OPB Politics Now

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Election Wrap-Up Nov 09, 2017

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In Oregon, voters said "yes" to money for Portland Community College and "no" to a major structural change in Douglas County government. Washington voters elected a candidate to the Port of Vancouver board that likely spells the end of the proposed oil terminal there. And a key legislative race in Washington solidified the "blue wall" of Democratic control up and down the west coast.
Host Julie Sabatier is joined OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Lauren Dake, and Jefferson Public Radio reporter April Ehrlich to wrap up the 2017 special election.

Last Minute November Ballot Cheat Sheet Nov 03, 2017

Show notes

The November 7 special election will decide the balance of power in the Washington Legislature. It will also determine if Portland Community College gets $185 million for expansion. We talk about the important issues before voters on both sides of the Columbia. Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Lauren Dake, and OPB’s SW Washington reporter Molly Solomon.

Sexual Harassment In Salem Oct 27, 2017

Show notes

The current nationwide discussion about sexual harassment that started with allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein has spread far and wide, including to the Oregon Capital. State Senator Sara Gelser accused fellow senator Jeff Kruse of touching her inappropriately. A second unnamed senator made a similar accusation, and Sen. Kruse was stripped of his committee assignments. We'll talk about the allegations, and more broadly about the culture of harassment in Salem. Host Julie Sabatier is joined by OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Lauren Dake, and Gordon Friedman, politics reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive.

What Is ‘Home Rule’ And Why Should You Care? Oct 19, 2017

Show notes

This November, Douglas County voters will be asked to approve a Home Rule charter. It would dramatically change how the county is governed. The county commission would expand from three to five members, and a county manager position would be created for the day-to-day running of the county. Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman, and Jefferson Public Radio’s April Ehrlich about the nitty-gritty of the charter, and what lessons it might have for local governments around the state.

Portland Girds For A Freeway Fight Oct 13, 2017

Show notes

A proposed I-5 expansion through the Rose Quarter has become about MUCH more than a few more highway lanes. It touches on racism, privilege, Portland’s relationship with the state and how leaders envision the city.
We talk about where the battle lines are being drawn and dig into the history of Portland's difficult relationship with freeway projects. Host Julie Sabatier talks to OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes and Portland Mercury news editor Dirk VanderHart.

Guns, Health Care And The Oregon Ballot Oct 06, 2017

Show notes

Oregonians might have the opportunity to vote on a controversial new tax that’s designed to prop up the state’s Medicaid program. But they won’t get to weigh in on a new law that allows the confiscation of guns belonging to certain people deemed an extreme risk to themselves or others. This time, we dig into the ballot referendum process in Oregon and how it could affect two of the most divisive issues of our time. OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes, and Oregonian/OregonLive editorial pages editor Laura Gunderson join host Geoff Norcross.

Health Care Stakes Are High For Oregon Sep 29, 2017

Show notes

Analysts predicted Oregon would lose more than any other state if the latest attempt to roll back the Affordable Care Act was enacted. It won’t be, though. The bill known was Graham-Cassidy was shelved after failing to earn enough support from Senate Republicans. We look at what Oregon stands to lose if this isn’t the last hurrah for the repeal effort. We’ll also get a status update on the effort to repeal a new state tax on health care providers. Host Julie Sabatier talks with OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes, and Courtney Sherwood, editor-in-chief of The Lund Report.

Oregon's Sanctuary Law Under Fire Sep 22, 2017

Show notes

Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited Portland this week, and railed against Oregon’s law that prohibits state law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration agents. He said these policies, “…have serious consequences for the law-abiding residents of Oregon.” At the same time, groups are gathering signatures for a ballot measure to repeal that state law. Host Julie Sabatier talks with OPB senior political reporter Jeff Mapes, and Dirk Vanderhart, editor for the Portland Mercury.

Portland City Council Race Gets Interesting Sep 15, 2017

Show notes

Commissioner Dan Saltzman sent ripples through Portland city government when he announced he would not run next year. His replacement could be a woman of color, which would be a first for the council. Host Geoff Norcross talks with OPB reporters Jeff Mapes and Amelia Templeton about the how the race is shaping up. We’ll also analyze Mayor Ted Wheeler’s response to a video that appears to show a police officer lobbing a distraction grenade at demonstrators last weekend.

The Politics of Wildfire Sep 08, 2017

Show notes

Wildfires have scorched over 800 square miles in Oregon this year. Our lawmakers are trying to get more federal money to help the firefighting effort. Hurricanes have focused the federal government on disaster relief and that could mean big changes in the way fire funding works.
OPB political reporters Jeff Mapes and Chris Lehman join host Julie Sabatier to talk about the political, financial, and environmental complexities of wildfire.

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