Lookout PM: Kotek makes reelection campaign official

Good evening,

I’ve got to make this quick, because the office holiday party is getting set up and there is food to eat. So without further delay, some political news today:

It wasn’t unexpected, but Gov. Tina Kotek made it official this morning when she announced she will indeed be running for reelection next year.

And in Springfield, activist and progressive organizer Ky Fireside said they will run for the legislative seat now held by Democrat John Lively, who has said he will retire at the end of his term.

Eugene School District 4J brought two school budget experts in to speak to community members who serve on the budget committee about what they can and cannot do, as deep cuts loom.

Eugene police said they arrested a man yesterday who had eluded officers attempting to pull him over and who was later found with a pipe bomb in his vehicle. Jaime Adame reports.

A letter to the editor takes issue with an opinion column we ran recently suggesting the kicker tax refund is an unnecessary giveaway to wealthy people. The letter writer today says he’s “tired of class envy.”

What’s on your mind? Send us a letter, too. (350 words or less, please): lte@lookoutlocal.com

Have a news tip on something we should cover: newsroom@lookoutlocal.com

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DAILY DIGEST

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek confirms she will run for reelection

By Shaanth Nanguneri / Oregon Capital Chronicle

The governor framed herself as a champion of the state’s values and someone who will stand up to President Donald Trump, but she also faces being held responsible for a sluggish economy, a housing crisis and soon-to-be-increased gas and vehicle taxes.

Progressive organizer, archaeologist to run for Springfield legislative seat

By Shaanth Nanguneri / Oregon Capital Chronicle

Ky Fireside, who has been active in the opposition to license-plate reader cameras, has filed to run for the seat that will be vacated by the retiring John Lively.

Man arrested after pipe bomb found in vehicle, Eugene police say

By Jaime Adame

A man suspected of eluding police after an attempted traffic stop was later found outside an apartment, and officers found an explosive device in his vehicle, authorities said.

4J budget committee members receive training on their role, with deep cuts on the horizon

By Lilly St. Angelo

Eugene School District 4J brought two school budget experts in to speak to community members who serve on the budget committee about what they can and cannot do, emphasizing that members cannot make programming decisions, only recommendations.