If an ATV falls in the forest, how many trees will be killed to tell the rest of us?

[May 16th, 2007]

Investigators for the defense won a battle—but not the war— to ensure the state pays their travel expenses in capital cases (See "A Dick Move," WW, May 9, 2007). Washington County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Kohl ruled last week that the state Office of Public Defense Services should pay all travel expenses for Tillamook PI Dave Panter while he investigates an aggravated murder case for a public defender in Hillsboro. Kohl says his decision applies only to the current case, dashing any hopes of an all-encompassing precedent. "I was kind of hoping it would be a cause célèbre for the entire investigative community ," Panter said. "But it didn't go there. It kind of left the door open ."

Even before votes were counted this week in the election to change Portland's city charter, City Commissioner Erik Sten was tightening his grip on key city agencies. Bob Durston , Sten's former longtime chief of staff, is moving to the Portland Development Commission , a frequent target of Sten's criticism. Durston will work on the redesign of downtown urban-renewal districts. Meanwhile, former Sten aide Marshall Runkel , a seasoned political operative, returns from a foray into nonprofit work to take a senior position at the Bureau of Housing and Community Development. Runkel will focus on raising money for housing the homeless, a top focus for Sten.

Uh-oh! The Oregon Association of Realtors ran into a buzz saw in its hunt for an even broader exemption from local taxes than its members already enjoy (see "A Real Break," WW, May 9, 2007). Sen. Rick Metsger, chairman of the Senate committee where the House-passed Realtors bill has landed, told Realtors this week that not only does he oppose their bill but he'd be open to reversing the local tax exemption they've already got. "I told them that if I can, I'll eliminate their loophole here," says Metsger, chair of the Business, Transportation & Workforce Development Committee. "And if not, I'd certainly support Commissioner [Sam] Adams if he tries to do so in Portland."

Add John Frohnmayer's name to the Great Mentioner's list of potential challengers to U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) next year. Murmurs hears Frohnmayer, who ran the National Endowment for the Arts from 1989 to 1992, is locked and loaded for an independent run. But the would-be candidate was coy when asked, saying only that he's watching closely for "an outbreak of bipartisan goodwill" before deciding. Meantime, Frohnmayer is teaching ethics and arts administration at Oregon State as well as writing a semi-autobiographical musical comedy called Spin about his days at the NEA under the first President Bush.

After one year and spending at least $30,000 in grant money on student recruiting efforts and planning, Jefferson High's Young Men's Academy has enrolled 42 students in grades six through nine. Doesn't seem like much compared with Portland Public Schools' 2005 goal of eventually attracting 400 Academy students in grades seven through 12. But it is a fivefold increase from last year's recruitment of eight students—numbers so low that the district delayed the school's opening from fall 2006 until fall 2007. This year's enrollment of 42 is apparently enough to open what's now being called the John H. Johnson Leadership Academy for Young Men, named after the late magazine publisher from Chicago.

CLARIFICATION: Regarding last week's cover story, "Raw Deal," the Jefferson Theater expects to remain open at its current location well into 2008. All existing entertainment programs, staffing and pricing remain unchanged. The Paris Theater will operate a separate program with free shuttle service between the two theaters. Finally, the $8 admission charge at the Jefferson West is good for 12, not 24 hours. WW regrets any confusion.