Governing With the Community, Not Around It

Election season is underway, hopefully this is useful for those in office and those running for office. What are the key elements of any governing body? In my mind, it comes down to transparency and accountability. When both are present, they create a bidirectional trust factor, which is essential to the success of any government or business.With full transparency and accountability, leaders can earn trust and, in turn, be trusted by the very people they…

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Public Safety Warning: Oregon Sanctuary Laws Allow Violent Felons to Walk Free

Introduction:After what occurred at the State of the Union, it’s more important than ever that this story be told. The debate over Oregon’s sanctuary status intensified as Senate Democrats recently rejected a proposal aimed at modifying House Bill 3265. Originally passed in 2021, HB 3265 significantly tightened Oregon’s sanctuary laws by prohibiting state agencies from assisting federal immigration authorities. The new Republican-led measure sought to restore communication between state and federal officials specifically regarding the…

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Family Staffers Are Legal. A Shadow First Spouse Office Isn’t – Cronyism

Oregon’s ethics laws are clear, but they are not identical for every branch of government. While some critics point to "double standards" regarding family members in the Capitol, the reality is a matter of established law versus executive overreach. I wonder how many people know that state representatives and senators are within legal rights to have family members working for them, the Governor is not afforded the same legal rights. The Legislative Standard (ORS 244.177)Oregon…

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Support SB 1514 to Repeal HB 3115 – Homeless Camping Issue

SB 1514 – Repeal HB 3115 Homeless where “objectively reasonable” has become a serious issue for Oregon Cities. Read about SB 1514; https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1514 Give testimony for supporting SB 1514: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Testimony/SCGG/SB/1514/0000-00-00-00-00?area=Measures Example of Testimony:I am writing to express my strong support for SB 1514, which seeks to repeal the provisions established under HB 3115. While the original intent of HB 3115 may have been to provide clarity regarding public spaces, its implementation has created a rigid…

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2026 Oregon Ballot Initiative Petition (IP) out for signature gathering

Take Action: The 2026 Oregon Initiative Guide Your signature is the first step toward restoring accountability, fiscal responsibility, and election integrity in our state. Below is a curated guide to the active 2026 Initiative Petitions (IPs) that deserve your support, the specific legal requirements for signing them, and the measures we must oppose to protect our state’s future. Priority Petitions to Sign These measures focus on fundamental reforms to our voting systems, public safety, and…

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A Sanctuary State: Why Oregon Leads the Nation in Undocumented Support

As of February 2026, Oregon maintains one of the most expansive state-funded safety nets for undocumented residents in the United States. While federal law (PRWORA 1996) restricts undocumented individuals from most federal benefits, Oregon uses state statutes, appropriations, and constitutional provisions to fill those gaps. 1. Direct Cash Assistance & Tax Refunds Undocumented residents who file Oregon taxes using an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) are considered “taxpayers” under Oregon law and are eligible for…

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The “Pork” Scam Exposed: Why Tax Hikes Aren’t Worth the “Bacon”

This is a first in a series of article in support of Rep. Dwayne Yunker. Oregonians are tired of being taxed more and more every single year. I’ve been sounding the alarm on the wave of "bad bills" coming out of Salem that do one thing: reach deeper into your pockets.Lately, some people have asked why our Representative, Dwayne Yunker, isn't "bringing home the bacon" for Josephine County. It’s time for a reality check: Money…

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Action Alert: Oppose Oregon Senate Bill 1599 (Gas Tax)

Summary of the Senate Bill 1599 is a legislative proposal to move the public vote on a controversial 6-cent gas tax increase and higher vehicle fees from the November 2026 general election to the May 19, 2026, primary. Democratic leadership introduced the bill in February 2026. However, critics argue this move is a strategic attempt to hold the vote during a lower-turnout election to ensure the tax hike passes. See below to submit your testimony…

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The Rule of Law vs. Oregon: Federal Authority in the Oregon Sanctuary Dispute

In a recent formal letter, Governor Tina Kotek and 31 Oregon mayors demanded an immediate moratorium on all federal immigration enforcement within the state until recent lethal-force incidents in Portland and Minneapolis are fully investigated. The leaders argued that aggressive federal tactics have created a "moral opposition" and a climate of fear that destabilizes local economies and prevents residents from accessing healthcare and education. By reaffirming Oregon’s sanctuary laws, the letter delivers an ultimatum: federal…

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The Triple Threat: How SB 1507, HB 4098, and HB 4134 Aim to Raise Costs for Oregonians

To the taxpayers watching the 2026 legislative session, it feels less like a series of policy debates and more like a coordinated siege on the state’s economic vitality. For the small business owner in Bend, the family mechanic in Medford, and the hotelier on the coast, the "Oregon Way" is increasingly being defined by a triple-threat of legislative maneuvers that threaten to turn the state into a tax-and-litigation island. The Backdoor Raid: Senate Bill 1507The…

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