Voters to Choose Who is in Charge of Raises
Supporters of a ballot measure that would establish an independent commission for setting the pay of elected officials have launched a campaign. If passed in November, Measure 116 would set up the Independent Public Service Compensation Commission to decide salaries for elected officials including the governor, state lawmakers, judges and district attorneys. Robin Ye is with the organization East County Rising, which is supporting the measure.
“It’s about fairness and accountability and transparency in our government, which I think will add faith to our government. It’s a common sense solution to give power back to Oregonians and to protect our democracy.”
Twenty-two states have independent compensation commissions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. If it’s approved, the commission would set pay rates every two years. Officers or employees of the state and registered lobbyists cannot be part of the commission. The campaign supporting Measure 116 includes an a wide array of organizations, including the Latino Network Action Fund, Oregon League of Conservation Voters and Oregon Nurses Association.
Candidates Deadline
If you have considered a run for city council or Florence Mayor for this next election cycle, your deadline is looming. Tomorrow is the final day for candidates to render their submissions for one of two seats that are up for re-election. The seats currently held by Councilor Sally Wantz and Councilor Bill Meyer are available. Both Wantz and Meyer have submitted their petitions and one other candidate is in process of having signatures verified, former Siuslaw reporter Mark Brennan. In November voters will choose two candidates for the positions. The top two vote getters will be the winners. There is also the mayoral seat that is up for re-election. Currently Mayor Rob Ward is running unopposed.
Mussels Again Available
If you enjoy harvesting your own Mussels you will be happy to know that harvesting along the central Oregon coast is open once again. The Oregon Department of fish and Wildlife has said that mussels are now safe to consume in our area. Razor clams are also now safe from dangerous levels of toxins. The latest round of testing showed significant drops in demoic acid, the toxin that can cause sickness in humans when too much is consumed. ODFW continues to test samples on a bi-weekly basis. Bay Clams and Crab have not been affected by the recent closures and remain open and safe to consume according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.