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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2022
Brookings, Oregon
Commissioners vote against homeless housing By DAVID RUPKALVIS The Pilot
The Curry County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to give no county funding for homeless housing, whether it's from American Res-
cue Plan funding or from other county funds. The vote came at the beginning of the board's meeting last week as dozens of people waited to give public comment on the issue. Before listening to the public,
the three commissioners shared their thoughts on the proposal to fund homeless housing at the Ophir School as requested by the Curry County Homeless Coalition. "Boy, am I grateful for the amount of correspondence we've
had with citizens," Commissioner Court Boice said. "In the last five business days, we've receive over 200 emails or calls. The overwhelming response was a resounding no to the homeless project. We all have a right and a responsibility to protect our way
of life. Any housing funds that this county can be responsible for should go to workforce an veterans housing. In my view, this whole thing is about country values, traditions and virtues More Homeless, Page A10
Race for governor is heating up Brown Starnes reaches out to South Coast Democrats
delivers final State of the State
BY DAVID RUPKALVIS
Country Media
JEREMY C. RUARK
The Pilot
Patrick Starnes knows he’s not the biggest name in the Democrat primary for Oregon governor, but he thinks that puts him in the perfect position to pull off a major upset. Starnes, who ran for governor in 2018 as an independent, brought his campaign for governor to the South Coast this week, stopping in Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford and Coos Bay. Starnes said he ran for governor four years ago with a goal of reforming campaign finance laws in the state, and he still has that mission today. “We’re still fighting to get big More Starnes, Page A11
Photo by David Rupkalvis/The Pilot
Patrick Starnes brought his campaign for governor to the South Coast this week, visiting Brookings, Gold Beach, Port Orford and Coos Bay.
Photo by David Rupkalvis/The Pilot
Christine Drazan, a Republican candidate for governor, talks to Sharon Waterman during a campaign stop in Coos Bay. The House Republican leader, Drazan hopes her experience helps her stand out in the crowded primary.
Drazan brings GOP campaign to the South Coast By DAVID RUPKALVIS The World
Christine Drazan has risen to the top of the Republican party in Oregon through her work in the Legislature. She is now hoping that experience gives her a chance to represent the party in the race for governor. This week, she brought her campaign to the South Coast, reaching out to voters who will pick the Republican candidate
for governor. Drazan announced recently she is stepping down as the House Republican leader to focus on her campaign. She said after decades of one-party rule, it is time for a new voice and a new vision in the governor’s mansion. “Sometimes people who are elected don’t always listen, they don’t always represent us,” Drazan said. “Sometimes they make problems. The real problem is leadership. That’s what’s missing
right now.” Dragon made a name for herself in state politics when she led a walkout from the Legislature to stop a cap-and-trade bill being pushed by the Democrats. “We didn’t have a choice,” Drazan said. “We had to walk out.” She said if elected, her first actions would be to end some of the moves made by current Gov. Kate Brown. “Day one has to be an end to
Pick your favorite: Reader's Choice ballots can be found on page 12
the vaccine mandate,” Drazan said. “We’re also going to end the mask mandate. Folks, do we really think she’s going to end the mask mandate in March. Remember, it was two weeks to flatten the curve.” From there, Drazan would move to other issues important to the state. “We’ve got to support our law enforcement,” she said. “If we More Drazan, Page A11
During a passionate electronic address to the Oregon Legislature, Gov. Kate Brown said her legislative priorities for the short February session include helping working families by expanding workforce opportunities, affordable housing and child care. Brown will leave office at the end of the year due to the state's term limits. She has served as governor since February 2015. "I stand here today at a pivotal moment for Oregon,” Brown said. “Since I took office seven years ago, the world has fundamentally changed. Oregon has undoubtedly faced some of the most challenging times in our state’s history. However, even with all we’ve lost, we can see a path forward.” During her final State of the State address Feb. 3, Brown said the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating, but Oregon’s economy is strong. “In my last year as governor, I view every day, every moment, as one more opportunity to focus on the big and bold work we still have to do for Oregon’s working families,” she said. Brown outlined her $200 million Future Ready Oregon platform as a three-part effort dedicated to building a strong Oregon workforce by providing access to child care, “so that parents that work can go to work knowing that their kids are cared for,” she said. Brown said her plan will surge an immediate $92 million to programs currently working, such as Constructing Hope, which helps Oregonians get back on their feet with no-cost construction training and career advancement. Innovation will be boosted through flexible grants to community-based organizations and industries supporting technical and health care training, she said. Brown’s plan includes $100 million to expand child care access and an additional $400 million investment in affordable housing. According to Brown, in Oregon on any given night there more than 15,000 people who remain without a home and more than half of those people are living unsheltered. “In every tent you see – in a city park, under a highway overpass, along a river – is a person – a person who More Brown, Page A9
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