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Opinion
2349 posts
Editorial: Charlie Kirk murder prompts unpleasant questions about ourselves
It’s probably no surprise that, after recent events, I’m one of many who are questioning where we are…
September 16, 2025
Friendly silence not always right answer
Editor: A few days ago a young woman was stabbed to death on a Charlotte, N.C. light rail…
September 9, 2025
Will Rogers demonstrated critical thinking with grace
By Paul F. Petrick The Aug. 15 Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage would have been perfect for Will Rogers.…
September 9, 2025
Editorial: ODOT signals need for change
As reported on page 1 in this week’s issue, it looks like Sweet Home is not only going…
September 2, 2025
Editorial: Showdown in Salem may test legislators’ desire to raise taxes
Earlier this month, I intended to write about something important to me personally, but which I admit is…
August 26, 2025
Editorial: Community should give School Board space to rectify
It should go without saying that the way things have played out in the first month of this…
August 12, 2025
Community leaders agree: We need Birth Center
Our community cannot afford to lose the birth center at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Doctors, nurses, our local…
August 5, 2025
Editorial: Demise of Oregon Jamboree opportunity to get innovative again
I’m sure I’m not the only one to hear lots of mixed reactions to the fact that this…
August 5, 2025
Editorial: Recent government processes prompt questions about timing, motives
In 40-some years as a newspaper journalist, I’ve covered a lot of politics. And I’ve spent a lot…
July 29, 2025
Dear Editor: The Sweet Ride Charity Car Show for Kids was a success
Editor: This year was great – music by DJ Michael was right on, and the weather was perfect.…
July 22, 2025
Dear Editor: Loss of Oregon Jamboree hurts
Editor: I owned Trash to Treasure for 13 years, first downtown across from A&W and then I moved…
July 22, 2025
Dear Editor: Fluoride decision process flawed
Editor: Placing fluoride into a community water system is a very controversial subject. This is a topic that…
July 15, 2025
Dear Editor: Fluoride decision ‘deeply troubling,’ ‘alarming’
Editor: The recent decision by the City Council to repeal the fluoride ordinance is deeply troubling — not…
July 15, 2025
Opinion: ‘Affordable housing’ anything but – especially for taxpayers
By Randal O’Toole So-called affordable housing is anything but affordable. Instead, it is mainly a scam that benefits…
July 1, 2025
Opinion: Bill would hold ODF accountable to fulfill promises on sustainable timber sales
By Madilynne Clark Overpromising and under-delivering has been the habit of Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) for decades,…
June 24, 2025
Opinion: Needed probing news coverage could bear fruit in Salem
Back in our April 2 edition I wrote about how Oregonians need the Oregon Journalism Project – coverage…
June 17, 2025
Opinion: Permit fees, not taxpayer bailouts, should fund water agency shortfall
By Madilynne Clark Should permitting agencies receive increased funds? If budget increases are justified, should finances be increased…
June 10, 2025
David vs. Goliath: Oregon bill offers lifeline for journalism, democracy
This op-ed was coauthored by The Chronicle, Columbia Gorge News, Lake Oswego Review and The Oregonian/Oregonlive, and endorsed…
June 3, 2025
Words to Community from Samaritan CEO Marty Cahill
An Open Letter to Our Colleagues, Leaders and Community: As I wrap up my first week as CEO…
May 27, 2025
Opinion: Autonomous in Oregon?
Washington legislator offers new spin on rural-urban divide. By Randy Stapilus Oregon Capital Chronicle The idea of Greater…
May 20, 2025
Editorial: Finding new ways to thrive
People frequently ask me how The New Era is doing and the answer, happily for those who wished…
May 13, 2025
Cellphone ban would be good start to educational turnaround
The Oregon House of Representatives made a move last week that has sincerely good intentions. The House approved…
April 22, 2025
Reader offers her own historical recipe
Editor: I really enjoy Roberta McKern’s monthly museum stories. Her latest ended with “poor man’s pudding,” which did…
April 15, 2025
Learning basics starts at a young age
Editor: I had the opportunity to teach kindergarten to many in our community and know your families. What…
April 8, 2025
Editor: How low, misguided can you go?
Editor: “Abortion Provider Appreciation Day” declared by our Governor in Oregon (3/10/23) has got to be the lowest,…
April 8, 2025