First of two library public hearings on potential library closure attracts overflow crowd

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 14, 2026

Residents packed city council chambers at Tuesday's hearing on the Independence Library to protest with heartfelt conviction the threatened shutdown – and a couple of city councilors used verbal barbs to make their points at the meeting. 

Resident testimony showed deep affection and dedication to the city's library. 

But, despite Mayor Kate Schwarzler's pronouncement that "we absolutely do not respond to public comment," some councilors interjected remarks that seemed aimed at questioning the credibility of former Independence city managers David Clyne and Greg Ellis, who both gave public testimony. 

Clyne and Ellis offered their versions of how the library could be financially rescued, with Clyne pinpointing pages in the budget that he found in error and Ellis calling the water-sewer bill "a heavy burden" that could be lightened. 

"I don't think that there is anyone that wants the library closed," said Ellis, who was the chief petitioner of the referendum to put fees on the November ballot. 

Nearly 125 years ago, more than 90 percent of Oregon voters approved an amendment to the state constitution to create a referendum process. It allows city-passed measures to be put to public vote if enough signatures are obtained during a petition drive. 

Overflowing crowd, lots of public testimony on the library.

Resident Phoebe Klaer kicked off the public comments by noting that two years ago a levy to support the library, parks and museum failed at the ballot box, defeated by a majority of local voters. Then fees were introduced for the same purpose. "What part of 'no' do you not understand?" she asked. 

When this nearly $20 fee is added to city utility billing, an inability to pay it will mean possible loss of water services or, at worst, risking a lien being placed against her home. 

However, most of the resident testimony centered on their desire to protect the library. 

Rebecca Strader said she was disappointed the levy didn't pass – and supports a fee now to finance it. A library serves the community in so many ways, she said. It provides access to technology as well as books and other materials for community members who may be least able to afford them, she pointed out.

"The library is the center of our community in so many ways," Strader said. She urged the city to find a way to keep the doors open "for the good" of all. 

In other impassioned testimony, Jenifer McIntosh said the library is so highly valued by residents that she wanted the city to weigh a current spending choice – the hiring of an in-house attorney – against keeping the library open. Kelsey Elam-Genting, an Independence resident for 10 years, called it an essential "gathering place." 

Two residents testified they wouldn't have chosen to live in Independence without the library. 

A senior student at Central High School, Aaron Villeneuve (photo), spoke in favor of the library but issued a caveat to the city council. Independence should be "far more communicative with the public," he said. One way to preserve community trust in the future is to provide government transparency, he said. 

Other testimony in support of the library came largely from city volunteers for the museum and library including at least one resident, Jasper Smith, who has served in multiple volunteer capacities, including on the parks board.  Some didn't identify their city affiliation. Vickie McCubbin, who chairs the Heritage Museum Advisory Board, identified herself only as a resident. She also represented the city task force that recommended the fees when the plan was presented to the city council in a work session.  

Two different public hearings are required under state law to close a public library. The second one will take place in 90 days, according to City Manager Kenna West. 

Comments from council members were frequent and pointed. 

The hearing drew back-and-forth comments from the city council that questioned the referendum process and, also, the two city managers who offered fiscal solutions in their addresses to the city. 

At one point, Schwarzler – who had cautioned councilors against querying residents about public testimony – asked Ellis during his time at the podium about the article he was referencing when he told the mayor she'd said closing the library wasn't an option. Ellis wasn't certain of the date but suggested it was in the Statesman-Journal (Trammart News located it in the March 2, 2025 issue.) 

Councilor Bill Boisvert, after describing how he and City Councilor Evan Sorce have been going to the local farmers market to speak with community members said: "I've heard from at least five people that, when the petition came to their door, they were given false information or misleading information." In fact, one of the residents who testified, a local business owner, said she felt that had happened to her. 

After the meeting, Ellis issued an explanation. "Out of 937 signatures there were probably at least five that may have been confused – but they were never misled," he said. "I tried to be as clear as possible when asking for signatures and clear up any confusion." Is this an attempt to "denigrate" the referendum and the people who gathered the signatures? Ellis asked. 

In fact, many petition-signers said they'd never heard of the fees before he knocked on their doors, Ellis observed. 

In an announcement he has made before, Councilor Sorce called interfund transfers of past administrations "stealing," prompting Ellis to counter that, over the past four budget cycles under City Manager West, there have been unspecified transfers from utility funds to the General Fund of $2.3 million. 

Councilor Sorce called the transfers "inter-loan transfers," Ellis said, noting that he seemed to be conflating two different actions. "It is either “inter-fund loan” or an "inter-fund transfer,” he added. (When Sorce first used the term "stealing" to describe such inter-fund actions several weeks ago, Trammart News consulted two municipal accountants who called inter-fund loans and transfers a city-budget tool – one characterized as "hogwash" Sorce's label of "stealing.") 

Councilor clashed with former city manager Clyne and his rebuttal. 

In an exchange even Councilor Shannon Corr called possibly "petty," she asked City Manager West how many budget committee meetings were attended by the two former city managers, shortly after Clyne's testimony. West responded that she thought Clyne had been at one. 

After the hearing, Clyne stressed that he had contacted the city two years ago to offer his assistance – he regularly reviews the budget and lives in town. The offer to the city was spurned, Clyne said.

More recently, Clyne said he spotted errors in the current budget. "It’s been about a week since I notified them of the budget errors and nothing but crickets," Clyne said. He wonders why that wasn't addressed, he said. And, if it won't be explained, "why don’t they tell us all why it apparently doesn’t matter?" he asked. 

"My point was and remains that it is not necessary to raise the rates to keep the parks, museum and library open," he stressed.

"My whole argument is that if you lower water and sewer rates by the amount being raised for the community service fee, the result will be no net change to customers’ bills and they won’t have reason to protest or fear the closures," Clyne said. 

The mayor and council have repeatedly referenced the many hours they spent on the budget. 

Five key takeaways from council meeting seemed apparent. 

1. The only budget considered by the budget committee had the addition of the service fee. The budget included a provision for hiring more staff, including an in-house attorney and a new library staff member. Library Director Patrick Bodily explained that, under the current situation, when the library is understaffed, city personnel cover for lunch hours or other times library staff need "to step away from the desk." 

2. Some attendees asked about Clyne's message asserting the city was offering a "false choice." One asked: "Does it have to be as draconian as 'no fee, no library'"?

The city hasn't had time to work up the financials of all the moving parts, according to West, but she explained that the city is so financially strapped that there is no money for any but essential services. West said former police chief, Bob Mason, had already stopped about 50% of the transfers as interim city manager before she arrived; West declared it "best practices" to forego them completely, and the city council agreed. 

3. Councilor Sorce's insistence that past city managers were "stealing" from the citizens using fund transfers seemed to ignore the fact that city councils pass budgets, not city managers – and both city managers were strongly influenced by Mayor John McArdle, according to past meeting minutes. 

Former Mayor McArdle has declined comment sought by Trammart News. Corr, Schwarzler and Kathy Martin-Willis were among the councilors that passed budgets when McArdle was mayor. 

4. The museum building, with a value of over $800,000, has a mortgage and personnel operational costs that exceeds $150,000 annually. It wasn't mentioned at the hearing. It is now up for sale. It was purchased with a loan approved by several current city councilors. The council also approved expending additional funds for needed repairs and renovations.

The building was acquired when the city manager prior to West, Tom Pessemier, arranged for a loan after vacant property the city wanted to sell on Polk Street was found to have a deed restriction, according to a report by Trammart News at the time. That property, despite Pessmier's finding, is currently for sale. So is the museum building, which hasn't sold, though it remains "in negotiation" for a sale, according to a city council resolution passed this week. 

5. Trammart News inquired of the city's communications director, Emmanuel Goicochea, if the advisory issued by Schwarzler against querying residents during public comment applied to the hearing on the library, which generated discussion among councilors. (ORS 192.610–192.690)

There was no reply by press deadline; Goicochea typically doesn't answer queries from this local news outlet. 

However, information from the League of Oregon Cities, as imparted in informational videos on Oregon open meetings law, advises against councilor conversations about resident testimony. The most recent video encourages councils to treat all speakers equally, according to the LOC ("Elected Essentials,” January, 2025). ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 14, 2026

T.J. Bailey is a teacher at Central High School who's also the mayor of Falls City. Over the past several months, Trammart News has shadowed him at city council meetings in Falls City and has spoken with roughly 20 residents in the town about their mayor. Thus far, no one in Falls City has had anything but praise for Mayor Bailey. 

So, a feature profile – an interview with the city manager of Falls City about Bailey, followed by a Q and A with Baily – seemed both timely and appropriate. Bailey has been mayor for more than five years, a time when the city faced deep fiscal challenges like many across Oregon. 

The financial squeeze hit hard in Falls City, a town with a poverty rate of 20% and the lowest median income in Polk County. Even so, the city's financial situation has meant putting more revenue burden on its taxpayers, typically by rate increases. 

And, when the water rates recently were raised, the 1,200-plus residents were informed they will continue to be increased by 5% annually for the next 5 years. 

But there wasn't much of an outcry. Why?

One big reason is Mayor Bailey, according to City Manager A.J. Foscoli, who has been the town's chief administrator for the past six years. 

Bailey had been explaining and talking and hearing concern about it for months – by the time the increase was adopted, he had "buy in," Foscoli said. 

Bailey "lets people vent and gives some of these folks a little bit of latitude," Foscoli said. The over-arching aim is "to keep the streets passable and the water flowing," Foscoli stressed. 

Some Falls City residents show up regularly for city council meetings – sometimes the same ones and sometimes with harsh commentary. At times, the fault-finding seems like "tilting at windmills," Foscoli observed. 

But the mayor is unflappable, patiently listening and, when critiques are lobbed at him, he issues polite answers, Foscoli said.

A recent city council meeting provided an example: One woman pronounced strong disapproval of the vegetation that had grown in the city lagoons, asserting that clean-up was sorely needed. 

Most of it was duck weed, she pointed out. 

As it turned out, the invader was a water plant she actually liked. Bailey assured her that, after the alleged growth was addressed, he would make certain she received a bucket of the duck weed for home use. 

Bailey's listening skills and easy acceptance of criticism have paid off, creating a rare rapport with the community, Foscoli said. He added that, to outsiders, this constant relationship-building may look a little "country bumpkin." But it works, he stressed. 

In a question-and-answer interview at Backroads Coffee, which literally is the center of town, Bailey spoke to Trammart News about what it's like to be mayor in a place where nearly everyone knows his name, and he can't leave his house without being spotted by a constituent. 

TN: So, it looks like to me you have a lot of patience in those city council meetings, which bring forth quite a bit of criticism and interaction from audience members. You never seem to get angered by it and, often, you answer. This seems unusual. 

Bailey: I do think our city council meetings may be unusual to some. And I do get irritated, at times, but I try not to let it show. These are people who care enough to come to meetings, and they have something to say. And, really, one of my biggest responsibilities is to listen. 

TN: Do you think being a teacher helps? You teach language arts at the high school in Independence, right?

Bailey: Yes, to both questions. Classrooms have to be safe places, and by that, I mean to speak up and share observations. It's the same when I am mayor. Also, when you are teaching a class and maybe it goes a little off topic, you can make a readjustment. Same with city meetings. 

TN:  The  Socratic approach – back-and-forth discussion to reach a conclusion – is a familiar strategy for you, right? For many years, you taught AVID at CHS. It's my understanding from covering Central School District board meetings that this is an educational program that uses specific methods to help students build critical thinking skills and sound reasoning. 

Bailey: Yes, I can be very Socratic in my approach. 

TN: Well, I recall when an issue of a smoldering fire on someone's property was brought up. I thought, "well what can you do in the middle of a meeting?" But then the fire chief suddenly appears to talk about it. 

Bailey: Yes, I texted him. We had actually been trying to get that property to address some neglect, and they were trying to do so, but then they burned some things that actually had plastic and it smelled. And neighbors were upset .... 

TN: So, what can you do?

Bailey: Well, I think gentle persuasion works best. We really needed to educate them. We wanted some clean-up. And we've been on them about that. I really don't think you can be ... too hard ... when someone is trying to bring things up to snuff. I mean, I really didn't want to see them fined.

TN: But you had people disturbed about smoky, foul air. 

Bailey: Yes. So, the best way is through communication. In fact, the best way to do anything is through communication. Lots of communication. The fire chief showed up. We talked about it. We are still talking about it. 

TN: Can you give an example where you applied this principle elsewhere in your town?

Bailey: Water and water rates. It is something everyone complains about. Ours are low but they are going up. They are rising 5% a year. We needed to do that to keep up with demand, and to pay our sources, one of which is the Luckiamute Water District – and we have a good relationship there and we need to keep it. 

TN: So how does the communication piece come in? 

Bailey: When you teach, you see kids with all different personalities. Some like to read by audio books; others like to hold a book in their hands. Some like to hear information being read. Humans are like that ...

