Michele Veenker: Sheriff s Levy shouldn t be considered an either/or proposal
On Feb. 25, Pamplin Media Group reported on the Clackamas County commissioners voting to support the Sheriff s Levy. In that, they quoted me. Although the quote was correct, because I was not allowed to finish my testimony, my quote was taken out of context and left the readers with the misconception that I was against the levy, when in fact I support it.
The reporter said I supported the idea of increasing bed capacity for mental illness but questioned whether the sheriff s office is the best agency to administer such services.
February 24 2021
Lynn Peterson: Let s work together to ensure health care, social justice, equitable economic growth and dignified housing for everyone.
This has been the most difficult year many of us can remember. I won t recount all of the challenges we are facing together you know them; you feel them daily.
As your Metro Council president, I have the privilege of working with and for incredibly resilient Oregonians. And despite the challenges that we face, I look with optimism toward our future.
This is a region has recovered from recessions before. And as we prepare to recover from this one, I am inspired by the commitment to equity and resiliency for all that I have seen throughout these many challenging months.
February 19 2021
Ashley Maestas says she was injured, evicted, kicked off of equestrian team after warning about horse
I cannot express the joy that overwhelmed me when I saw that first article about Oregon City High School equestrian coach Angie Wacker s ethics violations. It made me cry.
We have waited six long years, and this is the closest we ve been to showing the world this woman s true colors. Angie was my only bully in high school who took everything from us in a split second, and I ve seen her do it to dozens of other girls. After the events I m about to tell you about, I moved in with my father, stopped riding horses, quit my job due to harassment, finished my online school and then moved back to Idaho.
Clackamas County libraries meeting needs of our communities February 23 2021
Opinion: Librarians have been a link to help all of us strive to maintain a sense of normalcy.
A year ago, we began to face an uncertain future involving a pandemic testing our medical, physical, social and mental abilities. People throughout our county have stepped up and made a difference for all of us as we truly take life one day at a time. We recognize and honor such needed forces such as medical personnel, grocery workers, truckers, power-line folks, firefighters and so many more who have made a difference.
One unseen vital force has been our library staffs throughout the county. Though our library doors may be temporarily closed to the public, these people have worked behind the scenes to make things happen and to assist with social and mental needs of all ages. These librarians have been a link to help all of us strive to maintain a sense of normalcy in a world of a constantly changin
February 12 2021
My generation needs Gov. Brown to get serious about getting all the state s polluters to clean up their acts. And do so before 2050
To grow up today is to grow up during the apocalypse. In the midst of a global pandemic and climate crisis, my classmates and I are just trying to finish high school. While already trapped in our homes, the record-breaking wildfire season destroyed thousands of homes and businesses and left Oregonians breathing toxic smoke for weeks. We re graduating into a world fraught with unprecedented tragedies.
Two global public health emergencies are harming Oregonians: COVID-19 and climate change. Smoke from wildfires, pollution from burning fossil fuels and a respiratory virus are all gunning for our lungs. Who is bearing more than their fair share of these burdens? The answer has always been the same: Black, Indigenous and people of color.