Rural Voter to Swing Election?
Rural voters in Oregon and across the U-S tend to be swing voters, and may decide the outcome of this year’s presidential election. Their biggest concerns are the economy, threats to democracy, and abortion – according to a new Rural Democracy Initiative poll. Sarah Jaynes with the initiative says these voters want elected leaders to make lowering costs and increasing wages for working people a priority, not cutting taxes for the rich or deregulating corporations.
“They’re very focused on working people as kind of the heroes of the economy, and concerns that impact working-class people. Rural people and small town folks are more likely to be working class. About 70 percent of rural folks are working class.”
Seventy-one percent of rural voters agreed with the statement: “True patriotism is protecting the freedom to live our lives as we choose.” Just 23 percent agreed that “patriotism is about preserving a traditional way of life.” The poll was conducted between August 28th and September 8th in ten battleground states.
Lane County Changes
Beginning October 15th, Lane County will post solicitations and notices on the Lane County Bid Locker page, providing a secure platform for bid submissions. The County’s contracts and purchasing are managed by individual departments, with oversight from the Procurement Supervisor and County Counsel. Lane County follows formal solicitation processes, as required by Oregon law, including Invitations for Bids (ITBs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), based on the type and size of the procurement. Pre-solicitation requests, like Requests for Letters of Interest or Qualifications, may also be issued. More details can be found on the Lane County Secure Bid Submission page.
Watershed Tour
The Umpqua Soil and Water Conservation District invites the public to visit two Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Small Grant Projects near Reedsport. Project 1 showcases a rainwater management system that redirects water from a large barn roof to prevent muddy conditions in a livestock area. Project 2 features a livestock exclusion fencing system, which includes elk jump structures to allow wildlife movement while protecting local waterways from contamination. These projects aim to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into Providence Creek and the Lower Umpqua River Estuary. Please note, this rain-or-shine event will involve walking and visiting areas with livestock.
Odd-Umn Event
Tonight, the Florence Events Center is hosting its annual fall exhibit, “Odd-umn,” from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at 715 Quince Street. This free, all-ages reception features beautiful autumn-themed 2D and 3D artwork, including scarecrows, hobgoblins, and “The Great Pumpkin.” Enjoy refreshments, view local art, and participate in two informal contests: Decorated Pumpkins and Costumes! Real pumpkins can be submitted until 5:25 PM for the contest, with prizes awarded at 5:45. Costumes are encouraged, so bring your creativity! Artwork prizes will follow at 6:00. Join the fun and kick off the spooky season at the FEC tonight!