TN: So, you mean just apply different forms of communication?

Bailey: Right. Hold forums, put notices all around. In their water bills and hand-outs around town. Get people talking. Because then you can hear concerns, meet them where they are on this. 

TN: Independence is what I would consider working class in many respects. Not entirely, but not universally affluent by any measure. 

Bailey: We have a high poverty rate here. Anyone who wanted to talk to me about it, I just wanted to do so with them. You don't always get someone to agree with you, but you can usually get them to understand. 

TN: So, you got pushback on the 5%-a-year rate hike for water, I presume. 

Bailey: We had a water rate study from a consultant, so we spread the word on that. Also, we have some heavy users in our population, so they know they may be charged extra. We want to keep the water viable. Water and sewer are so important. 

TN: So, do you say anything that's convincing that others could use the same approach?

Bailey: It gets back to Socratic style. You aren't saying it's this way or that way as much as "here is another way to look at it, can you see that?" 

TN: But surely you must have some who really light into you over city business. I think that happens in every town. 

Bailey: Well, we have one guy. He is convinced that local governments are the same as embezzlers. What can you do? These people get on social media and you either have to let it go ... I think it is so important not to get caught in online arguments. I try to post in a conversational way, being business-like. 

TN: Well, okay, but you said you get seen around town a lot and people just approach you. What do you do if they are nasty to your face?

Bailey: I've had that happen over a letter I signed. It was put forward by Gov. Tina Kotek. Other mayors signed it, too. It was objecting to the way ICE was behaving. 

TN: Yes, I know what you're talking about. The mayor in Independence didn't sign it. 

Bailey: Well, I did sign it and one of our residents didn't agree. He was really upset. 

TN: How did you handle that? 

Bailey: I said I was signing it as myself, as a mayor who thought this deserved my signature and not to represent the whole town. I also said I agreed that we need immigration reform. Not this way. 

TN: Is there anything or anyone that helps you? I've heard it's lonely at the top! (laughs). But I'm sure it's isolating. 

Bailey: One of the things that really helps is reaching out, getting mentoring if you want to call it that. Beth Wytoski, who's in Dayton, is so wise and steady. Amy Houghtaling, on Falls City Council, is really good for me because she sees everything that is going on. Brian Dalton, who is the former mayor of Dallas. I really try to be like him. Even-keeled no matter what. 

TN: Anything else?

Bailey: Family, of course. I have a wife, a son and a daughter. You really cannot get too wrapped up in political life with kids. They let you know what and who is important. And let's see...there is Floyd, the labradoodle and Agnes, the pocket pit bull and two cats and chickens. And, oh, we are fostering a beagle right now. 

TN: So, do you have an acreage of some kind here?

Bailey: Oh no, we live in a cul-de-sac with a small yard (laughs). ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 14, 2026

A trail along Ash Creek in Inspiration Garden is now scarred by tree cuts – who's doing this and why? 

For years, trees along a trail by Ash Creek in Inspiration Garden have been a welcoming feature of Mt. Fir Park. The bark-covered path under their leafy canopy offers an escape from baking summer sun, a shady stroll along the city's signature waterway. 

Regular visitors to the park – like the daily walking group led by Independence resident Denise Amrich – use it on days when temperatures are soaring. 

But now this creek-side corridor – a place of wildflowers and chirping birds – is threatened by recurring vandalism (photo). Slashes in tree limbs and ravaged branches have been found over and again, according to David Gibbons, the volunteer caretaker who's made the trail such a special place to trek. 

It is threatened with long-term ecological damage, Gibbons said. 

"Even my repairs are being torn up," he said. 

These trees provide structural support and, if they die, the soil and vegetation can be eroded along the banks of the creek, which is home to many species of birds, noted Becky Jay, a master gardener who chairs the steering committee of Inspiration Garden. 

"One community member did report people cutting the bamboo," said Jay. "We think they may also have uprooted two of our large information signs and damaged the gate to the Rose Garden," she added. 

The investigation that resulted, and which now has been closed, ended with a referral to the juvenile department, according to Independence Police Chief Tino Banuelos. It followed another incident a few months ago, in which there was a report of damaged bamboo. "That has also been closed as it was resolved with a trespass notice to the responsible parties as requested by the complainant," Banuelos stated.

Tree vandalism in Washington State prompted that state's Department of Fish & Wildlife to predict this form of vandalism may be on the rise. In early 2025, the agency reported that vandals had used axes and chainsaws to damage or kill several trees at the Puyallup Fish Hatchery, a historic site with 111 acres of public trails. 

Last month, about a dozen trees were vandalized at Petersen Park in Eugene  – they were cut down and seriously damaged, according to a report in the Eugene Register-Guard. 

What is the answer? Two years ago, Jason Beukers, a Utah State student conducting research for his master’s of science degree, went looking for one. He surveyed all the scientific literature he could find on the topic of park vandalism. Some of the destruction is planned, but some of it is done by visitors who want to grab rocks, plants, flowers or other mementos. 

Education is key, including lots of signage and, when possible, instilling a sense of ownership and pride about the location, he concluded in his publication, "Park Visitor Education and Landscape Conservation."

At Inspiration Garden, the fear is that, without more intervention, the trail may degrade, causing loss of biodiversity, Jay said. "We know many people enjoy the path along the creek and hope they would report any person they see damaging the trees or bushes along the path," she said. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 7, 2026

A plan to avoid fees being added to the water bill is being introduced by two former Independence city managers who say there is no reason to shut down the parks, the library and the museum without taking a careful look at their proposal.

"These are savings choices that, taken together, individually exceed the amount needed by the city without increasing rates," said David Clyne, who served as Independence's city manager for eight years beginning in 2010. Both he and Greg Ellis, who was the city manager for Independence for a decade beginning in 2000, say the city can keep its community services – parks, museum and library – without putting fees on the monthly utility bill. 

Several attempts were made seeking comment from the city's communications director about the creation of the plan; He hasn't responded to Trammart News in two years, following a local press ban for contact with TN reportedly instituted by City Manager Kenna West. Both West and Mayor Kate Schwarzler were provided with the email to the communications director this week. There has been no reply from either. 

The Clyne-Ellis plan is being readied for public view, Clyne said. It is expected to be released on social media, probably as a video, in mid-August, he confirmed. It is titled "Options for Independence: A Menu for Restoring City Services Without the Proposed Rate Increases." 

Though the document was written by Clyne, Ellis said it has some "great ideas" and he supports it. Ellis was the chief petitioner for the referendum to put the fee on the November ballot – an effort he undertook only because he feels this decision should be put to voters, he said. "I am not against the fees, not at all," Ellis said. "I am for putting this in the hands of the voting public." 

Ellis and a corps of volunteers reached a level substantially above the needed number of signatures, which are now being evaluated for certification at Polk County Elections. 

The Clyne-Ellis presentation suggests three alternatives to sustain the parks, museum and library without adding the nearly $20 to the utility bills, Clyne said. Currently, the fee for public safety has dropped to $10 from $17, which would bring the total add-on to almost $30, he pointed out. 

One strategy involves temporarily reducing other expenditures – such as travel expenses, salary raises – to collect money needed now. The other would reduce utility rates by the amount needed – an approach that is being undertaken by the neighboring city of Dallas, according city staff members there. 

Outsourcing of some services like communication and legal counsel could be considered, as well, Clyne said. Hiring an in-house attorney, as West intends to do, would make Independence one of the few – perhaps the only town – of its population size to add a full-time lawyer to the staff, he added. 

The best way to meet the current need probably would be to take a look at the plan and "go with the least painful approach," Clyne said. That likely would be a combination, he added. But the "action steps" should be immediate, Clyne stressed. 

Using the 2023-2024 budget as the baseline for personnel costs – minus the police – Ellis examined growth in personnel costs paid by the General Fund. Over the three-budget year cycles, which ended with the currently-adopted budget, salaries had a combined increase of more than half a million dollars. Additionally, salary increases in other departments, including water, sewer and transportation, totaled more than $800,000. "It didn't take long for my calculator to figure this out," Ellis said. 

At the last city council meeting, West announced the city would begin closing down the parks, library and museum as soon as legally possible, prompting worry about the Riverview Park events in August. 

However, the non-profit responsible for putting on this year's Indy Days, "Friends of Community Parks" is expected to provide money to the city to prevent shutdown of the city's river-side park and amphitheater, according to city-affiliated sources.  As  of now, the Board of Directors has not voted to make a grant to the City of Independence. They are in conversations with both Monmouth and  Independence regarding potential projects that would align with their charitable purpose, according to a statement released by FCP.

At this Tuesday night's city council meeting, the first public hearing will be held on the library closure, according to the city council agenda. 

The city also intends to start charging for admission to the museum, according to the minutes of the Independence Heritage Museum Advisory Board, which noted West has issued that directive. 

Although the museum and library have shown few signs of the planned merger, which was pronounced last year, the iconic "Cavalcade Wagon" will be moved to a protected space in the airport-airpark area, according to a recent city report. Negotiations remain underway to sell the museum building, as indicated by the discussions that have followed the past two executive sessions on the property by the city council. 

Both West and Schwarzler have emphasized that other cities are facing similar challenges. However, the two neighboring ones alluded to – Salem and Corvallis – put such fees to a vote, and residents passed the measures. In contrast, Independence voters defeated a similar levy in 2024. 

Since then, other cities have decided to put community-service fees to a vote. The Ashland City Council, for example, is sending fee increases to the November ballot after first adding them to the water bill, similar to Independence. The public outcry was so intense that even after a referendum to put them to a vote failed, the city council voted 4-2 to place the issue on the ballot, according to a report this week from Jefferson Public Radio. 

During the budget session, Mayor Schwarzler was critical of the period preceding her election to the post by several years, when John McArdle served as mayor. City Councilor Shannon Corr and City Councilor Evan Sorce have blamed the two former city managers for the city's financial strain. However, city councils approve budgetary and financial policies – and Corr was elected several years before West was named city manager. 

Corr's voting record indicates approval of all budgets prior to West's appointment in 2022. 

Ellis and Corr will be vying for the same city council seat in November, with Corr as the incumbent and Ellis her challenger. 

Clyne and Ellis both offered to support West early in her appointment as city manager, by helping her understand the challenges they both faced managing Independence. West declined to take them up on their offer that was sent to her, as well as the city council, by ignoring their invitation, they said. ▪

(This article was updated on 8-7-2026 to include the statement from Friends of Community Parks.)

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, August 7, 2026

Property crime is a priority in Polk County, including retail theft – or, as it is commonly known, shoplifting. 

That's the message from Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton, who recently delivered a report on the activities of the DA's office to the Polk County Board of Commissioners. 

"Jail is what we have and jail is what we use, even at the misdemeanor level, " Felton said. "Our merchants need to know that." he said. 

Two years ago, the Oregonian reported that the Portland Police Bureau was arresting scores of suspects for retail theft but most defendants weren't being held in jail and a substantial number ignored court dates. News reports since then showed the same phenomenon has been occurring in other cities, ranging from Salem to Eugene. 

Other counties don't have the resources – the jail capacity to prioritize them – the same way Polk County does, Felton explained. 

"We're in a good place because our office is funded significantly through the Public Safety Levy," Felton said. However, the office has "great need" of a DA's investigator that similar-sized counties have on staff.

Cases in his office include adult felonies to adult misdemeanors, as well as juvenile cases, Felton said. The incidents range from driving under the influence to domestic violence, he said. The case load appears to be ticking up significantly: In 2024-25 there were 1,941 cases; this year that number grew to 2,021. Average caseload per deputy district attorney is 100, Felton observed. 

The cases are often complex, from murder investigations to sexual crimes. This past month, for example, Philip Mancuso was found guilty on four counts of first-degree sodomy and two counts of first-degree sex abuse, leading to a 50-year sentence. About the same time, Alonzo Rowell was sentenced to life in prison for killing his brother, Tony Miller of Dallas, two years ago.

The District Attorney's Office has eight attorneys, including Felton, among the 25-position staff. 

Referrals come from policing agencies across the county, and they all rose with the exception of Grand Ronde and the Oregon State Police, he said. But as a result of budget cuts from the state level, Polk County Parole and Probation ability to supervise offenders has been reduced.

In the future, technology upgrades will be essential – making information recording, filing and retrieval far smoother, Felton told the commissioners. But such installations can be expensive, Felton noted. And the transition to digitalization isn't always popular.

A few years ago, some of the deputy DAs “strongly resisted” giving up paper files in favor of digital records – almost kicking and screaming as the paper was removed from the office. Now they are quite used to it and much prefer the format, Felton said. ▪

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, August 7, 2026

Charity Eden has performed as Taylor Swift for fans around the world.

LOVER/The Unofficial Eras Tour has taken Eden to Japan, Kuwait, Canada, Bermuda and venues across the United States.

