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The May election offers a few glimpses into voters' conflicted state of mind about the direction of Multnomah County, the role of big money and growth, the editorial board writes.
A high and a low from the news of the week: The passage of a city budget that fully funds public safety is a relief for Portlanders - and also a call to better incorporate the Clean Energy Fund into budgeting. The damage from protesters occupying the Portland State University earlier this month shows a misunderstanding of what free speech and civil disobedience are about.
The daytime ban on camping in public spaces is a step in the right direction, the editorial board writes. But the city must work collaboratively with the county, nonprofits and homeless community advocates, be flexible and clear in its approach and help steer funding to those who will see increased need as a result of the city's policy change.
Republican senators can and should end their boycott, the editorial board writes. But with Republicans having chosen the nuclear option, Democrats may need to offer a compromise to salvage desperately needed legislation.
For the third quarter in a row, Multnomah County has spent only about half the amount it budgeted for homeless services. With local leaders now sharing residents' frustration over the millions in unspent dollars, they should engineer the changes necessary to ensure a more effective response, the editorial board writes.