Stay informed about politics news and updates in Portland, OR.
Mayoral candidate Rene Gonzalez emphasizes his commitment to public safety as the election approaches, reflecting on his past speeding tickets as youthful mistakes. He highlights his progress in addressing crime and homelessness during his tenure as a city commissioner. Gonzalez's focus on these issues aims to resonate with voters concerned about public safety.
Portland's ombudsman has publicly criticized city officials for their inconsistent decisions regarding who is responsible for the costs associated with tree removal in public spaces. This issue has raised concerns among homeowners in Southwest Portland, particularly regarding the enforcement of regulations governing heritage trees. The ombudsman's remarks highlight ongoing challenges in urban forestry management in the city.
Measure 118, set for a vote in November, proposes a 3% tax on sales made by large corporations in Oregon, redistributing the revenue as rebates to residents. The measure has sparked significant discussion, with proponents highlighting its potential to provide financial relief while critics raise concerns about its impact on businesses.
Congressman James Comer is investigating the White House regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent visit to Pennsylvania, a crucial state for the upcoming 2024 presidential election. Comer suspects potential abuse of power related to taxpayer dollars in the context of this visit. The inquiry highlights ongoing scrutiny of the Biden administration's foreign relations and domestic political strategies.
Oregon state officials have identified nine individuals who voted after being mistakenly registered as noncitizens through the DMV's Motor Voter program. A total of 1,259 registrations have been flagged, with steps being taken to prevent such errors in the future. Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade assured that these mistakes will not affect the upcoming 2024 General Election.
Mayoral candidate Keith Wilson is proposing an ambitious plan to end unsheltered homelessness in Portland within his first year if elected. As the owner of a fossil fuel-free trucking company and founder of a nonprofit focused on creating emergency shelters, Wilson aims to implement a network of daytime and nighttime shelters based on successful models from other cities.
Liv Østhus, an exotic dancer known as Viva Las Vegas, is running for mayor of Portland, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to the city's pressing issues such as homelessness and climate change. With no prior political experience, Østhus aims to leverage her artistic skills and community engagement to bring hope and creative thinking to Portland's governance.
Portland's upcoming 2024 general election will see the implementation of a new ranked-choice voting system and the election of all city councilors and other key officials. Due to a charter reform, half of the winners will serve two-year terms to facilitate staggered future elections, while the remaining will serve four-year terms. This significant change marks a pivotal moment in the city's governance.
The upcoming battle for Oregon's 5th Congressional District is intensifying as U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer and state Rep. Janelle Bynum focus on Clackamas County, a pivotal area that could determine control of the U.S. Congress. The urban-rural divide is underscoring tensions in the race, reflecting broader national issues.
Oregon voters must register by October 15 to participate in the upcoming election, with ballots mailed out the following day. Washington allows same-day registration, making it easier for voters to participate. Both states offer online registration systems for convenience.