Even so, some of Eden’s favorite performances happen far from major cities. That makes her 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, appearance at Riverview Park special to her.

“One of the things I love most about LOVER is that we get to bring this show everywhere, not just major cities,” Eden said. “Independence is exactly the kind of place we love visiting. We’re excited to be part of the River’s Edge concert series and to bring a night of music, nostalgia and community to local Swifties.”

LOVER recreates the spectacle of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Eden and her touring company aim to capture the music, movement and shared excitement that have made Swift’s concerts cultural events.

The performance closes a River’s Edge season built entirely around tribute bands. Four of the six tribute acts made their series debuts at the Riverview Park amphitheater (photo): Grand Royale, a Beastie Boys tribute; Animals, a Maroon 5 tribute; Band After Midnight, an ABBA tribute; and LOVER.

The shows have drawn packed crowds throughout the summer.

“The appeal of tribute bands goes beyond a temporary fad – it speaks to their ability to deeply connect with audiences,” according to TSE Entertainment, a talent booking and concert promotion company.

TSE describes tribute bands as a way for fans to relive musical memories while introducing familiar songs to younger generations.

That cross-generational appeal is evident in Independence.

“What can I say? I am a ’70s music guy,” Jeff Wall said while visiting Brew & Tap.

Mary Parmer, a frequent visitor to Independence, said tribute shows give entire families a chance to enjoy familiar music together.

Swift is an example of an artist whose popularity transcends generations. LOVER takes audiences through 12 eras of her career, with costumes, choreography and visuals inspired by the original performances and backed by a live band.

“We take our audiences on a journey,” Eden said.

The size of Eden’s touring company varies by venue, but each performance includes musicians, dancers, technicians and support personnel.

Audiences see the finished production. They do not see the work required to move a show of this size from one community to the next.

“Running an international touring production requires countless hours of planning, logistics, rehearsals, travel coordination and creative development,” Eden said. “It has become much more than simply performing songs. It’s building an entire experience.”

That experience began taking shape three years ago, though Eden had no plans to become a Taylor Swift tribute performer at that time.

Eden found her voice singing in church and later served as a worship pastor for more than a decade. She studied music at the University of North Texas and performed throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene.

Then people began noticing similarities between Eden and Swift.

“I didn’t set out to become a Taylor Swift tribute artist,” she said. “I was already performing professionally as a singer and musician when people started pointing out similarities in my voice and appearance.”

Eden took those comments to heart.

“Over time, I realized there was an opportunity, and a need, to create something special for Swifties,” she said.

Her first performance as Swift brought excitement and pressure. Eden knew fans arrived with high expectations.

“I still remember feeling both excited and nervous before the first show,” she said. “I wanted to honor the music and the experience they loved.”

The audience response showed Eden and her company were on the right path.

“Seeing the audience respond so positively confirmed that we were creating something meaningful,” she said.

The production has been refined ever since.

“The transformation has been a gradual process over the last three years,” Eden said. “It’s involved studying performances, developing costumes, building a team, creating choreography and continuously improving every aspect of the production.”

The greatest challenge goes beyond singing the songs or recreating the costumes. Eden tries to capture the quality that allows Swift to connect with an audience.

“Taylor can make a stadium performance feel personal,” Eden said. “Recreating that connection requires more than matching a costume or vocal phrase. That connection is something I strive for in every performance.”

Audience participation helps create that connection.

“When an entire crowd is singing every word together, trading friendship bracelets, dancing and creating memories, that’s when I know we’ve done our job,” Eden said.

That involvement reflects the community surrounding Swift’s music. Children bring parents. Siblings attend together. Friends connect songs to important moments in their lives.

“The Swiftie community has been incredibly supportive,” Eden said. “What makes Taylor fans unique is how connected they are to the music and memories associated with it.”

Swift’s catalog allows the show to shift styles and moods while keeping storytelling at its center.

“People see their own lives reflected in her songs,” Eden said.

Fans may have discovered Swift during different eras, but Eden said the point of entry matters less than the meaning attached to the music.

“Whether someone discovered Taylor through ‘Fearless’ or ‘The Life of a Showgirl,’ there’s usually a personal connection,” Eden said. “That kind of emotional connection creates a concert experience unlike anything else, and that’s what makes celebrating her music so rewarding.”

Brent DeHart of Independence said River’s Edge tribute bands do more than create personal connections. They also energize the community. Resident Cynthia Crabtree described the shows as a form of musical recycling, giving familiar songs and experiences new life.

That energy will return for the series finale as audience members sing, dance and trade friendship bracelets as they listen to their favorite Taylor Swift tunes.

Idle Poets opens at 6 p.m. with a mix of jazz, blues, pop, rock and soul. LOVER performs at 8 p.m.

Admission is $10 per adult at the gate and includes both performances.  ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 31, 2026

Independence will move toward shutting down Riverview and other parks now that a referendum has been filed to put a recall of fees enacted to support them – and the museum and library – on the November ballot. It remains unclear whether August events will be allowed to continue. 

"There is no extra money floating around," said Independence City Manager Kenna West when she announced the decision for across-the-board closures Tuesday night at a city council work session. 

Mayor Kate Schwarzler asked if the planned festivities for August will be held, ranging from the remainder of the River's Edge concert series, the Fiesta celebration and the Central Lions Car Show. "That is a concern that has been brought up," Schwarzler said. 

West noted that closing parks is more complicated than simply posting a sign but that the financial status for keeping Riverview Park (photo) open for the next month hasn't been fully determined. The city's finance director, Amanda Carey, took temporary emergency leave so the "numbers" aren't yet available, West explained. 

The city will move as swiftly as possible for the closures, West said. The library, which has a state-mandated process for being shut down requires two public hearings. The first is scheduled for August 11. 

West didn't address her plans to hire an in-house attorney, which was underway –  the hire will make the city one of very few in Oregon of similar-population size to have one. Many small cities contract with firms specializing in municipal law or outside attorneys for city-attorney services on an as-needed basis. 

The in-house attorney is an example of a recurring cost not needed at this time, according to Greg Ellis, the chief petitioner of the referendum, which was filed last week for verification and certification by Polk County. The petition reached more than 900 signatures, surpassing the nearly 700 needed to qualify for the ballot. 

Schwarzler has attributed the city's financial woes to long-term former mayor John McArdle's administration, a time when Ellis was city manager, succeeded by David Clyne, Tom Pessemier and Interim City Manager Robert Mason, the former Independence police chief.

Schwarzler has since said she understands that these individuals were acting in what they thought was the city's best interest during their service. 

"We can't take MINET out of the ground," Schwarzler said of the city's municipal fiberoptic, which was co-founded with Monmouth and created serious city debt. "You cannot unbuild city hall," she said of the Independence Civic Center, which added millions in loans. 

Ellis said he was an advocate for MINET when he served as Independence city manager for 10 years beginning in 2000 and he supported construction of a new city hall. However, "the persistent referencing of MINET and the Civic Center are, in my opinion, to deflect from the issues they are experiencing today and their role in creating those issues," he said. 

The frequent reference to a structural deficit in the city is from recurring costs, and West is creating a new one by adding staff positions, Ellis said. The in-house attorney is the most prominent example. The situation helps to create "permanent fiscal mismatch" where ongoing, recurring expenditures outpace regular, ongoing revenues, he explained.

In a letter to the city council, Both Ellis and former city manager David Clyne, who succeeded Ellis, offered to assist West as a relatively new city manager, but no invitation was made to meet with them, according to Clyne. Now the two are working on a plan to show how money can be saved and allocated in the wake of this current crisis. 

"We  are prepared to help with options that will not require a utility rate raise nor the reduction in parks, museum and library services that they are threatening us all with," said Clyne. However, so far, all indications have been that the mayor and city manager would prefer not to meet with the pair.  

After serving in Independence, Ellis was city manager for the cities of Canby and Dallas, both with populations that exceed that of Independence by about 8,000 people. West's prior experience was in Willamina, with a population under 3,000 people. 

Early in her tenure in Independence, West called for a change in Independence’s budgeting that would prohibit using funds from one account, such as water & sewer, to be transferred or loaned to another, to bolster that account. She called the funds "buckets" and said it was “best practice” not to allow one to be used in another. 

Tuesday night West attributed this change to a council decision – the council approved the change in practice after she presented it as what some called "a cold turkey" switch-over. An email from Trammart News to West about this was answered with a standard email reply that information could be found on the city's website. 

The plan for sudden closures prompted City Councilor Dawn Roden to call for a renewed look at the budget, suggesting that cuts could be made. Roden noted that the city has never done any budgeting that provided alternatives for comparison. This approach, referred to as scenario-based budgeting, compares options and outcomes from proposed actions in building the budget. 

"There are more cuts that we could make," Roden said. West responded that there were no such opportunities – she has maintained the city has been "cut to the bone." West noted that 11 positions have been eliminated since she arrived.

The city’s response to the public's earlier vote on a levy aimed for the same community service funding seemed to have no effect on the recent fee adoption. In 2024, voters soundly rejected a levy to add to property taxes to support parks, museum and the library. Then, in the 26-27 budget building process, fees were approved to do so by the budget committee and the city council, with the exception of a dissenting vote by Roden. 

In contrast, a levy rejection for the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center in Rickreall sent county commissioners "back to the drawing board" as one of them put it. They have scheduled another levy, lower in cost, for 12 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed home value (see accompanying article). 

Additionally, County Administrator Greg Hansen found ways to forestall fairground closure amid funding shortages so that the county fair could be held next week. Hiring freezes have been undertaken at the county level, including leaving certain positions open at the Polk County Sheriff's Office, according to a report given late last year to the county's Board of Commissioners. 

Over the past weeks, Trammart News has been querying residents about why they wanted to sign the petition – several asked how they could do so, once signature-gathering was underway. Their responses are categorized below. A cautionary note: They represent only a narrow cross-section of the city population and can in no way be considered a representative sample of residents. 

1) Some residents want to vote on the fees. Several residents said they favor the add-on fees, but they expressed a desire to vote them in – a few see city budgeting as an improper means to put more cost burden on residents. One called it "opening a door that will let more of the same in, when times get tight." 

There is evidence of this; a $10 fee to shore up costs for MINET was rolled into the water-sewer bill and never rescinded to lower fees – it was absorbed into the basic bill. The fact that this happened was one of several reasons the late City Councilor Ken Day cited as an example of frustration before he resigned from the council years ago. 

2) Some residents lost trust in city government. Last year, West declared the city broke. This year, she wants a city attorney. West earns $188,000 base salary and neither the raises nor travel expenses have been substantially curtailed, according to city records. A four-day work week she promoted as cost-saving by being able to shut most of city hall on Fridays was disputed by former finance director Rob Moody, who said the effect on the budget would be negligible. 

The city manager also was given the new salary this year without identifying the sum and with no goal-setting evaluation or feedback from the city council, other than public praises by all but Councilor Roden. 

At Tuesday's work session, Councilor Shannon Corr said "people need to back off" from continuing to focus on the salary issue. 

3) A few residents suggest they were misled. The museum-library merger was announced with some fanfare last year, but the only sign seems to be a railroad display in the front foyer of the library. 

Though museum advocates have said the museum building sale is pending and the collection will be moved at that time, groups from the National Advisory Board for the Arts to certain academic historians have said the process of transitioning a museum to closure is a lengthy one. 

The ownership of every donated item has to be legally cleared and there are restrictions on some of the displays, as well as environmentally controlled storage that would protect fragile documents and exhibits, according to online descriptions, and noted in parts of the city’s draft-document for museum closure. 

Communication about such closures should be prioritized in part because emotions often run high, according to Paul Baker, a British heritage specialist who has covered the topic in his blog.

https://www.museumsthinkingdifferently.com/

4) Some residents feel city transparency is a myth. A nearly $3.9 million loan – with a source that went unidentified by the city council that passed it – was located by Trammart News with help from Stanford University's local news program. The $459,000 cost of the parcel for the new $55 million treatment plant was labeled as confidential. This news outlet reported both, after researching them in other ways, and the public seemed to take notice, thanks to council-watchers and former City Councilor Sarah Jobe who asked West for clarity on the loan. 

Jobe, who spotted the lack of identification of the origin of the almost $3.9 M loan, was given the "Golden Lark Award" for making a civic difference by Trammart News, shortly before her departure from the city council. The award includes a $250 honorarium to be given to a local charity. Jobe chose Polk County Fire District No. 1 as that recipient. 

Several residents noted the fact that the city's communications director was reported not to have answered questions from Trammart News for about two years, the result of a ban by West that bars answering questions from the local media, according to some on city staff. 

5) Some residents feel information isn't always right. From the shuttering of the municipal pool early in Manager West’s administration to the sale of the sports field, which was announced by Mayor Schwarzler, some issues have languished in the eyes of some in the community. The sports field sale hasn't taken place – but is said to be pending by city officials. The pool remains empty and surrounded by barriers. 

