(Pamplin Media Group file photo) SALEM — A bill introduced in the House would allow more gas stations to offer self-service pumps. Oregon and New Jersey are the only two states in the Union that don’t allow self-service gas stations statewide. Oregon lawmakers started chipping away at that prohibition two[Read More…]

SALEM — Many political observers around Oregon were surprised late last October when the most prominent third-party candidate for governor dropped out of the race and endorsed Gov. Kate Brown for re-election. Patrick Starnes, nominee of the Independent Party of Oregon, said he decided to back Brown because he believed[Read More…]

A second overflow room was opened at the Capitol after hundreds turned up for a hearing on House Bill 3063. It’s roughly 100 seats filled up well before the hearing started, and staff started turning people away. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter) SALEM – The Capitol swelled with a sea of red[Read More…]

Dennis Richardson’s friends and colleagues from both political stripes remembered him Wednesday for his integrity, warmth, kindness and perseverance. Richardson, a veteran state legislator who became Oregon’s secretary of state, died about 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at his Central Point home, surrounded by family and friends. He had fought[Read More…]

Last week, hundreds of Oregonians came to the Capitol to support cap and trade legislation, moving through the committee process. (Aubrey Wieber/Salem Reporter) SALEM — Oregon’s proposed cap and trade system will change the state’s economy, providing lucrative opportunities to some industries and potentially putting others out of business. Those[Read More…]

SALEM — A proposal to allow industrial development outside cities in 10 Eastern Oregon counties has passed a key legislative committee without encountering opposition from farm and conservation advocates. Senate Bill 2 would allow each of the counties — Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Lake, Malheur, Sherman, Union, Wallowa and Wheeler[Read More…]