballot Review: How Metro fits into Portland politics

If you live in Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, you have something on your ballot that no one else in the U.S. has — a directly elected regional government in the form of Metro. Metro is also the only directly elected metropolitan planning organization in the U.S. While knowing our local government is unique can make… Continue reading Primary Ballot Review: How Metro fits into Portland politics

Primary Ballot Review: Hello, I want to be the next Multnomah County Chair

A look at the candidates in their words On May 17, the Multnomah County Commission Chair’s seat will be up for grabs as Deborah Kafoury is completing her second term, which will put her at the term limit. Kafoury took office in 2015. While there, Kafoury has implemented several new services with the most notable… Continue reading Primary Ballot Review: Hello, I want to be the next Multnomah County Chair

Primary Ballot Review: Why do auditors matter?

There are a ton of candidates for various auditor positions on the primary ballot: Metro Brian Evans — Brian Evans has served as Metro Auditor since his election in 2014. He joined the Metro Auditor’s office as an employee in 2008. Evans is running unopposed and does not appear to have a campaign website. Multnomah County Jennifer McGuirk — Jennifer… Continue reading Primary Ballot Review: Why do auditors matter?

Primary Ballot Review: Washington County District 2 Commissioner

Two of Washington County’s four commissioners, selected by district, are up for election in 2022. Both incumbents are running for reelection, but only one has an opponent. Incumbent Pam Treece currently represents District 2, the northeast section of County which includes Bethany, Cedar Hills, Cedar Mill, Helvetia, Raleigh Hills, and Rock Creek, as well as… Continue reading Primary Ballot Review: Washington County District 2 Commissioner

Primary Ballot Review: Washington County Commission Chair

Incumbent Washington County Board of Commissioners Chair Kathryn Harrington, who is running for reelection to the at-large position, claims she was elected in 2018 “with a focus on increasing government transparency and accountability, advancing equity and diversity, addressing affordable housing and homelessness.”  She stated on her 2018 campaign website that “We need to be more… Continue reading Primary Ballot Review: Washington County Commission Chair

Voters’ Guide — May 2022 Election

If you’re a voter in or around Portland, you may have already received your ballot for the May election. If you’re ready to sit down and vote, here are some recommendations on candidates and ballot measures. This guide is intentionally surface-level: over the election period, I’ll be publishing articles on specific races and issues that… Continue reading Voters’ Guide — May 2022 Election

Quick update

Hey, all! I haven’t managed to post anything so far this week because I’m working on a voters’ guide for the May Primary. It’s taken more time than I expected — while I’ve got all the necessary information, putting it into a useful format has just been a bit slower. I’m on track to finish… Continue reading Quick update

Calendar: April 20 to April 27

In last week’s calendar, I noted that the mask mandate for TriMet (along with all other public transportation) was expected to end on April 18, but had been extended until May. However, a federal district judge ruled that the mandate was not necessary on Tuesday, effectively ending it immediately. TriMet has dropped its requirement that riders wear… Continue reading Calendar: April 20 to April 27

Everything you need to know about registering to vote in Oregon

With the looming May primary a month away, you may want to double check your voter registration. To participate in the primary, Oregon voters must be registered at least 21 days before the election — this year’s deadline is April 26. That’s also the deadline for anyone who wishes to change party affiliation. Technically, you’re… Continue reading Everything you need to know about registering to vote in Oregon