As the 2022 general election cycle comes to an end, we’re seeing a variety of complaints, lawsuits, and judgments concerning violations of Oregon election laws. These cases are often included in campaign coverage as just a normal part of the business of elections. But these violations and their outcomes can have an outsized impact on… Continue reading Oregon’s election laws are really more suggestions
Tag: Dan Ryan
What’s next in the Portland City Charter Review Process
The City of Portland convened a charter review commission to update the city charter in 2020. The charter is the document empowers city officials to do their work and outlines what that work should be. On June 14, the charter review commission voted to send a single ballot measure to voters that includes three major changes to local government:… Continue reading What’s next in the Portland City Charter Review Process
March State of the Ballot, Part One
We passed two major deadlines for the May primary last week: March 8 was the last day candidates could file to run in the primary. March 11 was the last day candidates could withdraw from the primary. With those two dates behind us, we now know who is actually on the ballot and which races… Continue reading March State of the Ballot, Part One
Digest: Thursday, March 3, 2022
Police officer Brian Hunzeker fired for leaking investigation details Portland Police Bureau officer Brian Hunzeker was fired earlier this week due to violations of bureau directives against the dissemination of information and retaliation. Hunzeker leaked reports in March 2021 that City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty was a suspect in a hit-and-run crash. While Portland Police Chief… Continue reading Digest: Thursday, March 3, 2022
Digest: Friday, February 4, 2022
Report on traffic deaths provides opportunity to criminalize homelessness The Portland Bureau of Transportation released a report earlier this week on traffic deaths in Portland in the last year. Key numbers include: In 2021, 63 people died in traffic crashes — the highest number in Portland since 1990 (though actual numbers are likely closer to… Continue reading Digest: Friday, February 4, 2022
February State of the Ballot
There’s just over a month left until the March 8th deadline for candidates to declare for or withdraw from the May primary. This feels like a good time to take a preliminary look at what’s likely to be on the May ballot. Remember, though, that there will be plenty of changes in the next four… Continue reading February State of the Ballot
Digest: Monday, January 24, 2022
Small Donor Elections deadline approaching Portland’s Small Donor Elections (formerly Open and Accountable Elections) program provides candidates with public funds — provided they qualify. The deadline for qualification is at the end of the week, on Friday, January 28th. In order to receive funds, candidates must collect at least 250 small donations from Portland residents.… Continue reading Digest: Monday, January 24, 2022
Digest: Friday, January 14, 2022
Updates on Portland’s city-wide races Exactly who is running for city offices in Portland has changed a lot in the last few weeks. Here’s a quick update: City Commissioner Position 2 AJ McCreary, the executive director of Equitable Giving, entered the race for the city commissioner seat currently occupied by Dan Ryan. McCreary filed a… Continue reading Digest: Friday, January 14, 2022
Friday Digest: December 24, 2021
Local governments scramble to meet severe winter weather needs The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Greater Portland Metro Area and the I-5 Corridor through Monday morning. In response, the city of Portland, Multnomah County, the state of Oregon, and other local governments have announced states of emergency extending until… Continue reading Friday Digest: December 24, 2021
Monday Digest: December 20, 2012
Meli Lewis, a journalist with Reveal, published a look at homelessness in Portland that highlighted some key issues with Dan Ryan’s push for Safe Rest Villages. The reporting, which includes a 55-minute audio episode, focuses on the Lents Park area. Please note that there are discussions of suicide, police violence, and drug use. Lewis spent… Continue reading Monday Digest: December 20, 2012