Your Daily Guide

Oregon’s Democratic Governor Could Lose Reelection?

The largest poll of Oregon voters to date — commissioned by OPB — finds that Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan leads the Democratic incumbent, Gov. Tina Kotek — 46% to 44%, though that’s within the margin of error. The results come just weeks before ballots go out. [OPB]

• Drazan on Trump: Drazan and Kotek shared the stage last week at a recent Portland Business Journal forum. It was their only scheduled appearance together in Portland — and the first time they appeared together this year. Drazan, who has largely avoided discussing the president, took some steps to distance herself from Trump, criticizing already unpopular policies like the tariffs. [Oregonian / OPB]
• Gov. Kotek’s case: In case you missed it, Kotek sat for an interview with the City Cast Portland podcast, making the case for why Oregon should reelect her. She hasn’t been hesitant to mention the president, and argues she’ll defend the state from his policies. Drazan declined our request for an interview. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
• Debates: The candidates have agreed to three debates: Today in Eugene, Oct. 7 in Medford, and Oct. 13 in Bend. [OPB]

Republicans Considering New Climate Legislation

Seven years after Republicans blocked climate legislation with a walkout, a bipartisan workgroup of lawmakers is considering a cap-and-invest proposal — specifically, joining California, Washington, and Canada's existing markets for carbon emissions. In the years since Republicans killed cap-and-invest legislation, Oregon has put in place regulations requiring payment for carbon emissions — but the current program is more expensive for polluters than California’s. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

Reinstated Tsunami Grant for Hospital Reinstated

The Trump administration last year suspended a program that funded local and state governments’ efforts to address hazards — and with that decision, Astoria’s Columbia Memorial Hospital lost more than $14 million in federal money for a tsunami-related upgrade. A federal judge ruled late last year that the administration needed to reinstate the program, and the money was finally released this week. [OPB]

Pearl District Cancels Candidate Forum

The Pearl District Neighborhood Association canceled a City Council District 4 candidate forum after questions were raised about their selection of candidates — the three incumbents plus police officer Eli Arnold, from a field of 12. All neighborhood associations funded by the city are nonprofits that can’t take sides in an election; the city requires them to invite all candidates to any forums they host. When the city was notified of the forum, the neighborhood association elected to cancel rather than include other candidates. [Portland Mercury]

Each week, we feature favorite local spots and organizations picked by City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city.

This week’s even include a couple of timely event recommendations:

• “I'm teaming up with fellow author Ericka Lutz for two book readings. Oct. 3 at Oak Flats Vineyard on Belmont at 6 pm and Oct. 6 at Annie Bloom's Books at 7 pm. We have a lot to say about writing in these shaky times (in fact, Ericka's book is called San Andreas).” — Susan S.
• “The annual Portland Design Month, hosted by AIGA Portland, October 2-23! With 75+ events citywide, from inspirational presentations to hands-on workshops, the festival celebrates the massive creative power of Portland.” — Nathan B.-R.
• “Washington County Cooperative Library Services’ library of things [has] a lot of things … like multiple sewing machines, every kitchen gadget you can think of, and a ton of crafty supplies and tools, you can also check out sports equipment, board games, electronics, video game systems, tools, and outdoor movie screens and projectors. Sadly, no boats or people to wait in line for you though. But Washington County libraries do allow you to get a library card even if you live in Multnomah County, so if you sign up you'll have access to all the library of things as well as a lot of cool library perks like you mentioned in your [podcast] episode.” — Jon H.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!