Salem-News.com Kulongoski articles

Governor Begins Second Term With Call For Unity in Moving Oregon Forward

Governor touts vision is shared opportunity and shared responsibility.

(SALEM) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski Monday, joined by family and friends, took the oath of office for his second four-year term as Governor of Oregon, calling upon all Oregonians to work together in building a brighter future for every Oregonian based on shared opportunity and shared responsibility.

Remembering the hard economy and divisive politics of recent years, Governor Kulongoski emphasized the moment of opportunity facing Oregon today and asked legislators and the public to join him in a commitment to bridging the divides and working together to turn “this great moment of opportunity into Oregon’s longest and strongest period of prosperity.”

Salem-News.com will have complete coverage of the 2007 Legislative session.

Big O Leap of Faith
Forced By Realities
In Media Open-Market

Board Split Bridged By Big-O Edit-Chief’s Own Choice.

(SALEM) - The top man at The Big O has proven his individual worthiness and professional character in his detailed statement today (10/22) about “the process The Oregonian’s editorial board and I went through to reach our conclusions”.

He is, of course, explaining not only the process but also reporting on the overwhelming surprise --to say the least-- forced upon the most friendly of readers by the endorsement of Ron Saxton published last Sunday as “a leap of faith”.

Flags to be Flown at Half-Staff Friday and Monday in Honor of Two Oregon Soldiers Killed in Iraq

For information on all American military losses overseas, visit iraqwarheroes.org.

(SALEM) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has ordered all flags at public institutions be flown at half-staff Friday in memory of 32-year-old Pfc. Dean R. Bright, of Roseburg and on Monday in memory of 22-year-old Cpl. Chase A. Haag, of Portland.

Bright died -- alongside three other soldiers -- in Taji, Iraq, on Oct. 4th. Bright was assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas.

Governor Announces Support For Nation`s First Commercial Wave Energy Project

Ocean Power Technologies has received a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to develop a project off Reedsport. The company now must develop an application for a long-term license to install power-generation buoys offshore.

(SALEM) - Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski announced Monday his support for what will be the nation’s first offshore wave energy project near Reedsport.

"I want Oregon to launch a new wave of alternative energy development, and I mean that literally," the Governor said. "By tapping the energy of ocean waves, we can move Oregon toward national leadership in renewable energy technology. Oregon’s investment in energy security will mean a healthier environment, a more reliable supply of home-grown energy, and good jobs for our state."

Governor Announces Manufacturing Productivity, Workforce Preparation Grant

The Governor said the $500,000 investment will increase workforce competitiveness in Oregon.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski has announced grants of $499,962 to strengthen partnerships in workforce training. The grants will go to the Northwest High Performance Enterprise Consortium to increase manufacturing productivity, cost savings, and workforce preparation.

Governor Unveils Plan to Strengthen Public Schools, Higher Ed

‘Education Enterprise’ will stabilize school funding, restore lost programs the Governor said.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski Tuesday issued the details of his "Education Enterprise," a blueprint for reducing class sizes, restoring lost academic programs, and expanding access to higher education for Oregon students.

"My Education Enterprise Plan will reduce class sizes and provide Oregon students access to a quality education, so they have the tools to succeed," the Governor told a gathering of school officials, teachers, and community leaders outside Stephens Middle School in Salem.

Governor Proclaims September Workforce Development Month

Lifetime learning critical for competitive workforce the Governor said.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski has proclaimed September as Workforce Development Month today, emphasizing that a trained, skilled workforce plays a critical role in Oregon’s economy.

“I am committed to keeping Oregon competitive in the global economy, and investing in critical workforce training,” the governor said.

“We’re helping build an economy that is competitive, strong and fair. Upgrading the skills of workers and job seekers is an important part of my economic strategy, and I appreciate the good work of WorkSource Oregon’s partner agencies and state and local workforce investment boards.”

Governor Urges Emergency Preparedness With Katrina Anniversary

Planning ahead can save lives and prevent tragedy the Governor said.

(SALEM) - With the one-year anniversary of the Hurricane Katrina Disaster Tuesday, Governor Ted Kulongoski urged families to develop basic disaster preparedness plans to minimize danger and injury.

"Hurricane Katrina brought devastation to the Gulf Coast, and the breaching of the levees brought unimaginable hardship and disaster to the proud people of New Orleans," said the Governor.

Governor Working on Bi-Partisan Plan to Put More Troopers on Oregon Highways

The Governor’s plan would add 125 troopers and beef up crime-fighting.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski says that he will propose a program to the 2007 Legislature that will strengthen the Oregon State Police by providing 24-hour, seven-days-a-week patrol coverage on Oregon’s highways, and beefing up criminal investigation and crime-lab services to fight meth trafficking, ID theft and other crimes.

“We must restore full capability to the Oregon State Police,” the Governor said. “For the sake of our troopers, and for the safety of our citizens, we must rebuild this critical agency. I am committed to fighting for the safety of our communities and adequate investment in our State Police.”

In 1979, the State Police had 665 sworn, fulltime troopers, the Governor pointed out. Because of successive budget cutbacks during the past 27 years, the agency now has only 333 -- about half as many, even though the state’s population has grown by more than a million, or 40 percent.

Governor Calls on State High Education Board to Make College More Affordable

Expanding Oregon Opportunity Grants will help more students.

(SALEM) - Governor Kulongoski urged State Board of Higher Education Friday to adopt a plan that makes higher education affordable for all Oregonians by the time this year’s eighth graders enter college. The plan, which expands the Oregon Opportunity Grants, is an integral part of the Governor’s Education Enterprise.

“When it comes to a college education, we need to help not only our neediest students, but our middle-class students as well,” said Governor Ted Kulongoski. “This is a plan that should appeal to everyone – because before a student can qualify for a state education grant, he or she must maximize resources from the federal government, from their own families and through their own sweat equity.”