Bills target initiatives, campaign finance
The house rules committee will hold a hearing next Monday on two bills that seek to improve Oregon’s initiative process and provide more transparency to political contributions.
University reform gains momentum
The latest stop on the campaign trail for higher education reform happened last night at Portland State University, where education officials repeated many of their same proposals: less state regulation and line item budgets, more university control of tuition. More efficient and independent universities able to save on costs while expanding the reach and quality of education.
Legislators call for tobacco tax hikes
Anti-tobacco advocates are backing three bills slated to appear before the Oregon Legislature in the coming weeks.
Plastics industry builds opposition to bag ban
Opponents of the proposed statewide ban on plastic bags are pushing for an alternative measure that focuses on recycling the bags instead.
Mayor Adams travels to Spain to save Iberdrola presence
Mayor Sam Adams will travel to Spain to try to convince Iberdrola Renewables to keep its North American headquarters in Portland.
Paper sack makers join Oregon’s bag ban fight
If Oregon bans plastic bags, International Paper’s Beaverton grocery sack manufacturing plant stands to benefit.
Icahn wants Mentor Graphics to be sold
Billionaire investor Carl Icahn declared on television that he is unhappy with Mentor Graphics’ management, and that he wants the company sold.
24 million pounds of e-waste gets recycled
During the first year of a statewide ban on dumping electronics in the trash, Oregonians recycled more than 24 million pounds of electronics, or about 5 million pounds more than they did in 2009.
Icahn joins shareholder revolt
Angered by Mentor Graphic’s actions, investor Carl Icahn says he will nominate three directors to the company’s board.
Wieden mulls succession plans
Dan Wieden, co-founder of Portland’s advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, has started estate planning.