Bonus: The Old Boys DOGE Club & The Lukewarm Mayor

It was a busy Tuesday night at City Hall. The new efficiencies committee (Salem's own DOGE department) has been named and to absolutely nobody's surprise, it is comprised solely of members of the Salem Chamber of Commerce and Home Builders Association. What will be their priorities as they examine the budget and look for efficiencies (AKA, cuts)? And why weren't there any questions asked about equity in creating this committee? An hour later the City Council met for a Work Session to hear about the possible Livability Levy amounts proposed by the City. It seems all the pieces were in place to get this levy off to the races, including the five votes necessary--but the Mayor chose not to make a motion pre-drafted for her by the City Attorney. If the Mayor continues to be motionless, will a leader emerge on our City Council to get this levy on the ballot and across the finish line? Time is of the essence. We'll make sure to keep you informed along the way. *Note the funds to put the Livability Levy on the May ballot will be paid for by the Salem Public Library Foundation to the tune of about $35,000. If you have questions, topics you'd love discussed, or want to advertise on the pod, contact us: Tiktok: VirginiaStapleton Bluesky: Demobrats Instagram:VoteVirginiaStapleton // TellYourFriendsOregon Facebook: Elect Virginia Stapleton email us: [email protected] Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!