Comments were sought from the mayor and the city manager, as well as the city communications director, but no responses were received by publication time. 

City closure checklist:   https://independenceor.portal.civicclerk.com/event/2233/files/agenda/7695  

Paul Baker on museum closure:  https://www.museumsthinkingdifferently.com/post/how-to-close-a-museum-and-how-to-avoid-it

▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 31, 2026

Two city councilors, among others, have challenged me for living in Salem and not in Independence while covering news about the city. My office is in Independence, however. Councilors Evan Sorce and Shannon Corr, this essay is for you. I hope others find it informative, as well. It is the tale of two dogs, why I moved from a town I love, and how difficult it can be to experience a loss and get past it. 

Thank you, 

Anne Scheck, Trammart News & Publishing  

Every dog I have ever had is one like no other. But this little flop-eared, curly-haired canine was different in the best ways. 

Like all of our dogs, he was from a shelter. I'd skipped a paralegal class several years ago at Portland Community College to pay a visit to the kennel for rescues nearby. Out walking in the yard were volunteers with dogs and one young woman, on her lunch break from a hospital nearby, noticed I seemed mesmerized by a little yellow dog with a cocker spaniel face. 

She ventured over the fence. "This guy's adorable and he won't last long," she told me. "Do you want to adopt him?" 

I nodded. "Well, then, after they let the doors open, take a few steps, turn to your left and stand by that cage." 

I thanked her profusely. She gave me a wink and headed off toward the opposite side of the exercise area. 

When the door opened, I was first in line and followed her directions. This is how I got “Fido.” 

What a pal. If you ever had the pleasure of knowing Ken Lindsay DVM, he was Fido's doctor. Fido urinated on the floor every time he saw Dr. Lindsay. Every time. He never got used to the vet's office. 

Fido also was pronounced a cock-a-poo by Dr. L, who seemed surprised I didn't know that breed. "Well," I told Dr. Lindsay, "they sure are lazy." 

He looked at me with the same dour expression he always wore. "Never heard that about them," he said. "What would make you say that?" I explained to Dr. Lindsay that the dog never barked when someone came to the door, just lay on the couch, looking around and hardly moved except after being enticed into the kitchen for a full food bowl. 

Dr Lindsay was silent. Finally, he said: "This dog's been traumatized." 

You can imagine the guilt, shame and horror I felt. Immediately I asked for a therapeutic intervention of some kind, like medication. But Dr. Lindsay, who had a real economy for using language, had only a few words left to say to me.

"It will take time," he advised. 

Fido eventually reached a happy state of mind, or so it seemed to me, but his real enthusiasm was to follow me outdoors. He loved car rides (photo), long walks, seeing new places and, most of all, meeting other dogs. I believe this is why Fido died. He never really learned how to be wary. It put him on a path to be hurt, just as the same quality does in some people. 

One day a floral bouquet arrived, from Petals & Vines, and I was so glad to see it that I left the door open a crack while I spoke with the delivery guy, the late Dwight Triplett, who was the patriarch of the family that owns the shop. 

Fido sneaked out, but stood on the porch, as I kept one eye on him.

Through the confusion, I misunderstood Dwight to tell me the flowers were from the new publisher of the Itemizer-Observer, who apparently had heard of Trammart News. Does this sound absurd? It was. I'd gotten it wrong. 

But before I could confirm this, two large dogs headed down the front sidewalk with their owner paused at the driveway to our home. Fido pranced down the porch and raced over to greet them.

Even now, it is hard to re-visit the moment I realized the plaything being pulled apart by these two big dogs wasn't a chew toy. It was Fido. 

I stood still as stone. I couldn't move. It was like a scene on video that I couldn't believe. I heard a vehicle come to a screeching halt; a woman flew out and grabbed my dog. She laid him on the pavement. She screamed at the man holding the leashes to the dogs. She leaned down and by the time my feet carried me to the place where Fido lay, she was comforting him. We watched as the light faded from his eyes, he closed them, and his breathing stopped. 

The woman's name was Cat Porter. I will never forget her. I am unable to cry during crisis times in my life, and that day was no exception. I thanked her, over and again. But she must have wondered why I was so unresponsive. It must have seemed cold. She never questioned it – just kept extending sympathy about how awful this was, how horrible, how I must feel. "It is not your fault," was the last thing she said before departing. 

But it was my fault. It was all my fault. For trusting Fido. For being trusting of brute dogs coming our way, exhibiting no aggression. For concentrating more on conversation with Dwight Triplett about the flowers than all else. 

The Independence police were called. The man never apologized to me. I felt bile in my mouth every time I saw him. I kept seeing the scene replay at the bottom of the driveway. I thought I could get past it, but I couldn't. 

We put our house up for rent. We have a very nice tenant. When I go to visit the renter, I try to park on a side street and go to the back door. 

Ed Matteo, of Independence Nursery and Water Gardens, helped me pick out a dogwood tree on his lot. I planted it where Fido’s remains were buried. It grew and blossomed and now decorates my backyard.

Eventually, it was time for another dog, and the Oregon Humane Society had one that I could apply for. It was part poodle, too, a Maltese. I picked her up on a warm sunny day and she couldn't have been more excited. She was the polar opposite of Fido – exploding in energy when we arrived home after a short absence, jumpy and frolicking from the first day. 

She was no Fido. I decided she would be my husband's dog. Who needs this canine enthusiasm all the time? Not me. 

And that would be the end of the story, except this dog had different ideas. She followed me around. When my husband dropped her off at the kennel or vet, I was the one who picked her up. She seemed to recall it, never as nervous when I took her somewhere in the car. 

When she hopped on the bed at night, she would stare into my face before retreating to the foot of the covers. One time, when she injured her foot, she curled up in my lap, whimpering, and then seemed comforted for no reason at all except that I was there.

But she wasn’t Fido and I resisted all this attention until one day I could no longer shoo her away. Like a light switch in the heart, I suddenly felt a warm sense of companionship again. So, we settled on a permanent name since I had been calling her "the dog" and addressing her as "Hey you." 

Her name is "Porter," from the woman who never judged me during one of the worst hours of my life. It suits this little dog, who's ears are disproportionate and eyes everyone with an unstoppable gaze. 

And this story has another happy ending of sorts, too. A couple of weeks after Fido's death, I took a thank-you for the flowers – flowers he never sent – to the publisher of the Itemizer-Observer at the time. He must have thought me delusional. But we struck up a friendly acquaintance. When covid hit, Trammart News became a staple weekly feature on the paper's pages. 

During the pandemic, this news outlet would likely have folded without this added boost by the newspaper. 

I could write more about this, but I feel a furry paw on my forearm as I am typing and the weight of a persistent stare by two dark eyes. And, although I know she can't understand, I tell Porter that I have finally written down the reasons I moved from my home in Independence, and that I hope the two city councilors who have questioned me about not living in Independence can now understand why – if they bother to read this essay.

And then I tell Porter we are going for a walk. She does understand that. The high-pitched yelps begin and a happiness dance ensues ... ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 31, 2026

The Polk County Fair begins this week, celebrating 113 years of festivities that range from agricultural events to home crafts. But will it be the last one? 

Earlier this month, the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved sending a five-year levy to the November election that asks voters to pass a tax of 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to support operations, maintenance and improvements for the fairgrounds. Without its passage, the fairgrounds will be shut down, according to the commissioners. 

The Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center has been in the red for several years, reaching an annual deficit of nearly $350,000. The problem isn't use or attendance, according to members of the Fair Board for the Rickreall facility. Insurance premiums, material costs for refurbishment and technology needs all have been ticking up at a steady pace. 

The electrical and air-conditioning systems all need upgrades, and many areas – from the aging roof to the worn parking lots – need repair. How to meet these needs amid the threatened closure drew hundreds of people to the county-wide forum on the issue months ago, including 4H and FFA participants, vendors from the monthly Polk Flea Market and others who depend on the fairgrounds for meeting rooms and access to the full food preparation kitchen. 

However, it is the service of these grounds as a disaster center for wildfire evacuees during covid that has burnished the community memory, several attendees pointed out during the hearings on the fairgrounds. 

The levy measure would increase taxes for the average assessed-value home of $300,000 by an estimated amount of about $36 a year, according to the filing notice for the November ballot. The levy would raise more than a million dollars annually toward sustaining the fairgrounds. 

The fair begins Wednesday, August 5 and runs through Saturday, August 8. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 24, 2026

More than 900 signatures have been submitted to the Independence city recorder by Greg Ellis – an action likely to send a $19.65 city fee to voters this fall for approval. The number exceeds the 672 signed names that are required for the November ballot. 

The count by Ellis (photo) is 937, though the tally by City Recorder Myra Russell is 929. The final number is set to be confirmed by Polk County Elections, which will certify signatures that are verified as registered voters. 

The filing Wednesday by Ellis brings to a conclusion an effort that appears to have divided the city. Two city councilors, Evan Sorce and Shannon Corr, frequently posted online about it in ways that were described by others as belittling of petitioners. 

One of those gathering signatures, Independence resident Linda Gray, said she agreed with that characterization of Corr, who challenged Gray about her participation. 

Contacted by Trammart News for a response, Corr referred the news outlet to Emmanuel Goicochea, the city's communications director, with this explanation: "As a City Councilor, I use this email to address constituent concerns and to engage in city communication and communication with other government and government support entities only." 

Goicochea hasn't answered an inquiry from Trammart News in two years, the result of a city ban that bars replying to TN, which was imposed by City Manager Kenna West, according to city staff. 

Sorce and Corr both have alleged that Ellis, who was city manager of Independence many years ago, helped create the financial crisis that the city is said to be facing. Sorce has used the word "stealing" publicly to describe certain financial practices that moved money from one fund to another, a tool used previously but halted by the current city manager. 

Ellis has now decided to seek Corr's seat on the city council – she is up for re-election. 

Supporters of the referendum have said the city's administration and elected officials should have known there would be a negative public reaction. A levy vote in 2024 for funding for the museum, library and parks – the same trio of services for which the fee was approved – was defeated soundly.

The controversy over the fee has meant divided opinions on whether it is needed or how much is really required to support the services, which is not spelled out in the budget, according to another former Independence city manager, David Clyne. Clyne and Ellis have tried to meet with City Manager Kenna West and the city council to offer assistance and possible solutions but have been spurned, he said. 

Clyne called the response to the referendum's filing – threatened shutdowns, blame of previous administrations – "disappointing." 

"Many of our elected and appointed City officials are more concerned with their own egos than they are with possible solutions," he said. The pair is working on a set of suggestions that could mean no net increase to the community if enacted – and could provide a path forward, Clyne said. 

The major recommendations involve careful re-examination of personnel – the city's former finance director, Rob Moody, said reductions there are where "you get the biggest bang for your buck." Annual raises, PERS contributions and other benefits cause these expenses to continue to climb, Moody pointed out before retiring last year. 

Clyne concurs and has said the city is far from being "cut to the bone" as City Manager West has stated. From the Independence Public Works Department to the city communications, a top-to-bottom evaluation ought to be undertaken, he said. 

Additionally, since the charges for builders are substantially higher in Independence than most other cities, a second round of reductions of those should be considered. "I have been told there has been only one house built in the past year," he said. 

Also, better use of personnel could save costs. In a federal report on capacity needs for the city this past November, a team of experts found that promotion of the city was a weak spot. "The project team did not observe significant marketing efforts in Independence," according to the report. 

The referendum seemed to cause clashes on social media, including one from Vidal Pena, a visible community member and a self-described "ambassador good times, even during bad times." Pena urged signers of the petition to rescind their signatures if they had decided against it. However, under ORS 250.025, names cannot simply be removed by request – in most cases, identification is required. 

This focus on proper identification prevents individuals from claiming to be the name of someone who has signed the petition but didn't and requested removal from it in order to lower the signature count. 

This Tuesday, the city council meeting at 6:30 pm will be a work session to update the issue of possible closures of the parks, museum and library. It will be held in council chambers at city hall, 555 S. Main Street. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 24, 2026

John Swanson, a resident of Rickreall, is currently chief of staff for state Sen. Bruce Star. But not for long. It's a position he will be required to relinquish soon. Come January, he will be taking the oath of office for serving on the Polk County Board of Commissioners, replacing Commissioner Craig Pope, who didn't seek re-election. 

Swanson (photo) swooped in for victory like the swan logo on his campaign signs, taking flight to enlist support. 

Recently on a busy day at the State Capitol, Swanson took time out for a lunch-time interview with Trammart News. 

By the time the votes were counted, Swanson wasn't too surprised he'd won the primary. As the final days of the election neared, donor support and endorsements made him feel confident. Other experiences helped, too.

Failure provided early lessons. 

Earlier in his adulthood, Swanson, now 41, ran for a county commissioner position in Clackamas County, where he briefly lived after college. He lost. He also ran for state representative, and lost then, too.

