April 02 2021
The Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie of Northeast Portland is a minister in the United Church of Christ.
Portland has been home most of my life. Our family moved here when I was 10. At 18, I joined the Burnside Community Council board, kicking off a life in social services and ministry that has covered three decades and six Portland mayors.
All these years, I ve been in a lover s quarrel with Portland, demanding more housing and attention to civil rights to make Portland a better home for all.
At 52, like many Portlanders, I m dismayed where we are as a city and wondering if Portland, with all the Rose City has to offer, will become the new Eden, or are we on a path to becoming the new Gotham. You might be surprised to learn I m still hopeful about our future.
Oregon district attorneys pan proposed Measure 11 reform February 10 2021
DA association takes umbrage with three bills the group says would weaken sentencing for serious crimes.
Top prosecutors across Oregon took aim at four state legislative proposals in a new report suggesting the bills effect on criminal sentencing would be dramatic and dangerous if passed.
The Oregon District Attorneys Association argues that Measure 11, the voter-approved law generally requiring mandatory minimum sentences and no time off for good behavior for a number of serious offenses, has strong public support and addresses conduct, not color. I support responsible reforms, said Washington County DA Kevin Barton. However, repealing Measure 11 will not bring more justice to victims, make Oregonians safer or sentencing more equitable.