Ballot Measure 117
Oregon voters will decide on a potential change to the state’s electoral system in November. If passed, Measure 117 would create a ranked choice voting system in federal and statewide elections and give cities and counties the ability to adopt this type of voting system as well. Melanie Billings-Yun with the League of Women Voters of Portland says the system would replace primaries with a single ballot where voters would rank several candidates based on their preference. She says some candidates initially deemed “unelectable” could benefit.
“I certainly have felt that way back in previous elections. Is it safe for me to vote for this candidate? Would she be unelectable? What we’ve found is that ranked choice voting opens the door to many more women and people of color to be elected.”
Ranked choice voting has already been adopted in some localities in Oregon, including Benton County, which adopted the method in 2020, and Portland, which will have its first ranked choice election this year. Opponents say the system would be too confusing or complicated for voters.
Recycling Event
Later this month the City of Florence will offer a Black and White Event for the collection of larger items that normally do not get recycled or are not usually allowed at the county landfill. City manager Erin Reynolds.
“white and black appliances, thinking of appliances and tires that will be happening on September 21st at 10 am.”
People can also bring small propane and helium tanks 5 pounds or less and tire rims. The event is for residential access no commercial or business waste will be permitted. the black and White recycling will be held at the Siuslaw Middle School.
City Meetings
The planning commission meeting scheduled for tonight has been moved to September 17th and there will be no meeting of the Environmental Management Advisory Committee as they still do not have enough members to meet at this time. On Thursday the City Council will meet for a work session at 8:30 at City Hall.
Sex Offender Sought
It is not clear if he is in Oregon, or if in Oregon exactly where he might be but the Oregon State Police is reporting that a man driving a remodeled ambulance painted in two tone grey may be somewhere in Oregon. he is wanted in Mobile Alabama for sex crimes against child victims. OSP is assisting the Mobile police department in trying to locate 39 year old Adam Renk and are asking the public to be on the lookout for the ambulance. Renk is 6’1”, 175 pounds with blue eyes and brown hair. If you have knowledge of or have seen the vehicle you can contact the Oregon State Police at *OSP on a mobile phone.