Both were bad defeats in one way, but good in another, he explained. As discouraging as the losses were, they showed him he had a lot to learn about hitting the campaign trail. 

Lessons he took from the experience included the importance of "putting yourself out there"; To be "who you really are" – and, to some extent, not depend on pundit advice. 

Being well-organized helped, Swanson said. But it's sheer effort that pays off – the kind of effort he learned in his college days at Willamette University, when he worked summers in a plywood mill to pay for college. "It was hard, yes," he said. "But labor-intensive work is a good teacher." 

Coalition building was evident.

A successful coalition was formed among Polk County residents from different backgrounds: Swanson won support from farmers and small business owners, as well as from a wide swath of diverse residents. Initially, in Independence, Swanson's appeal seemed limited to conservative voters and moderate Democrats, too. But it was broader than that. 

"My relationships in town have been deep, prior to me running. Through church, coaching YMCA sports and cub scout leadership," he explained. "I certainly began with a lot of ground-level support in Independence." 

Vote counts from the Independence-Monmouth area, for example, exceeded those cast for him in Dallas – a city seen as more uniformly right-leaning. He attributes part of the uptick to his deliberate side-stepping of partisanship. In contrast, his opponent's endorsement by the Democratic party seemed to be highlighted.

"For a nonpartisan position like county commissioner you should be careful of that," Swanson said. "There's a simple reason for this: Once in office, scrutinous decisions have to be made – they're made under circumstances that require vigilance to all members of the public and to the county's bottom line in the budget. Your party shouldn't matter." 

Fund-raising and door-knocking. 

Swanson said he was bolstered by the many different donors who helped his campaign. Many of the 200 who sent his campaign money probably could be described as conservative, he acknowledged. But he carried a majority of a county that increasingly is called "purple" due to its nearly equal mix of Democrats and Republicans, though Republicans have a slight edge, according to polls of the electorate. However, Polk County is known as a "toss-up" county because there are more non-affiliated voters in it than those who are members of a political party. 

Swanson was endorsed by organizations ranging from the Polk County Association of Realtors to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, he pointed out. Some current elected officials also backed him, such as State Rep. Anne Scharf and Polk County Commissioner Craig Pope, who he will succeed. He was also endorsed by Lyle Mordhorst, chair of the Polk County Board of Commissioners and former county commissioners Mike Ainsworth and Jennifer Wheeler McQuade.    

Polk County legislators who endorsed Swanson included Sen. Bruce Starr, Rep. Lucetta Elmer, and (former) Sen. Brian Boquist. 

In some ways, they're similar to Swanson in across-the-board constituency: Neither Scharf nor Pope would have been returned to office without attaining fairly wide popularity, according to a political science consultant who was contacted for his views on how elections are won in Polk County. 

In fact, Scharf is considered to be unbeatable, according to impromptu interviews by visitors to the Polk County Courthouse by Trammart News. "She is really out there, with people," commented one. Her support of Swanson got him good notice, he said. 

"Anna encouraged me to run in the first place.” Also, Dawn Roden, councilor in Independence, is someone who gave me strong early encouragement and support," Swanson added.

Getting "out there" incessantly. 

Being "out there with people" is one reason Swanson believes he reached a majority vote. He knocked on doors, stood on porches to answer questions about his stance on issues, and struck up conversations in residents' yards "I believe that is so important for candidates," he said. 

But all that walking gets tiresome, and it takes time away from the job and family obligations. Swanson has a wife, a 10-year-old son and a 7-year-old daughter. "One thing that did help me keep going was thinking of them," he said, referring to his children. 

"What decisions can we make to help the world become a better place than they first entered?" he asked. When campaigning, Swanson tried to see days as a disappearing resource in the countdown to the ballot – once a day is gone, it never comes back and is a lost opportunity if not used as fully as possible, he observed. 

Swanson also pointed out that his children got a personal view of his commitment to public service while campaigning, which he hopes will influence them in years to come. 

Position on taxation explained. 

The signs that Swanson posted seemed solidly anti-tax to most who saw them. And Swanson agreed that he was all for the repeal of the gas tax – which he was a leader in organizing statewide. After Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 3991, which included a significant increase in the state’s gas tax from 40 cents a gallon to 46 cents, a referendum drive succeeded in putting it on the May ballot, where it went down to defeat. 

Swanson's campaign signs were his name with a Swan logo displayed. Two billboards said: "Save Taxpayers Money," which he explained was a reflection of his fiscally conservative values.

So how can Swanson be in favor of a levy to support the Polk County Fairgrounds and Event Center? 

"I have routinely championed stabilizing our county fairgrounds and often mentioned my past and future fairground levy support," he said. "My main two campaign events – kickoff and election night – were at the fairgrounds to draw attention to it."

Swanson said he fully supports the "Save Our Fairgrounds" movement. It is being taken directly to voters – not forced onto them, he stressed. Levies also tend to foster accountability – tax dollars are highly scrutinized, he observed. 

The fairgrounds impact many residents positively, from providing a place for disaster-relief camping, including for farm animals, to serving as a community center for 4H groups and other events, including the Polk Flea Market, which hosts scores of local vendors monthly. 

However, he stressed he'd like to see more emphasis placed on private partnerships with the fairgrounds, which has always functioned also as a public event center. "But we need to first examine the models where it works elsewhere," he said 

Swanson said he was proud of the campaign. There was no mudslinging. No insults were exchanged. "I remember Roxanne Beltz approached me early on and said, ‘let's keep it clean, OK?’ and I agreed with that, and we did." ▪

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, July 24, 2026

Declining transportation revenue, rising construction costs and lengthy planning requirements make it increasingly difficult to improve dangerous intersections while also maintaining existing roads, Polk County Commissioner Lyle Mordhorst said.

“The biggest challenge is that ODOT is broke right now,” Mordhorst said. “They don’t have the money to address the needs.”

Several Polk County projects are ready for construction once funding becomes available. None better illustrates the problem than the one proposed for the Highway 22-51 intersection.

Over a 14-year period beginning in 2010, 43 fatal crashes and 1,296 nonfatal collisions occurred at the intersection, according to Oregon Department of Transportation data compiled by PolkCo Scanner.

Efforts to improve the intersection began in 1996 but have been delayed by disagreements over property access, geological concerns and design changes, Mordhorst said.

The original proposal stretched from Rickreall Road to Doaks Ferry Road and originally carried an estimated $280 million price tag. Because funding the entire corridor at once is unlikely, the project was divided into eight segments.

An interchange at highways 22 and 51 is the top priority. Under the proposal, Highway 51 would cross over Highway 22, allowing traffic to enter and exit without crossing multiple lanes.

“It would look similar to the interchange at Highway 22 and 99W at Rickreall,” Mordhorst said. “It would be a whole lot safer because it would eliminate all those left turns.”

About 7,000 vehicles reportedly travel from Highway 51 onto Highway 22 each day. That number is growing.

“The intersection reached its capacity 15 years ago,” Mordhorst said. “By ODOT’s numbers, traffic is growing at 3 percent per year.”

Growth in Dallas, Independence and Monmouth will only add more vehicles.

“It’s not going to go away,” Mordhorst said of transportation needs. “Things are difficult, but you have to address the difficult things.”

ODOT is designing the interchange, but construction funding has not been secured. Mordhorst estimated the first phase would cost $50 to $55 million, with delays driving the price higher.

Improvements are underway at the Highway 22-Perrydale Road intersection, however. 

Straightening Perrydale Road will provide safer access for drivers turning onto Highway 22.

In addition, a roundabout is planned at the Highway 22-Kings Valley Highway intersection. 

Mordhorst pointed to the new roundabout at Highway 99W and Clow Corner Road (photo) as an example of how such an addition improves safety while keeping traffic moving.

Traffic signals offer a less expensive alternative than roundabouts and are effective at stopping vehicles. But they also create backups during busy periods and bring their own safety hazards, he said.

Funding is also needed to preserve existing roads.

“Not only do we need funding for the big safety projects, we also need funding for maintenance,” Mordhorst said. “It’s amazing how much red tape they have to go through to get a project built. I understand the need for oversight and accountability. But there has to be common sense somewhere along the line.”

Mordhorst cited culvert replacements as an example.

A standard culvert may cost only a few thousand dollars to replace. If it is classified as a fish passage, however, the project may require a bridge or concrete box culvert, along with environmental studies. Add-ons can increase costs significantly and may apply even when water flows through a culvert only a few months each year.

“To me, that’s not a fish passage. That’s a culvert. That’s a water runoff system,” Mordhorst said.

Polk County has hundreds of culverts, including 20 to 30 that need replacement.

“There are checks and balances everywhere you go, but a lot of these restrictions add so much cost to the projects that it eliminates how many projects we can do,” Mordhorst said. “It also adds time. You keep kicking the can down the road, and the projects keep building. You’re not catching up.”

Counties statewide face similar safety projects and maintenance needs on roads and bridges.

“We’re all competing with each other for funding from ODOT,” he said.

Safety is a priority for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, buses and freight traffic. With limited funding at the state and local levels, officials focus on the greatest needs.

“As these intersections meet their maximum capacities, we have to fix those congestion areas,” Mordhorst said. “Where people are dying, where there are car wrecks and pedestrians getting hit, that’s where we need to be putting our money today. There is not an infinite amount of money.”

Improved road design won't eliminate every danger.

Speeding on major arterial highways nationwide has increased annually since the first survey about 25 years ago, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is true locally, as well.

Polk County sheriff’s deputies reportedly increased traffic stops 26 percent from last year, from 807 to 1,017. Speeding on Highway 22 is a concern.

“You can’t fix human error, no matter how much work we do to these roads,” Mordhorst said. “Everybody has to pay attention, make good decisions and not gamble.”

This is especially important during the growing season, when large farm equipment moves between fields. The machinery may travel only 15 to 20 mph and can be wider than the roadway. Drivers should slow down and wait until it is safe to pass, he said.

“Those farmers are growing food for us,” Mordhorst said. “They have to get to and from their fields, and people should be patient with them. Give them a break, slow down and drive carefully.”

Mordhorst said an increase in transportation funding is needed if this trend is to be reversed.

“In my opinion, it’s dire,” Mordhorst said of current conditions. “The more infrastructure deteriorates, the harder it is to bring it back. We’re going to get to the point where roads get so bad that we can’t afford to rebuild them.” ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 17, 2026

OP/ED: Analysis

Trammart News undertook an analysis of why a movement was begun for a referendum to put a new, nearly $20 monthly fee to public vote after it was passed by the Independence City Council. In the opinion of this news outlet, several factors came into play. 

Viewpoints were gathered by speaking with members of the public at local coffee shops, at the Riverview Farmers' Market and at small events and larger ones, such as the recent Independence Days celebration for the Fourth of July. 

What follows is a collection of expressed thoughts, observations and comments from a random cross-sample of residents of Independence. It is neither a scientific poll nor a valid survey, but the findings offer a view of why signatures are adding up in town for a referendum – and why there's some apparent resentment toward city support for an add-on fee to utility bills. 

The city put a levy on the November 2024 ballot that would have charged property owners slightly more than $1.80 per $1,000 of their assessed home value to fund the library, museum and parks. But voters rejected it by a substantial majority. Late last month, the city council passed a monthly fee for residents that many see as a simple substitute for the levy failure. It would add $19.65 to the monthly utility billing. 

The city budget document available on the city website is complex, and it doesn't break down the costs to operate the museum and what it costs to operate the library – those are listed as a one line-item only, labeled “community services.” (https://www.ci.independence.or.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Budget-2026-2027-Adopted.pdf) 

Details requested of the city by Trammart News about operational costs for the museum and library have been met with silence. In fact, almost all of the emailed questions from Trammart News have gone unanswered and no phone calls have been returned. In contrast, members of the public have spoken candidly to answer TN inquiries. 

City Manager Kenna West has frequently mentioned that she has cut personnel “to the bone.” But there is no way of assessing in the budget how the city’s personnel were affected and precisely why new positions are needed outside of the advocacy for them by the city manager. For example, former city manager David Clyne, an Independence resident who still serves as an interim city manager for towns across the state, has questioned the need for hiring an in-house attorney. 

The city is served well by a law firm with municipal lawyers in various specialties and would likely have to rely on outside attorneys for future issues, too, he said. West did explain at one of the city budget meetings that need for outside legal referral would likely occur, even with an in-house attorney in place. 

Very few cities the size of Independence have attorneys on staff, and of those that do, several have decided against replacing them once they're gone, Clyne said. Recently, the East Oregonian newspaper featured coverage of the reasons Pendleton decided to contract with an outside law firm, after having an in-house attorney. 

As the push – and pushback – for the new fee continues, what does the public have to say? Those opinions have been compiled below. 

Residents appeared troubled that neither city staff nor elected officials see the levy defeat as a message from voters.

