Latest news with #Center50+
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What to know about registering, voting in Oregon's May 20 election
Cities and counties across Oregon will hold elections May 20 on local district representatives and measures. Want to vote in the May election? Here's what to know: New voters have until April 29 to register to vote for the May 20, 2025, election. Online registrations are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 21. If you're a U.S. citizen, Oregon resident, and at least 16 years old, you can register to vote online or return an Oregon voter registration form to a county elections office. Online registration requires an Oregon driver's license, permit, or identification card issued by the state's Driver & Motor Vehicle Services Division. Check your voter registration status online at County clerks will begin sending ballots to voters on April 30, the day after the voter registration deadline. According to Oregon's election calendar, military and overseas ballots were mailed April 4. For absentee voters, county clerks provided ballots as of April 7. Voters who will be out of state for the election will be mailed ballots on April 21. Voters have until May 20 to return their ballots. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by May 20 to be counted. State law allows ballots to be counted up to seven days after Election Day, as long as they were postmarked by the deadline. Unofficial results will be posted starting at 8 p.m. on May 20. Final election results will be certified by June 16. The Oregon Secretary of State's drop box locator website will be available 20 days before the next election, or April 30. Ballot drop boxes will also open on April 30. There are 21 drop sites located in Marion County. A map of locations is available on the Marion County Clerk's website. Six ballot drop sites are available in Polk County. To find the address and hours, check the Polk County Clerk's website. County Clerk's drop sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Drop sites on Election Day will be open for a minimum of eight hours until 8 p.m. Local district candidates and measures will appear on the May ballot. Among the races in Marion County: A livability levy to fund the city library, parks, and Center 50+. Salem Ward 6 City Councilor race to fill the vacancy created when former councilor Julie Hoy was elected mayor. Four seats on the Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board. A $140 million bond for Chemeketa Community College. An operations levy for the Polk County Fairgrounds. A bond to fund a new police station in Dallas. A gas tax for Hubbard stations. A levy to fund the Stayton Public Library. An operations levy for the Aumsville Fire District. Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@ or on X @DianneLugo This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: May 20 Oregon election information on registration, voting
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Salem pulls key word from levy going to voter in May election: Here's why
One of the most significant issues facing Salem voters in the May election — the livability levy to support the city's parks, libraries and Center 50+ — hit a road bump when the Oregon Secretary of State advised the city against using the word "livability" on its website and in information about the levy. The city isn't using the word because the Oregon Secretary of State's office determined it was too subjective for the city to use to participate in its "Safe Harbor" program. Under the program, a public agency can request the Elections Division review materials to ensure compliance with Oregon law. State law prevents public employees from supporting or opposing ballot measures during working hours. "If Safe Harbor is granted, and we later receive a complaint about the material, the division will not investigate or issue civil penalties so long as the material doesn't deviate from the approved version," Oregon Secretary of State spokeswoman Laura Kerns said in response to inquiries about the determination. She said safe harbor is a voluntary, optional process. Up until March 18, most city information and campaign support refer to the local option levy as the "livability levy." The word had since been scrubbed from the city's webpage about the levy, with the note "this information was reviewed by the Oregon Elections Division for compliance with ORS 260.432." "In this case, the City of Salem requested we review the language, which is how we got involved," Kerns said. "The review process is meant to be collaborative in which we'll work with the agency to find acceptable language under statutes, but the agency can choose to disregard our edits or use different language." City officials said they submitted web content, an informational flyer, a presentation and talking points for review. On review of the web content, the State Elections Division removed the reference to "Livability Levy" and replaced it with "Local Option Levy." "We can't advocate for or against any ballot measure, particularly one that involves a city," City Attorney Dan Atchison said during Monday's City Council meeting. "When we have this material (approved by the Elections Division), it allows staff to answer questions and not get fined or not get a potential complaint filed against them for advocating while on the job." When city leadership followed up for clarification on the term "livability," the Elections Division said it's a subjective term, and they don't allow it, Atchison added. The Elections Division's restrictions manual advises public agencies to "avoid language that would be considered persuasive, emotional or vague." "In our view, a word like 'livability' veers a little too closely to being part of a persuasion effort to encourage a 'yes' or 'no' vote, so we would edit it out," Kerns said. "At that point, it's up to the entity to decide whether to accept our edits or keep the language." The word "livability" has been used in other local elections without controversy, including the 2022 Safety and Livability infrastructure bond passed by Salem voters. The city's website for the 2022 bond still uses the word livability. Supporters of the levy for Salem's parks, library and Center 50+ highlighted a five-year operating level and renewal in Corvallis in 2023 as a model. Corvallis used the word "livability" multiple times in city information. The 'safe harbor' rules are new and were not in place in 2022 and 2023. But that doesn't change the fact the change was a terrible decision, former Oregon State Librarian and library advocate Jim Scheppke said at Monday's City Council meeting. Scheppke urged the city to continue to use the phrase "livability" or the phrase 'livability levy' in informational messaging. He said the phrase does not promote the adoption of the measure. "Their decision to disallow the use of the word 'livability' in connection with information from the City about