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working4change's comments:

on A Homeowner Bailout?

I have a conventional loan but am now unemployed.   I'm wondering if Tom can give us any links for consumers on how to navigate the refinancing process so that we can take advantage of lower interests rates.

posted 4 years, 2 months ago
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on Sam Scandal

I'd like to know the answers to several questions before I decide whether or not Sam should resign.

First, I'd like to know what's behind this revelation. Who gains from it? Why now? Is it the Willamette Week trying to increase sales with sensationalism? Does someone, a political entity or business interest, have an ax to grind because of an agenda Sam has recently impeded? Or, did Ball recede from public view only to vow revenge? My life experience tells me this is about power, not sex.

Second, I'd like to know more about his integrity and decision making process. Why did he ignore the advice of his staff and proceed to pursue the relationship? Why did he think that waiting til Breedlove was 18, would be a sufficient leg to stand on? How did he think the claim could be substantiated or refuted if the matter became public? Why did he ignore the political risk given how strongly most people feel about sexual relations with minors, even 17 year olds? What bothers me the most is that he ignored the consul of his staff and put his office in jeopardy. Further, the lengths he went to refute the claim are troublesome. Is this an indication of how he conducts himself in other city business?

If someone is out to get him for political gain, then I think his resignation isn't necessary. But, if an investigation reveals misconduct related to business dealings behind the allegation, then he should resign. The people behind the allegations should be discredited as well. The fact that they sought this form of redress implies wrongdoing on their part as well. If the only issue is that he made an exception and told a white lie to protect his political aspirations, his public humiliation is punishment enough.

posted 4 years, 3 months ago
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on Music for the Soul

Kathleen's comment about the disappearance of live music in our daily lives struck a chord (no pun intended) with me. I'd forgotten the power of live music until I had the good fortune to attend two performances, one by "Sweet Honey in the Rock, a vocal group, and the other by "Wynton Marsalis", a jazz orchestra. In both cases, I was overwhelmed by the accoustics which are unmatched by recorded music.

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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on Jobs In the Recession

Hi Monique,

It's www.workinginoregon.org. Look for the Imatch link on the lower right hand side of the webpage. It's a blue, green, and white logo.

posted 4 years, 5 months ago
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on How We Vote

I was an election worker during the 2004 presidential election. It was an exciting and unforgetable experience. I held on to my ballot this time with the intention of turning it in today so that I could relive that sense of community during this most historical time. As a precaution, though, I turned it in yesterday!

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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on As We Are: Ex-Convicts

Please describe your experiences looking for employment after release. Has your background presented a significant barrier to opportunities in the community? How are you coping? What assistance, if any, have you received? How do you feel having to compete for employment with undocumented workers whose backgrounds are traceless?

Would you accept employment in a state sponsored sheltered workshop designed to support people during the re-entry process, should one exist?

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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