The fee was implemented by a near-unanimous vote of the budget committee, and following that, by a near-unanimous vote of the city council – with a start date this summer. Resident Doug Gray publicly called this action "taxation without representation" during a budget meeting and in an editorial for Trammart News. 

His view was echoed by several residents, including a local business owner, who said: "This whole idea of the mayor putting out a video telling us it isn't the same thing is absolutely insulting." Mayor Kate Schwarzler released a short video online that depicted the fee and levy as two distinctly different approaches. Trammart News was contacted by several residents who countered that viewpoint. 

That same opinion also was affirmed by the resident who filed for the referendum, Greg Ellis. He explained that his neighbors seemed to understand the difference between a fee and a levy and had presumed the resounding defeat of the levy sent a message to the city council about the public's opinion on the issue. 

Lack of recognition by city officials that public support for the library is far greater than for the museum. 

This love-our-library viewpoint seems widespread and surfaced early. So, Trammart News asked several of those affiliated with the library and museum if separating the two was possible on a ballot. The answer was no. According to one city staffer, the idea was "all will hang together so that if it sinks, it will sink everything all together." 

Many residents expressed deep loyalty to the library but questioned tax-funded financing of the museum, according to online comments and brief personal interviews. Now that negotiations are underway for the museum building to be sold, even more questions have arisen about why the fee cannot be reduced to cover only library and parks. 

Kimberly Jensen  PhD, professor of history and gender studies at Western Oregon  University is a supporter of the Independence Heritage Museum, which she considers an irreplaceable community resource. Quoting from findings by the  American Association of State and Local History, she said: "A  museum can help a community thrive and tell a shared history in which  everyone belongs." Jensen, who also cited the valuable experience the museum provided some of her students as interns, made her remarks during public testimony at a recent city council meeting in June.   

It probably should come as no surprise that residents may favor the library over the museum. Libraries don't simply house books, they carry the town's identity, as spelled out in an essay this past spring in National Affairs, an academic journal. 

After the late steel magnate Andrew Carnegie began his philanthropic campaign over a century ago to build libraries, they became the centerpiece of American towns. “No city or town, no matter how small, seemed complete if it lacked its own library," according to Stephen Eide, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute in the piece he wrote for National Affairs magazine this spring. Often libraries are in the most prominent civic location, he pointed out. 

Libraries have become even more vibrant in the intervening years, as hubs for computer use and community meetings. Meanwhile, in general, museums have seen a dramatic decrease in visitors. In 2025, the American Alliance of Museums reported that more than half of museums surveyed are facing downturns in attendance that haven't been seen in years. 

Independence resident Brittney Bettles, who graduated from Central High School about a dozen years ago, said the explanation of fading interest in museums lies in the technological change that's taken place. "I love museums but I do believe this a generational thing," she said. "Everything you want to find now is right at hand, by  keystrokes," Bettles said. "I just don't think there is the same desire for hands-on experience."   

This brand of learning seems to be replaced in some towns and counties by other outreach such as by pop-up exhibits, gatherings with guest lecturers and special festivals. "There is a cheaper, more equitable path toward creating culturally vibrant cities, one that requires less public funding and much less steel and glass," wrote Jonathan Wynn on why cities should stop building museums in an article 10 years ago for The Conversation, a non-profit academic magazine. Wynn is a professor of sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.   

A correction by Trammart News and a lingering question about public participation at meetings. 

Mayor Schwarzler was said to be against public use of social media to air city issues by Trammart News, which she said was in error and TN apologizes. "What I have said is that social media is not an official method of providing public comment to the City," she explained in an online post. "Official public comment follows a transparent process where we know who is participating and can ensure their comments are received through the appropriate channels," she said, adding that: "public commentary needs to be accessible and fair to everyone--simply put, social media isn't." 

However, city staff have confirmed that not every piece of correspondence sent to the city council or the mayor is included in a published agenda packet or distributed to the public in other ways.

Also, some residents have said they suspect public testimony is being ignored. City Manager West has been caught on camera on multiple occasions using her phone or shuffling papers during the three-minute testimony of residents at the podium. 

The complaints stretch back to annexed property on Stryker Road that was zoned as “heavy industrial” rather than light industrial, even though the applicant seemed amenable to that designation and despite the neighboring homeowners testifying in favor of it, as well. For several minutes during the council meeting discussion about heavy versus light industrial zoning, West read what business operations could go on if the property were annexed into the city as light industrial – but she read from the county manual not the city-zoning code. 

At the conclusion, one of the nearby residents, Melinda Short, said she was discouraged about the entire process. "It doesn't matter what we say, the city is going to do what it wants to do," she said. 

Asked by Trammart News if the same quote applied now, in the wake of the mayor's comments about using communication to the city to provide information from the public, Short said she had no reluctance about approving the same comment for current use. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 17, 2026

The news broke on the holiday weekend that a teacher at Central High School had been arrested, sending shock waves through the community during the city's Fourth of July celebration. To some, it felt like a sudden tragedy took over the town. 

Ian Imamura, the school's choir director and music teacher, had been taken to the Polk County Jail on felony charges for alleged crimes that include luring a minor and possession of material depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, among others. 

Questions surfaced asking how this could happen. Imamura was seen at theater events onstage during the spring, directing youth in performances and mingling with the families and others who attended afterward. 

At the annual pancake breakfast held by Polk County Fire Station No. 1 – which kicks off the day of the big fireworks show – conversation about the police report swirled. Trammart News asked Chaplain Freddy Moran, who was assisting at the event, if he could provide information that might help others find ways forward, as the case progresses and the start of school looms. 

Moran, the chaplain for the first responders of the Monmouth and Independence police departments and the Fire Department, later answered questions about a subject many didn't want to talk about but couldn't seem to stop from doing that. 

Moran said he is driven by an emphasis on faith, care and compassion and he shared some of what he has learned about the wake of such incidents. Others joined in, as well. All had valuable observations. 

One universal piece of advice is to be a patient, non-judgmental listener when painful feelings are being shared – and to empathize with that reaction.

The approach makes a huge difference, according to studies on the issue. Meeting expectations of professionalism regularly and consistently in these situations can impact student perceptions and how secure they feel in reaching out for help. 

That was one of the findings by Yvette Santana-Prado EdD, University Director of Student Conduct at the Central Office of Student Affairs for The City University of New York. Her dissertation, "Balancing Care and Compliance: Examining the roles of student conduct administrators in addressing incidents of campus sexual misconduct," assessed personnel in these positions – and found these individuals to be deeply committed to education but currently having to occupy an increasingly complex role. 

After such a disturbing occurrence, it's common to hear grief expressed as shock, Moran said. "You may hear 'I cannot believe this happened,' " Moran explained. 

"I can't believe it, either" affirms that emotional response and "I'm so sorry this happened to you" extends sympathy, Moran said. Those are two phrases he often uses, he added. 

"Let them feel that emotion," Moran advised. 

“Calm conversation" is the way to receive information that may be difficult to impart – and this is particularly true when it is a youth,” said Max Gutfreund, the prevention education project coordinator for Liberty House in Salem. 

At a training session this week held by Liberty House, Gutfreund cautioned that strong reactions can inhibit such talks. He cited grim statistics from Common Sense Media showing more than half of 13-year-olds have been exposed to pornography. Common Sense Media is a non-profit organization that provides educational resources to help families learn about online media and technology use by children. 

More than half of all teens encounter it accidentally, according to Common Sense Media. 

Central School District started the investigation into Imamura on May 26 and placed him on administrative leave the same day. As part of the investigative process, the Central School District administration contacted local law enforcement, which later took the lead with the  investigation, according to Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for the school district.

The partnership with the Independence Police Department, which issued a news release July 3, has proven strong and thriving, Mentzer said. 

But the risk of such disturbing events is that they can lead to a sense of deep doubt among younger people about adults, even respected role models. By some accounts, Imamura was a popular teacher. He was seen painting scenery on the side yard of CHS with students when preparing for a new musical. He oversaw them as they served Thanksgiving lunch to older residents who came to the school for that annual student-organized event. 

When teachers and other role models are found to be engaged in criminal activity, trust can be shattered in a way that impacts youth's view of adults beyond the single incident. "Their sense of safety can go right out of the window," said Ben Bobeda, executive director of The Gate Community Youth Center. 

But the same is true for colleagues. Research on the issue of sexual perpetrators indicates these individuals can be very difficult to spot under ordinary circumstances. They can literally be seen as the "nice guy next door," is one observation in scientific literature. 

Retired Independence Police Chief Vernon Wells, who once participated in such investigations, recalled that it was not uncommon to hear from neighbors: “He seemed like a quiet guy who kept to himself.” 

However, a significant barrier is that friends and colleagues can be disbelieving, failing to pick up on signs that otherwise might be seen as warnings. When a principal from a middle school in a community in Colorado, for example, was told a teacher was carrying books to class for a girl he was spending extra time with in his own classroom, the principal had a talk with the teacher, and it went unreported. 

Those at the school noted that the principal was a kind woman who failed to comprehend that a likable teacher was behaving in a way that couldn't be halted by a straightforward conversation. The result: a lawsuit by parents. 

In another example, a high school administrator in a California suburb warned a coach to stop sending such personal-sounding texts to a team player – but the texts resumed. The administrator apparently considered the coach a valued colleague and dismissed the student-to-teacher communication as a temporary lapse. 

Both cases resulted in the departure of the administrators who failed to report the incidents, according to local media. Both seemed to view the original behavior as a mistake, but an error that could be corrected. However, under the law, there is no room for individual evaluation and decision-making by educational authorities. 

"The legal reality is straightforward: teachers are required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect when they have reasonable cause to believe it may be occurring, and failure to do so can result in criminal charges, civil liability, and serious professional consequences," according to https://theedulaw.com/, a legal information site for educators. "Mandatory reporting is not a guideline, a recommendation, or something that can be delegated to a supervisor. It is a personal legal duty tied to the teaching role itself."

A second tragedy from such disturbing events is that it can lead to long-term anger for some who aren't necessarily directly affected. The resulting bitterness can impair the ability to move on, Moran said. 

"If you sit in anger, that doesn't happen," he observed. Anger can fester, causing a focus on blame rather than connecting and solution-seeking. Not all anger is bad, Moran said. "It can cause people to take action, to bring a community together," he said. 

Liberty House recommended reaching out for resources when needed, and provided links: 

Prevention Training: www.irespectandprotect.com/trainings

Safety Blog: www.irespectandprotect.com/blog

Tools and Resources: www.irespectandprotect.com ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 17, 2026 

This is a special editorial for readers of IndyNewsOnline.com by Trammart News.

Below is a letter that was sent to the city – and now it is being sent to you. 

The reason is this: It illustrates that answers to questions are important. But answers have been difficult to obtain under the current city administration. 

This now has become a worry. 

For weeks, Trammart News has sought to find out more about the water quality report – a report that was issued with information from the city that drew questions. One measure – of sodium – is at or exceeds the recommended state and EPA limits. An advisory in the report is to "take into account diet or health reasons; if needed, consult your physician." 

This could be a negligible finding, of course. I contacted professional individuals associated with other agencies and organizations, but they recommended that I go back to the city for the most reliable information. 

The city's report provided a number to call for an employee in public works, who's listed to answer questions about the report. Trammart News made many attempts to reach him and others without success. This week, priority mail was sent to the city, to try to get a response about the drinking-water report. 

My early training in journalism prioritized public safety in coverage. I am trying to maintain that standard, and I will keep trying. Thank you – Anne Scheck. 

Mayor & Councilors: 

Thank you. Trammart News is trying to pin down the operational costs of the museum, library & parks, as the news outlet continues to cover a referendum movement to place the fee of nearly $20 before voters – a fee that was adopted by the Independence City Council to pay for these services. 

The reason the information is important, in the view of TN, is that fee was approved in a year when staff positions are to be added, including a full-time attorney. Two former city managers presented evidence to Trammart News that: a) adding a full-time attorney is a relative rarity for a city with a population the size of Independence; b) the addition won't prevent need for hiring outside attorneys, as is the current practice. 

There is no wish by Trammart News to be seen as criticizing or supporting this move – only to report on it, in light of financial scarcity. Tracking tax dollars is a free-press mission, in the view of this news agency. 

I've included information from 2 previous budget years (attached), which announce community services (museum building) were to be closed due to lack of money. One preceded the levy vote. The other followed it. 

Additionally, I sent a portion of a then-unpublished article to the city in which I showed the questions about the referendum and answers – but no corrections or clarifications were requested from the city recipients. 

My main question is a simple one: Why has the city announced these community services will be shut down, if funds are lacking, three years in a row? The continued support of them would suggest there is some sustainability. TN seeks only to determine how operational costs are divvied up, in a dollars-and-cents way. 

The city rarely responds to Trammart News but I believe this issue merits a response. 