the May 20th election is wrong," he said. "It will definitely color the City's information campaign in a negative way. This election is about livability. But you can't say that. Now you can only talk about a tax increase." He also pointed out that the Spanish version of the information continued to use the word "habitabilidad," which translated to habitability. "For more than a year, Salem voters have been hearing about a 'livability levy' at public meetings and in the media," Scheppke said. "It is what it is. It's the brand." He added that livability is just shorthand for libraries, parks, and recreation, and the Center 50+, just as public safety is shorthand for police, fire, and emergency services, he said. "My request to you tonight is to not take the bad advice from the Elections Division," Scheppke told the council. "Why? Because it will definitely color the city's information campaign in a negative way." For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@ call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem drops livability language from levy in May election
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Salem City Council to vote on delaying recruiting for new city manager
Salem City Council will vote Monday whether to appoint acting City Manager Krishna Namburi to serve as interim city manager and delay recruiting until at least September. Councilor Vanessa Nordyke said in a motion the city needs stable leadership while it navigates the budget process — which has an estimated $13.8 million shortfall — and a May election for a livability levy to fund the library, parks and Center 50+. The move comes one month after the sudden resignation of then-City Manager Keith Stahley. Stahley, the former assistant city manager for Olympia, Washington, was picked to be the city's next manager in July 2022. He said he resigned after learning the majority of council would be calling for his ouster based on an audit of the executive leadership team. Namburi was picked to serve as acting city manager. Namburi oversees the city's Enterprise Services Department. She has been with the city for 25 years and was promoted to deputy city manager in 2022. In her motion, Nordyke said Namburi has an impressive career in executive leadership and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the community. "Her professional journey has been marked by a commitment to transforming and leading organizations toward greater efficiency and effectiveness," Nordyke said. "She has a unique ability to help departments achieve self sufficiency, ultimately fostering a culture of growth and development. Through her leadership, she not only focuses on organizational outcomes but also emphasizes the professional and personal growth of her employees." Nordyke added that under Namburi's leadership, internal services has evolved to be more proactive and efficient to become better equipped to meet the needs of city residents. "Namburi should be given sufficient time in this interim role to help lead the City through both the local option levy election and the City's FY '26 budget process and adoption," Nordyke said. "Delaying a recruitment for a new city manager until September will allow her to establish stable leadership for the organization without the added focus on a new city manager recruitment." If council passes the motion, staff would be directed to prepare an employment agreement for the interim role and provide it to council for consideration. A vote on a resolution changing certain fees for landing and aircraft parking at the Salem-Willamette Valley Airport. Airport staff estimate the fee adjustments will increase annual revenue between $50,000 to $100,000. A vote on authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between Salem and the Office of Legislative Assembly for using a portion of State Street south of the Capitol for 10 years for parking and security safeguards. The Office of Legislative Assembly will pay the city $2 million for using the property. A vote on an agreement with the Oregon Department of Administrative Services and Oregon State Fair Council for the Silverton Road NE Improvement Project. A vote approving the Fairview Park Development and Management Plan. A vote approving the Fisher Road Park Development Plan. A vote approving police statements and priorities to guide Salem's federal and state agenda as well as the city's response to proposed legislation during the 2025 Oregon legislative session. Appointments to the Hospital Facility Authority Board and status of the Ward 5 Budget Committee candidates. A vote on approving a 60-day extension for the Holman Hotel for paying the Transient Occupancy Tax and Tourism Promotion Area. The meeting is at 6 p.m. It will be held in person in the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, and can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish. Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting. Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@ Or preregister between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at to speak during the meeting via Zoom. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@ call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem City Council to vote on delaying recruiting of new city manager
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Salem City Council to cast final vote on whether to send library, parks levy to voters
Salem City Council is set to cast its final vote Monday on whether to send a livability levy to voters in the May election. Without additional funds provided by the livability levy property tax, Salem's main library and West Salem branch could face closure or severely reduced hours and services. The Center 50+ could also face closure due to the city's projected $13.8 million budget deficit. Maintenance, irrigation, splash pads, drinking fountains and restroom operations could cease at parks. During the Feb. 10 meeting, council voted to return with a resolution for a less costly local option levy to send voters in May. Council voted unanimously to direct staff to draft a resolution to refer a five-year community services and livability local option levy to voters on May 20 at the levy rate of $0.98 per $1,000 of assessed value. The high levy rate of $1.09 per $1,000, which would have funded restoring library hours, adding library staff positions and creating a mobile team to reach underserved areas, was passed over in favor of a cheaper option that councilors hoped had a better chance of voters approving. The deadline for getting the property tax levy on the ballot is Feb. 28. The $0.98 rate would maintain 37.5 FTE library positions, 45 parks FTE positions, five recreation FTE positions and nine Center 50+ FTE positions and add three library assistants to restore the main branch to 48 hours a week and the West Salem branch to 20 hours a week. Both branches cut their hours in January 2024 to adjust to lower staffing levels. The main branch