CRC Rammed Through in Salem

Without naming the CRC in her prepared statement, Tina Kotek (D-North Portland) framed the boondoggle as a “jobs and economic development bill.

(PORTLAND, OR) - If your rep in Salem is a Dem and their name isn’t Lew Frederick of Portland or Carolyn Tomei of Milwaukie, she or he voted for the CRC (Columbia River Crossing) boondoogle today.

They were joined by nine silent Repubs in the 45-11 vote to burden Oregonians to pay for the ill-conceived project *engineered by the corporate 1%, their Oregonian and labor allies and pushed through without the usual committee hearings by House Speaker Tina Kotek (D-North Portland).

Without naming the CRC in her prepared statement, Kotek framed the boondoggle as a “jobs and economic development bill,” and argued against all evidence that it would “improve the safety of the bridge, and ensure we can move the goods and services our economy relies on to thrive.”

Her role demonstrates that being the first open lesbian to be a house speaker in the US doesn’t protect Oregonians from poor policy decisions.

Visit my website www.michaelmunk.com

______________________________

Portland Tribune photo by L.E. Baskow

Order from Powell's

Michael Munk tries to glean important but overlooked items from the world media on the issues of the day and posts them on an irregular schedule. Although items can overlap, he also maintains separate lists for activists in Portland, Oregon and the Northwest, and special lists for: Labor, Latin America, Israel, Torture Taxis, Korea, and the Czech Republic.

Michael is a highly praised writer from an important generation whose book, the Portland Red Guide, has received high praise.

"City Commissioner Nick Fish gave me a copy. Sat down on my sofa and couldn't put it down until I finished. Fascinating!"
-- Tom Potter, Mayor of Portland 2005-2009

"Whoop! Whoop! I'm impressed by how many names from Portland's past have not made it into our official histories and public memorials. Some were good friends of mine. Local history is too often overlooked. Good work, Mike."
-- Bud Clark, Saloon keeper, Goose Hollow Inn, and Mayor of Portland, 1985–1992

Visit the new photo gallery on Michael's website: www.michaelmunk.com