Thanks for this story. I would love for you to pick up the story of the first black judge on the Marion county circuit court, Erious Johnson, being driven out by Amy Queen. Both Queen and the Salem prosecutor were hostile to Johnson and married to Oregon police officers. As I recall the police union donated to her campaign. I think it is important that people know that Marion county, the seat of Oregon government, has a sundown court.
I love investigative reporting, local news, and long-form journalism, so of course, I love the whole idea of The Western Edge! Go for it! And if you want an interesting historical piece on an unfinished job of investigative reporting, let me know. I worked for months on an investigation of corruption in the Spokane Police Department Vice Squad back in 1980. I got a couple of pieces in a series published in the Spokane Community Press before our corporate owners sold the newspaper out from under us to raise money to buy a savings and loan, right after Reagan de-regulated banking. We were just getting to the good stuff when that happened.
Amazing reporting, and so needed! As a Marion county resident, you’re shining a light on the dark parts of the government that are constantly overshadowed by sensationalist political campaigns (I’m looking at you, Julie Hoy!)
I was finishing up my Soc. degree at OSU in the early 90s , my class’ visited “the lifers’club” talks a few times. Inmates would come out into the audience & sit next to us and chat. I remember my female classmates cringed close to me & held my arm🫣🥹
I remember the debates we had about min/max sentencing law in class . I may have seen this guy , who knows
A VERY VERY long story--I mean, VERY long--story that canonizes a man who should be very happy that he is walking around free, courtesy of GuvKate. He shot someone in the back of the head, a far cry from a "crime of passion" or manslaughter. He's now free. 'Nuff said.
Thanks for this story. I would love for you to pick up the story of the first black judge on the Marion county circuit court, Erious Johnson, being driven out by Amy Queen. Both Queen and the Salem prosecutor were hostile to Johnson and married to Oregon police officers. As I recall the police union donated to her campaign. I think it is important that people know that Marion county, the seat of Oregon government, has a sundown court.
That story has always fascinated me, too.
I love investigative reporting, local news, and long-form journalism, so of course, I love the whole idea of The Western Edge! Go for it! And if you want an interesting historical piece on an unfinished job of investigative reporting, let me know. I worked for months on an investigation of corruption in the Spokane Police Department Vice Squad back in 1980. I got a couple of pieces in a series published in the Spokane Community Press before our corporate owners sold the newspaper out from under us to raise money to buy a savings and loan, right after Reagan de-regulated banking. We were just getting to the good stuff when that happened.
As a lifelong Spokanite (what a weird word, LOL!) I would like to know more about this!
I’ve very much been hoping for a deeper dive on this issue—thank you so much for this
Amazing reporting, and so needed! As a Marion county resident, you’re shining a light on the dark parts of the government that are constantly overshadowed by sensationalist political campaigns (I’m looking at you, Julie Hoy!)
Brought back memories
I was finishing up my Soc. degree at OSU in the early 90s , my class’ visited “the lifers’club” talks a few times. Inmates would come out into the audience & sit next to us and chat. I remember my female classmates cringed close to me & held my arm🫣🥹
I remember the debates we had about min/max sentencing law in class . I may have seen this guy , who knows
So glad to see this type of reporting. This illuminates local systems of power that have vast influence in our lives but little scrutiny.
Super interesting, and reminds me of some of the best WW and Oregonian reporting in the 1980s. Thank you for this!
Great reporting, like a mini “Hush” series. I’m excited to support this new endeavor of yours.
Thank you! So glad you see what we're trying to do here.
A VERY VERY long story--I mean, VERY long--story that canonizes a man who should be very happy that he is walking around free, courtesy of GuvKate. He shot someone in the back of the head, a far cry from a "crime of passion" or manslaughter. He's now free. 'Nuff said.