Ranked-Choice Voting Measure
This November, Oregon could join a growing number of states switching to ranked-choice voting for federal and state elections. Measure 117 would allow Oregonians to rank candidates by preference rather than choosing just one, and ensure that the winner gets more than 50-percent of the vote. Blair Bobier, a founder of Oregon Ranked Choice Voting, says it would make each ballot more powerful and campaigns more inclusive.
“I support it because it gives people more voice and more choices. Candidates have to campaign to a broader section of the community, rather than just focus on a very narrow band of ardent supporters.”
Critics of ranked-choice voting say it’s expensive and that complex ballots could lead to errors. In Oregon, the city of Corvallis, as well as Benton County, have been using ranked-choice voting for a few years, and Bobier says voters like it better and find it easy to use.
Rhododendron Drive
The Rhododendron Drive realignment project is nearing completion according to City Manager Erin Reynolds, though she says there are a few items left to finish before the public can access it. Railings along the walkway are one of the final details that still need to be completed. Details on the completion and the reopening will be forthcoming.
“We really are getting to the final stage of the project there’s still a few things, weather dependent, and we will be announcing reopening and celebration plans as soon as we have those finalized, but it will be coming soon.”
The project was slated for completion in December.
Meeting Postponed
Reynolds also updated the public on the special council meeting that was slated for this week. The council was to have a meeting for public input on proposed update and changes regarding short term rentals, but due to a change in staffing, that meeting had to be postponed. Reynolds says a member of the community development department has left for other opportunities and they will now wait to complete some restaffing before going forward.
Burn Season Begins
The Oregon Department of Forestry has officially ended fire season due to recent rain and cooler weather. This comes after one of the most challenging fire seasons in Oregon’s history, extended by dry and warm conditions. With the season’s end, the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency (LRAPA) is opening the fall outdoor yard debris burning season today at 10 a.m. LRAPA advises residents to prioritize safety and check burning advisories before starting any fires. They also recommend alternatives like composting and chipping. For more information, visit LRAPA’s website or call the daily advisory line.
Local Care Worker Jailed
On Wednesday, October 16th, Adult Protective Services alerted Florence Police to a possible elder abuse case involving a care worker. Officers responded to the victim’s home, and after investigating, arrested Kari Lynn Kasten, of Florence. Kasten was charged with Criminal Mistreatment in the First Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree, and Harassment. She was transported to Lane County Adult Corrections.