The mayor claims that Trammart News is a disruptive force –  the mayor made such statements on the heels of a shoulder-grab by the city's communications director for TN asking a question of the former finance director. The mayor has been reminded by TN that physically preventing Trammart News from asking questions is inappropriate and landed the city in...well, a bit of hot water, in the view of this journalist. 

There is now a communications director on the staff with a complaint of harassment that's been upheld. 

None of this questioning is ever done for any reason but this one: Answers are being sought for the public. 

Questions from the press may not be welcome to the city – and often aren't. That's very understandable. 

But accountability & the watchdog role of journalism is constitutionally enshrined. So, a person named Anne Scheck sure isn't very important at all, but the role as a news provider and the press is considered essential. 

Thank you, 

Anne Scheck

Trammart News & Publishing ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 10, 2026

Knocking on doors and braving the heat, Linda Gray is collecting signatures this week for a referendum to put a nearly $20 monthly fee on the ballot to "let the voting public decide" if they support it – after the Independence City Council approved the sum to be added to utility bills.

The revenue is needed to pay for the Heritage Museum, the Independence Library and city parks, according to the city. But questions have arisen about the basis for the fee, ranging from why it's sorely needed when the museum building is expected to be sold and where the money is coming from for the city manager to add an attorney to the staff. The lawyer position currently is being advertised.

Friends of the library and museum have published a flyer describing the "net fee" increase as $12.65, although that amount presumes subtracting $7 that is expected to drop off soon from the current  public safety fee of $17, leaving a $10 public safety fee. Some of the residents in favor of  the referendum said they were looking forward to the $10-per-month public safety fee as a reduction – and didn't expect a new fee to tick up billing to nearly $30.

Inquiries from Trammart News on these questions aren't being answered by the city manager or city communications director – they typically ignore requests from the local press. 

After the referendum for a vote on the fee was filed last month, the clock began ticking toward a deadline less than two weeks away. But it is more than long walks on sunbaked sidewalks that Gray (photo) is worried about, she said. 

Mayor Kate Schwarzler, who a few weeks ago advised residents against using social media to discuss city matters, has done so herself about the referendum – posting a message on a community page that some see as a warning about it. "Are these scare tactics?" Gray asked. 

Gray isn't the only one seeking an answer. Schwarzler triggered questions after she asserted in her online message that, as soon as the signatures are certified, the facilities will be shut down – the city apparently doesn't plan to wait for a vote on the matter. 

However, Under Oregon law, a city cannot suddenly shut down a public library, according to ORS 357.621. 

Outside experts confirmed for Trammart News that local governments must hold at least two public hearings – about three months apart – before withdrawing support for any public library. 

As a result, Trammart News has filed an inquiry with the Oregon Secretary of State about Schwarzler's published statement. Prior to submitting the inquiry, an email was sent to Schwarzler noting that the statute prevents a sudden library closure – and asking for a response.

TN also posted that observation online, beneath Schwarzler's statement, in an attempt to receive a reply. There has been none. 

The referendum is raising challenges by city councilors, as well. 

The chief petitioner on the referendum, Greg Ellis, was characterized by Councilor Evan Sorce as "stealing" during a previous city administration, in which money was often transferred from one municipal fund to replenish another. Ellis served as the Independence city manager more than 15 years ago. 

When asked about this, Ellis countered that Sorce seemed "not to know what he was even talking about" in terms of understanding city finances. 

Sorce also alleged – in a post online at a social-media page – that a proponent of the referendum, resident Mike Rhodes, wanted to do away with the fee. Then Sorce disclosed Rhodes lived in a specific neighborhood, apparently to underscore that Rhodes could easily afford to pay the fee.

Reached for comment, Rhodes said he supported the referendum so that the fee could be put before voters, not because of any complaint about the cost. He added that he was disappointed at the "callous" way Sorce had revealed personal information about him online.

"Honestly, people like him have no business involved in any public sector, because the public’s interest is not on their mind – only power, influence and control," Rhodes said. 

Sorce was mentioned by several residents as being closely associated with Rep. Paul Evans – Sorce had served as Evans' chief of staff several years ago. Trammart News was queried about the connection. 

When asked to comment, Rep. Evans responded: "Those involved who are my friends do not speak for me; I cannot speak for them." 

"While I’m grateful for the relationships I have forged over the past decades, I am not at all comfortable with some of the characterizations made," Evans added. "Everyone engaged in public service must approach their duty as best they can, regardless of family, friends, or outside influences." 

Evans observed that "a small minority of folks appear to (be) employing half-truths and misinformation." He stated that he hoped "all involved keep the best interest of the community in mind and advocate in a rational, reasonable, respectful and responsible manner." 

Sorce was provided with the email sent to Evans by Trammart News, but there has been no response from Sorce so far. 

Councilor Shannon Corr also took issue online with the referendum. She posted on the Trammart News Facebook page that Ellis, the chief petitioner on the referendum, burdened the city with a huge debt on the civic center without a public vote when he served as city manager. Corr said that she had asked Ellis about this twice and "he's ignored me" – Corr urged TN to make an inquiry. 

 
City managers don't have the authority to approve lending agreements for large construction projects – the Independence City Council voted for the loan to finance the Independence Civic Center. City Councilor Marilyn Morton, who also served on the council at that time, voted in  favor of it. Trammart News suggested that Corr contact Morton. 

When Ellis was contacted by Trammart News, he said he thought he'd answered Corr. Ellis provided an email showing that he had done so after Corr accused him of "incorporating some very unscrupulous tactics." The email showed that Ellis had written Corr back, although he focused on the referendum.     

The Oregon Constitution guarantees voters the right to conduct a referendum, which isn't the case in every state. 

When threatened with library closures, several Oregon cities have used the three-month time period for public hearings to consider alternatives. For example, in Grants Pass, the situation for the library seemed dire but ended without new taxes. Now a new building is being planned, with financing set to be from "diverse funding sources" that range from business sponsorships to tap-ins of federal programs, according to the Josephine Community Library Foundation. 

In Independence, a library-museum merger was previously announced as underway. 

It remains a possibility (see link for information:    

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1249721869721972 )

(Trammart News will continue to follow this issue, with an update a week from today.) ▪

By Lance Masterson

For Trammart News Service, July 10, 2026

It is the 20th anniversary of the cozy landmark on D Street known as "The Pink House," a historic home that was moved to its downtown location two decades ago with the intent of becoming a restaurant. That's just what occurred – and dining there is a step back in time. Trammart News asked local writer Lance Masterson to compose a feature on it, as the town moves into its full summer season. Below is a tribute to a place that is pink on the outside, homey on the inside and always serving good food. --AS

My wife Simone is the gourmet in the family, so I’ll let her take over these next few paragraphs.

Her assignment was to describe two of her favorite dishes from the Pink House Cafe in Independence. The cafe is owned by Maria Soto and her family.

First up for Simone is Friday’s special, the 5-cheese ravioli.

“Pairing spinach and cheese is truly a match made in heaven, though it can be risky. Maria wisely combined spinach, bell peppers, and high-quality cheese to create a superb dish,” Simone said. “The bell peppers were cooked al dente, offering a delightful experience for those who appreciate that vegetable. This light evening dish pairs beautifully with a Riesling.”

Salmon was next.

“Another delicacy from Pink House is their salmon, always fresh. No elaborate seasonings here, Pink House embraces simplicity without compromising quality,” she said. “Their salmon is always a treat, whether it's paired with a crisp salad and fresh fruit or served alongside creamy mashed potatoes drizzled with a vibrant lemon sauce.”

In Simone’s world, salmon is king and should be treated as such.

I’m not quite as eloquent or descriptive as my wife is when it comes to food. But I feel compelled to add my two cents. I do believe Pink House Cafe serves a pretty mean bratwurst. And their Bismarck Reuben is very tasty.

The restaurant, as the name states clearly, is an older pink house. Its interior design respects its humble origins.

“The restaurant's atmosphere is reminiscent of a cozy home, with family photos adorning the walls and evoking a warm, inviting feeling,” Simone said. “Tables are topped with towels that calls to mind ones found in every mother's or grandmother's kitchen, adding a comforting touch.”

Simone also mentioned how delicate flower arrangements, vintage china in curio cabinets, and eclectic touches such as old phones and wooden airplanes add their own charm.

“The sense of peace and hospitality is present throughout the space,” Simone added.

The Pink House Cafe has been satisfying local taste buds not long after former owner Paul Reiter moved the house several blocks north of its original location near the water tower. This was in 2006. It gave the structure a new lease on life since the City of Independence’s plan was to tear it down.

It took some three years of intense remodeling to turn the reclamation project into a dream.

Soto worked with Reiter for years before he decided to sell the business. Once Reiter made that decision, he didn’t have to look any further than his own kitchen to find a successor. That transaction took place in 2015. Sota and her family have been there ever since.

Freelance writer Lance Masterson interviewed Soto. Husband George and son Joaquin joined us for the interview. The interview that follows has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Lance Masterson: The Pink House Cafe has quite a history. What do you know about the building and how it ended up here?

Maria Soto: The house originally sat about a block away from where it stands today, near the water tower. Back in 2006, the city planned to tear it down, but former owner Paul Reiter stepped in and saved the house instead. The house was moved to where it is and restored. At that point, the movie theater across the street had not even been built yet. What people see today took a lot of work and vision to bring back to life.

LM: Tell me about the Pink House Cafe?

MS: Paul opened the restaurant in 2009. Owning a restaurant was always his dream and he saw something special in this house. We helped him open it and worked with him for many years before we bought it ourselves.

LM: When did your family become owners of the Pink House?

MS: We bought it on Oct. 1, 2015. Last year was 10 years for us. It was something we wanted for a long time.

LM: Why did you want to own a restaurant?

MS: I think it was the same dream Paul had. I worked in restaurants for about 15 years and worked for Paul for almost 10 years before we bought the business. Restaurants were always part of our family's life.

LM: As owner, what are your responsibilities?

MS: Everything, a little bit. I'm the chef, I do ordering, inventory and shopping. Mondays are usually Costco, Chef'Store and WinCo days. Even on our days off we're usually here getting ready for the week.

LM: Was becoming an owner intimidating?

MS: Oh yes. At first, I didn't think I could do it. I worried about my English and if I was ready for that kind of responsibility. Paul always told me I could do it. My daughters and family helped me a lot, too.

LM: The Pink House still feels very much like a family business.

MS: It is. Almost everybody in our family has worked here at some point. Our kids, grandkids, everybody helps. When customers come in, they see our family.

LM: Where did your love of cooking come from?

MS: From my family. My grandmother taught my mom and my mom taught us. Everybody cooked together. We made tortillas, beans, mole, all those things. My grandmother even had a small food business selling guajolotes, tortas and tamales.

LM: How important are family recipes to what you do?

MS: Very important. Some recipes came straight from my grandmother, including our chicken vegetable soup. Those recipes are part of our family, and some of them are on our menu.

LM: What do you enjoy most about the restaurant business?

MS: Making food and seeing people enjoy it. That's the best part.

LM: How much have rising prices affected the restaurant?

MS: Everything costs more. Eggs, meat, produce, everything. Things we used to buy for $100 can cost $200 or $300 now. It's hard.

LM: Have you had to raise prices?

MS: A little bit. We tried not to for as long as possible, but eventually we had no choice. We know our customers are dealing with the same thing.

LM: How difficult was COVID?

MS: Before COVID we were always busy. After that, things changed. Business slowed down and we lost some longtime customers, too. That was hard. It’s still slower than what it was.

LM: Are younger customers finding you?

MS: Yes, more than before. Social media helps a lot with that. My family uses Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, and I think that brings new people in.

LM: Tell me about the photographs and the other decorative items found around the restaurant.

MS: Some we bought and some people gave to us over the years. We even have pictures of people who lived in the house years ago. I think these pictures help tell the story of the building.

LM: Is the decor always changing?

MS: Always. I love decorating. Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, we decorate for all of it. Sometimes I see something in a store and think it belongs here.

LM: I have to ask you about the ghosts.

MS: Everybody asks about that. Some people say they've heard things upstairs or felt something in the building. I've spent plenty of nights here and I've never experienced anything myself, but the stories are part of the Pink House now. Legend has it that a former resident killed his wife and child in the house, before it was moved, and that one of them may be here. Paranormal experts checked the house, and they believe something or someone is here. Some of our diners come here because they’ve heard about the ghosts.

LM: What keeps diners coming back?

MS: Everything is homemade. We cook for our customers the same way we cook for our family.

LM: What does a typical day look like for you?

MS: We're usually here around 7 in the morning. We make biscuits, get coffee ready and start prep work. Breakfast turns into lunch and lunch turns into dinner. Before you know it, the day is over.

LM: How do you decide what makes your menu?

