Politicians at several levels are demanding more open debate over plans for the 12-lane Columbia River Crossing (CRC) bridge. Legislators nixed $30 million in CRC planning funds from their strapped budget earlier this year, but after the appointed Oregon Transportation Commission appropriated $30 million anyway this August, three state legislators (Jules Kopel Bailey, Brian Clem, and Cliff Bentz) penned an Oregonian editorial demanding debate.
"They're maneuvering to get this thing done without having a public debate in the legislature," says Clem. Meanwhile, the politicians who actually do get to debate about the bridge are voicing concern over whether Washington and Oregon can afford to build the $4.2 billion 12-lane structure. At a meeting last week, the Columbian reports that Mayor Sam Adams said, "Given the financial realities we face, I think we need to change that to six to 10 [lanes]." SARAH MIRK.
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Cyclist Mike Luther, who was critically injured after a Kia Sportage backed into him at 40 mph last week, was a pacifistic, uninsured, bike safety advocate, according to his family. Luther's sisters and nieces have been camped out at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, watching Luther slip in and out of consciousness since the incident occurred on Friday, August 28. "He mostly convinced us to stay safe and be aware of what's going on," said teenage niece Risa Luther, remembering when her carless-advocate uncle taught her how to ride the bus. The family is asking for donations to Mike Luther's fund via US Bank. SM
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The campaign to recall Mayor Sam Adams filed a complaint with the secretary of state's office on Tuesday afternoon, September 8, over an alleged altercation between the mayor and one of its signature gatherers last week in Pioneer Courthouse Square. Signature gatherer Rondine Ghiselline claims the mayor verbally threatened her and caused a potential petition signer to run off without signing. Adams denied Ghiselline's version of events via Twitter shortly before press time. MATT DAVIS
