Unemployment Numbers
Oregon’s unemployment rate continues to hover around 5%, coming in at exactly 5% in September, compared with 4.2% nationally. The state rate has remained between 5% and 5.3% for the past 19 months. Oregon employers added 5,800 jobs in September, including 2,000 in construction and 1,700 in health care and social assistance. Despite the monthly gains, job growth over the past year remains nearly flat, with just 2,600 jobs added statewide. Health care and social assistance added more than 12,000 jobs during that period, while manufacturing lost 4,300 and government employment fell by 4,000.
Race for Governor Tight
With ballots beginning to arrive in the mail, Oregon voters are making their choices in several closely watched races. The latest independent polling in the governor’s race has Tina Kotek at 46% and Christine Drazan at 44%, statistically a tie because of the survey’s margin of error. Here in the 4th Congressional District, no public scientific poll has been released in the race between Val Hoyle and Monique DeSpain. While election models favor Hoyle, there is currently no public voter poll providing a reliable head-to-head number.
Coastal Canine Classic
Florence is preparing to go to the dogs this weekend, literally. The inaugural Coastal Canine Classic begins Friday, October 16, with 3 days devoted to our 4-legged best friends. Dogs will get their opportunity to strut their stuff with tricks, costumes, agility, photo sessions and a canine showcase, while their humans can check out a vendor fair and activities at the Florence Events Center. It all gets underway Friday with dog-themed movies and a Yappy Hour at City Lights Cinemas, before the main events Saturday and Sunday. General admission is $15 per person per day, with a $40 VIP wristband covering admission for the entire weekend, excluding the movies and Yappy Hour.