eliminated night-time hours and Sunday service. The West Salem branch is only open two days a week. A scenario by city staff used the $0.98 levy rate to determine it would cost the average household $229 a year. It would bring in an estimated $14 million in fiscal year 2026. The General Fund would no longer pay for levy-funded services, ensuring stable funding for other General Fund services such as police, fire and emergency response, city officials said. City staff said revenue from the levy would be placed in a special account. The city would also form an oversight committee to guarantee the revenue from the levy will only be used for purposes outlined in the measure. A report on the findings and recommendations of the City Efficiency Committee. In a letter to council, the committee formed to find inefficiencies within the city found no significant waste in General Fund operations and determined Salem "is doing more with significantly fewer resources than cities of similar size." An informational overview of the Oregon Department of Transportation's Center Street Bridge Project to seismically retrofit one of Salem's main bridges over the Willamette River. A quarterly report on economic development. An informational report on the 2024 Financial Audit of the city. A report on Salem Public Works Department's strategic plan. Updated City Council committee assignments for 2025. A proclamation honoring Salem Fire Department Engine 15 staff for deploying to assist in the Palisades Fire. A proclamation declaring March 2 to March 8 as "Women in Construction Week." The meeting is at 6 p.m. It will be held in person in the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, and can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish. Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting. Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@ Or preregister between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at to speak during the meeting via Zoom. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@ call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem City Council to vote on sending library, parks levy to voters
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Oregon winter storm: School canceled in Salem as ice and freezing rain forecast
Snow, ice and freezing rain are likely to continue impacting roads and schools until a widespread warmup midday Friday across the Willamette Valley, National Weather Service meteorologists said. Temperatures don't appear likely to rise above freezing in a meaningful way until Friday, meaning roads could remain slick Friday morning, said meteorologist Colby Neuman. Check back here to follow the latest updates. Interstate 5 appeared snowy Friday morning on ODOT's traffic cameras and had few cars traveling. ODOT's TripCheck showed the freeway as mostly yellow or orange, typically meaning light or moderate traffic. One crash was causing delays in the northbound lanes about 3 miles north of the intersection with Highway 22. A number of Willamette Valley schools, including Salem-Keizer Public Schools, have announced closures for Friday. See our updated list, which includes university, state offices and courts for the latest closures. In-person services at the Salem Public Library, Center 50+, Salem Housing Authority, the permit application center, public works operations, police lobby and records and municipal court will be closed on Friday. The Salem-Willamette Valley Airport is also closed to all aviation operations. The city advised while main streets have been pre-treated with de-icer, drivers should use caution, particularly on neighborhood streets and parking areas. All essential services, including police, fire, emergency response, street, water, and wastewater services will continue to operate regardless of weather conditions. For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1. For all other emergencies, contact 503-588-6123 To report roadway, water, or sewer concerns, call the Public Works Dispatch Center at 503-588-6311 Other city services are available online through the City's website, In addition, the city is offering online and remote access for the following services: Customer Service Center is available by calling 503-588-7272 or info@ Salem Public Library is available for customer calls from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 503-588-6315 Center 50+ is available by email at connect50plus@ For volunteers of Marion Polk Food Share's Meals on Wheels, out of an abundance of caution, meals will not be delivered on Thursday or Friday. Permit Application Center is available at 503-588-6256 or baspac@ Cherriots suspended bus service Friday due to the winter weather conditions in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Cherriots said it planned to resume services Saturday. Updates will be provided on Cherriots' service alerts webpage and social media. Salem Public Works spokesperson Courtney Bush said the city's street crews are 'fully deployed,' plowing and sanding the roads. She said they will remain on duty into Friday until roads are clear. Deborah Topp, another spokesperson, said the city is plowing and sanding its primary and secondary routes, which can be viewed on its road conditions map. Road closures can also be seen. The Salem Warming Network is activated during freezing temperatures and inclement weather. Locations include Salem First Presbyterian Church, Seed Of Faith Christian Center International, Stayton Community Center, SOCC Santiam Outreach Community Center and ARCHES Woodburn Shelter. The ARCHES Project will provide shuttle service from the ARCHES Day Center at 615 Commercial St. NE to local warming shelters. Return trips will be available the next morning, bringing individuals back to the ARCHES Day Center. The ARCHES Day Center will reopen at 7 a.m. the morning following a warming shelter activation. With much of Oregon seeing some snow this week, residents should be prepared to deal with clearing it within 24 hours of a storm ending. But this can be a hazardous activity and isn't safe for everyone. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine reports that about 200,000 adults went to emergency rooms for snow shoveling accidents from 1990 to 2006, with more than 1,600 deaths. Here's what to know and how to stay safe. Oregonians may be waking up to bitter cold temperatures this week, but despite a commonly held belief, your car doesn't need to warm up on cold mornings, especially if it was manufactured after 1980, according to Firestone Complete Auto Care. Before 1980, most cars had carburetors, a car part that regulates the air-fuel mixture in an engine. Idling your engine could damage your engine's pistons, decrease your car's fuel efficiency and hurt the environment, according to Firestone. So for your car's safety, cancel the warming-up-the-car routine. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon winter storm: Freezing rain, ice forecast in Willamette Valley
