OPB’s First Look: The non-gas taxes

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Good morning, Northwest.

The election night failure of Measure 120, which would have increased Oregon’s gas tax and other fees, came as a surprise to almost no one.

But what about other taxes on people’s ballots? OPB’s Elizabeth Miller and Holly Bartholomew report on how levies to fund schools, libraries and, yes, even roads fared this week to start today’s newsletter.

In other news, Wallowa County became the third in Oregon to end its participation in the Greater Idaho movement.

Here’s your First Look at Friday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

Despite hearty rejection of gas tax, Oregonians are far from sour on all taxes

Oregon voters this week soundly rejected a statewide measure that would have increased gas taxes and vehicle registration fees to fund transportation.

On a local level, the opposite happened: Voters passed every measure funding roads closer to home.

Support for local taxes didn’t stop there. Despite rising inflation and a souring economy, voters passed or renewed more than 40 taxes for libraries, local schools and in some cases fire and emergency services.

Across the state, Oregon voters weighed 66 local tax measures in the May 19 primary election. Forty-two of them appear to be passing. (Holly Bartholomew and Elizabeth Miller)

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3 things to know

• Portland city councilors have spent hours exhaustively debating tweaks to Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget. They have failed to agree on substantive changes. (Alex Zielinski)
• A Clackamas County jail deputy is behind bars following a criminal investigation into his off-duty behavior. Benjamin E. Lyman, 44, was arrested yesterday on eight separate criminal charges, ranging from harassment and strangulation to criminal mistreatment and interfering with making a police report. (Troy Brynelson)
• Longview schools Superintendent Karen Cloninger was arrested yesterday morning on charges related to a student sexual assault investigation at Mark Morris High School. (Erik Neumann)

Northwest headlines

• Portland State professor seeks $7 million in discrimination, retaliation lawsuit against university (Tiffany Camhi)
• Oregon Gov. Kotek announces new effort to help housing shortage for seniors (Lauren Dake)
• 3 years after joining the Greater Idaho cause, Wallowa County votes to stop talking about it (Antonio Sierra)
• Columbia County jail will update US Marshals policy after Oregon sanctuary lawsuit (Shaanth Nanguneri, Oregon Capital Chronicle)
• Eugene emergency physicians, PeaceHealth finalize new 3-year contract (Tiffany Eckert, KLCC)
• After fourth bicyclist death in less than a year, Eugene officials again discuss safety plans (Julia Boboc, KLCC)
• Oregon files lawsuit seeking $10,000 from former player who transferred to Oklahoma (AP)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• ODOT reflects on failed gas tax and future of transportation funding
• Central Oregon records steep decline in people experiencing homelessness, according to latest count
• Oregon Community Foundation investing $100 million to build the state’s housing supply

One more look

Superabundant recipe: Elderflower sours bring a bit of flower faerie magic to your mid-May days

It’s said that elderberry wine is a gateway to the faerie world, and sprinkling a fire with elderberries invites faeries to one’s gathering.

Elder trees also can be found in English and European folklore.

Meanwhile, elderflowers are a beloved symbol of Nordic spring and the berries have been used in medicine for millennia.

You can also make a delicious syrup to add to magical summertime quaffers — in this case, an elderflower sour. (Heather Arndt Anderson)

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