WINNERS 1. Portland Public Schools get an "A+" for naming Jim Scherzinger the system's new chief financial officer. Scherzinger, who essentially wrote the current school-funding formula during his 14 years as director of the state Legislature's revenue office, is one of Oregon's leading experts on school finance and has a knack for translating complex fiscal matters into plain English. 2. The State Judiciary had a stroke of luck last week when Bob Tiernan unexpectedly dropped out of the race for state Supreme Court. Now voters will be spared an embarrassing knock-down, drag-out contest between the feisty Tiernan and his opponent, William Riggs. But Tiernan's explanation--that he wants to spend more time with family, fellow Navy reservists and business clients--has left some Riggs supporters worried that Tiernan may pull something from under those robes. 3. When Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Michael Marcus ruled that this year's proposed ballot measures about the County Charter violated state law, retired Appeals Court Judge George Joseph turned to his legal opponent, County Counsel Tom Sponsler, and said, "it looks like we're going to whup your ass." Marcus turned out to be the real winner for taking the time to rewrite the flawed ballot measures to the satisfaction of all parties.

LOSERS 1. Last week, the Cato Institute released a report arguing that states which cut taxes have revitalized their economies. Then it compared the taxing and spending habits of the nation's governors, ranking Gov. John Kitzhaber dead last and calling him "arguably the nation's most fiscally liberal governor." An "F" doesn't look good on anybody's report card--even if it's issued by right-wing activists back East. 2. Tri-met officials will be celebrating the long-awaited opening of West Side light rail this week, but last week Multnomah County District Judge David Gernant rewrote their proposed ballot measure to fund a South-North line, stripping out references to potential benefits such as reduced air pollution and better mall access. 3. As if preparing for the November election isn't enough, Secretary of State Phil Keisling will be forced to spend some time in the courtroom over the next few months. Keisling has been named in two lawsuits that say the state's method of counting signatures on initiative petitions was faulty.

 

originally published September 9, 1998