Bill Looks To Change Primaries
Oregonians will likely be asked next year whether or not to change the way primary elections in the state are conducted. Initiative 2024-016 received enough signatures this week to place it on the November 5th , 2024 ballot. Backed by the group “All Oregon Votes”, the measure would make two big changes to the primary system. First is that anyone can file to run in a partisan primary, regardless of their party affiliation. Second, it would eliminate the so-called “closed primary” system and allow voters of any political affiliation, or even those without one, to vote in any partisan primary. There’s one step before it officially makes the ballot, it must get through an appeals process with the Oregon Supreme Court. That closes February 15th. If it makes it to the ballot and is approved, it would not change the way presidential primaries are run.
Juvenile Death
Florence Police are investigating the death of a male juvenile who was reported missing yesterday morning. Police found the deceased youth in a brushy area near 35th and Oak Street. Police are not saying what the cause of death is at this time only that no foul play is suspected. Florence Police are working with the Lane County Medical Examiners office as the incident remains under investigation.
Bill to Protect River
A new bill in Congress would add greater protections to a river and its watersheds in southern Oregon. Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden have introduced legislation to expand the Smith River National Recreation Area by 58-thousand acres. Owner of the Northwest Rafting Company Zach Collier says it’s a remote and special part of the state well known for its biodiversity, from Chinook salmon to rare and endangered plants.
This water provides spawning habitat for fish, which people catch downstream, but also provides clear, clean water for people to enjoy who are rafting downstream, kayaking downstream, fishing downstream and also drinking that water downstream.”
The bill would protect the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The Smith River flows downstream into California, an area Collier says is well known for whitewater rafting. It would safeguard 74 miles of waterway, including creeks adjacent to the Smith River. It would also ensure that mining couldn’t disrupt this sensitive habitat. Collier says nickel mining in particular has been proposed in the region.
“Nickel mining is not good on places. It involves strip mining and tons of chemicals. It’s not the cleanest way to mine. It would devastate this area that’s uniquely special to the world.”
The bill has the support of two California senators as well. It’s been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.