MS: A lot of it comes from listening to customers and paying attention to what people enjoy eating. We have our regular dishes, but we are always watching to see what people ask for and what becomes popular. Sometimes someone will request a specific dish for a special day or occasion. If we make it and our diners really enjoy it, then it may become a regular special or even a permanent menu item.

In the beginning our menu focused more on traditional Latin dishes. But over time we expanded because customers wanted to try different things. Their feedback helps with many of our decisions.

LM: Does that mean customer requests can eventually become menu items?

MS: Yes. If someone asks for something, like baby back ribs, for a Friday special and people respond to it, there's a good chance we'll bring it back again. If customers continue to ask for it, eventually it may earn a place on the menu. That's one of the ways our menu continues to evolve.

LM: Do you enjoy experimenting with new dishes and specials?

MS: Yes. On Saturdays and Sundays, we often introduce specials such as chilaquiles or huevos rancheros. We like giving customers something different to try and seeing how they respond. Trying new recipes keeps things interesting for us and for the people who come in to eat.

LM: One item that seems to be growing in popularity is the chorizo scramble. Has that surprised you?

MS: The chorizo scramble has become very popular. One thing that makes our version different is that we make our own chorizo here in-house.

LM: You make your own chorizo?

MS: Yes, we make it ourselves using our own seasonings and ingredients. That allows us to control the flavor and make it exactly the way we want it. We think making it homemade gives it a richer taste and helps set it apart.

LM: If you had to pick a favorite item to cook, what would it be?

MS: I really don't have one favorite dish. I enjoy cooking everything on the menu. Each dish is different and I like preparing all of them, so it is hard for me to choose just one.

LM: After 10 years as an owner, what goes through your mind when you walk through the doors each morning?

MS: Honestly, I'm still surprised. I walk through the door and think, "This is mine." Owning both the restaurant and the house still feels special. It's a lot of work and a lot of responsibility, but it is something we are proud of every single day. 

LM: How long has your family lived in the Independence area?

MS: We've lived in Independence for about 23 years. This community has supported us for a long time, and we've tried to give that support back through the restaurant.

LM: One final question — who does the cooking at home?

MS: My husband George does most of the cooking at home.

The family credits Paul Reiter, who began the restaurant and refurbished the home that it occupies, for helping them take over the business and for his continual assistance.

The Pink House Cafe is at 242 D Street in Independence, across the street from the cinema complex. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

According to Google, The Pink House Cafe is rated 4.5 out of 5.0. This is based on 479 reviews.

Call (503) 837-0900 for more information. ▪

Trammart News Service, July 10, 2026

Introduction: Local author Ricardo Rivera grew up in a migrant family in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. He published the story of those early years in a book called "Escape from the Magic Valley." It chronicles how he rose from an impoverished youth to the man he is today in Independence, a father and husband, who is regarded by the community as an example of the American dream. 

During these hot "dog days" of summer, Trammart News shares this brief story of a day from Rivera's working life as an adult – a slice of his personal history during a time of year when it is hard to imagine how anyone could be uncomfortably cold. --AS

By Ricardo S. Rivera 

After a brutal week of work, crawling in attics and under houses in upper 90 degree weather; I finally looked forward to a weekend of peaceful and relaxing rest. As soon as I sat under the cool shade of a mulberry tree a young female approached me. She must have noticed my uniform because she asked, “Are you an electrician?” I said “yes, what can I help you with?” She explained that her abuelo/grandpa was really old and that he had trouble staying warm. She said that her abuelo needed an electrical plug in his bedroom nearby his bed to plug in a small portable heater.

Sensing the urgency in her voice, I replied that I could at least see if I had access to a nearby circuit. Give me your abuelo’s address and I’ll gather my tools and material and head over.

My wife, Maggie, usually accompanies me so she can entertain the elderly couple as I tend to my job. As I arrive at their home I notice how small their home is. It’s unpainted and in need of some tender loving care. I follow a worn path to a side door leading to the kitchen. I am greeted by the Abuelita/grandma as she begs us to excuse her humble abode. I assure her that the aroma emanating from her beans, rice and salsa are richer than any palace could ever hope to be.

She smiled and offered me a plate but I answered that I’ve already eaten. She ignores me handing me a freshly made corn tortilla and she had dipped in the molcajete (spice mortar) full of freshly made salsa. I immediately rolled the corn tortilla and stuffed it into my mouth before Maggie could see me. Abuelita smiles seeing me devour her tortilla with such gusto. I thanked her deeply.

I soon hear the slow shuffling steps of el abuelo coming towards the kitchen as he is balancing himself against the wall. After a round of greetings I see the deep wrinkles on his face and the dork tired eyes. Both signs of the hard life that robbed him of a once vibrant life of his youth. Seeing his delicate state, I hurriedly asked him, “How may I help you abuelo?” With a trembling voice he asked if it was possible to install a plug by his bed so he could plug in a portable heater because he was freezing even though the temperature outside was in the 90s.

It took me thirty minutes to install the plug and the heater immediately started warming the small room. As I’m testing the install and picking up tools, I hear the nervous conversation in the kitchen about the cost of the project and how they could pay for it.

I interrupted and said, “Don’t worry abuelo, let me write you out a bill and receipt. Putting aside my tools and leftover material, I filled out a bill and receipt and handed it to him. He reached for his wallet and as he got closer to the light, he saw that the receipt was made out and it read: Paid in full for a fresh tortilla dipped in salsa. His eyes immediately filled with tears and the lump in his throat would not allow him to express his gratitude. Such a shame we didn’t’ meet sooner, but God sent us to them when others would not bother with such a trivial, unprofitable job. ▪

By Anne Scheck

Trammart News Service, July 3, 2026

There are a lot of fresh faces at this year’s Talent Show. And 15-year-old Cheyanne literally can lay claim to that specific label – she’s headed to the freshman class at Central High School this fall. 

But, when it comes to performing, "newbie" would be the wrong name for Cheyanne. This young songstress has been writing her own music since she was seven years old. 

Cheyanne learned to sing at a young age with her younger sister. She’s the middle of three, and also has an older brother. Both of her siblings like music, too. 

But it was Cheyanne who sat for hours as a kid, glued to YouTube videos, to master basic singing and guitar. And it’s paid off. 

Today, she’s scheduled to take the stage at the Independence Days Talent Show. She’s written an original composition and, by accompanying herself at the amphitheater this afternoon, she’s not just a soloist but a triple-threat to the competition. 

She’s been playing guitar for years, writing her own music and lyrics, and she's been onstage frequently at other events, such as community concerts. 

However, the Fourth of July celebration is special, she said. 

In fact, the Talent Show is a hands-down favorite for many at Independence Days – it gives local talent a place to shine and families and others a chance to see all kinds of performances, from youth comedy routines to dance numbers. It’s loaded with audience enthusiasm, fueled by the effervescent Vidal Pena, who emcees the event with a combination of infectious warmth and high-energy humor. 

The song Cheyanne wrote, “Trying Not to Love You,” is a ballad recounting how hard it is to get over someone who's been a close romantic partner, which is ironic because Cheyanne has not had that experience – ever. "I don't get to date till I am 16,” she explained.

But in her living room at her Monmouth home recently, you’d never know she’s not yet acquainted with major heartbreak. As her voice soars over the thrum of her guitar, the song reflects kind of pain and yearning for which Taylor Swift is so famous. 

But Cheyanne is not a “Swiftie,” she’s an Olivia Rodrigo fan, she stressed. 

Seeing her early interest in music, Cheyanne’s mother, Sausha, made sure Cheyanne got a piano to learn on – and the rest is history. Cheyanne, whose name appears as CheyAnne on some rosters, started composing right away. 

Blessed with the kind of vocals that both trill and croon, her singing voice exudes the kind of sweetness of a young Emmylou Harris. But it is Australian vocalist Sia she wants to emulate – she loves the singer and relishes the comparison. Sia’s international hit “Unstoppable” is a cross-generational favorite. 

Cheyanne has been involved in sports, too, and plays volleyball, track, wrestling and softball where she veers between the position of pitcher and shortstop. When asked whether she sees a connection between sports participation and musical performance, Cheyanne said she didn’t really see a link, even though both require good skills that are developed from a lot of practice. But, by seeing how hard her dad works for the family, she knows the value of persistence and commitment.

One commonality for both sports and music, though, is a need for self-reliance, she acknowledged. And both have taught her the value of learning to function in a group.

Listening to hear what others have to say and cooperating with them, even when it’s difficult, can pave a path to success, Cheyanne said. Criticism can be hard to take "but I am going to listen to see what I can do," she said.

Cheyanne credits her confidence, which allowed her to become an early performer at baseball games as well as talent shows, to her family – a family that has been unwavering in support of her. 

The Independence Days Talent Show starts at 4:30 pm. It is held in the Riverview Park amphitheater in downtown Independence. Entrant categories are: Children 1 to 11 years of age; Teens 12-17; Adults 18 and up.  To see the lineup for today, July 3, visit the link: https://www.friendsofcommunityparks.org/independence-days-2026 ▪

Introduction 

The Independence City Council passed an ordinance late last month allowing a new monthly fee of $19.65 to be placed on utility bills, to support the Heritage Museum, city parks and the Independence Library. The ordinance established the combined monthly charge of $11.50 for the library and museum plus $8.15 for parks. A levy for the same purpose was voted down by a large margin in 2024. It would have generated approximately $5.9 million over the five-year span of the levy. The new fee of nearly $20 would raise approximately $7 million over the same  period, according to TN calculations. 

In the editorial below, Greg Ellis, an Independence resident who is the chief petitioner on a referendum to put the fee before voters again, explains why he feels the fee should go on a ballot – so that residents can make the decision themselves. 

                                                                                           – Anne Scheck, Trammart News Service, July 3, 2026  

How the fee passed by the city council will impact those who can least afford it. 

By Greg Ellis 

Independence resident 

In Exhibit A, which was attached to Ordinance 1639, was Section 2-472 which stated that the Council may, by resolution “… direct that the adopted fee shall increase annually based upon the West Region CPI-U, which stands for the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers.” Assuming a 3% inflation rate, the amount of money collected in the fifth year goes to approximately $1.55 million for a total collected over the five years to approximately $7.6 million. The City of Independence has estimated that the fee would raise $1.4 million in the first year. 

At approximately the 27-minute point on the YouTube video of the June 23, 2026 City Council meeting we are told by City Manager Kenna West that the Community Services and Parks Fee is around $400 less per household than what the November 4, 2024 levy would have generated. The levy would have been about $630 per year per property if collected on the property tax bill and the fee is only going to be $230 per year per residential unit (collected on utility bill). 

Thus, by collecting from residential “units” rather than residential properties, the fee can be set at the lower $230 per year because it will be assessed on more units. In Exhibit A under Section 2-469(E) is the definition of “Unit”. That definition states: 

“Unit” means any residential or non-residential structure or any portion of any structure occupied for residential, commercial, industrial, or other purposes. For example, in a multi-family residential development, “each dwelling unit shall be considered a separate unit.”  (underline and italics added) 

Section 2-471(A) of Exhibit A states that “Service Fees shall be assessed to each unit of developed property.” In other words, the City Council has put a huge burden on the Multi-Family Residential Units, also known as apartments. Some, or all, of that fee will be passed on to the tenants. Why does that matter? Keep reading. 

In a nine-page Memorandum sent to the city’s Assistant City Manager Shawn Irvine and Planning Manager Fred Evander, dated May 12, 2022, FCS Group Consulting discussed the socio-economic characteristics of Independence starting on page 2 of the Memorandum. What they stated in the Memorandum was that the annual income for owner-occupied households was approximately $74,414, but for renters, the annual income was $40,625. The median income estimate of $70,600 for Independence would put three out of four households in Independence in a “low income” category, according to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development. 

On page 5 of the Memorandum, it states that owner-occupied housing represents 56% of the local housing inventory while renter-occupied units account for 44% of the inventory. The City Council is placing a fee on those that can least afford it. 

In the City of Independence, about 52% of renter households are rent-burdened or severely rent-burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Looking at just the severely rent-burdened (28% of renter households), more than 50% of their income is spent on housing. I believe the City Council’s adoption of the Community Services and Parks Fee will increase that percentage of renter households who are rent-burdened or severely rent-burdened. 

In Oregon, a local resident can challenge a local ordinance by referring it to the voters for their consideration. I am the Chief Petitioner on Ordinance 1639 and I am in the process of gathering signatures to get this on the November 2026 ballot so you, the Citizens of Independence, can have an opportunity to vote on this fee a second time. The Citizens of Independence voted this fee down already on November 4, 2024, as stated above, by a margin of 60%-40%. 

I’m not advocating for a “yes” or “no” vote on the measure. I just believe that the citizens of Independence should have the final say. If you would like to sign the petition to require a community vote on this new service fee, please let me know at glellis46@msn.com and I will get a signature page to you so you can help put this measure on the ballot this November. The city has told me I will need 672 signatures. ▪