Election Day is getting closer, and the decisions being made in Salem and across Oregon will have a real impact on our communities!
On today’s Newsmakers at Noon, Denise and Hunter welcomed Chris Cummings, candidate for Salem City Council Ward 8, to talk about his campaign, the issues facing Salem residents, and the final push to get voters to the polls before November 3.
We also revisited the growing opposition to the Salem-Keizer School District’s proposal to close six elementary schools. State Representative Kevin Mannix has joined those questioning the proposed closures of Cummings and Englewood, adding another voice to the concerns being raised by parents, students, and taxpayers.
Are district leaders really listening to the families and communities affected by these decisions? With a final school board vote expected December 8, there’s still plenty to discuss.
We looked ahead to tonight’s Keizer candidate forum, featuring mayoral candidates Cathy Clark and Amy Ryan Courser, along with city council candidates discussing taxes, public safety, development, and infrastructure.
And with just 13 days until Election Day, Oregon’s governor’s race between Tina Kotek and Christine Drazan remains competitive. Both candidates are working to win over voters as concerns about housing, affordability, homelessness, taxes, education, and public safety take center stage.
Local elections matter, school board decisions matter, and your vote matters!
🎙️ Missed the show? Catch today’s Newsmakers at Noon podcast and stay connected to the conversations shaping Salem, Keizer, and Oregon.
https://kykn.com/podcast/newsmakers/
Links from Today’s Show
Rep. Kevin Mannix weighs in on proposed school closures
https://www.aol.com/articles/mannix-weighs-proposal-close-cummings-155239000.html
Salem-Keizer elementary school closure proposal – OPB
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/10/09/oregon-education-salem-keizer-schools-elementary/
Keizer Candidate Forum — October 21
https://northwestkeizer.org/event/2026-keizer-neighborhood-associations-candidate-forum/
Oregon Governor’s Race — Kotek vs. Drazan
Political Candidate Disclaimer: Newsmakers at Noon and KYKN provide opportunities for political candidates to share their views and discuss issues important to our communities. A candidate’s appearance on the program does not constitute an endorsement by KYKN, its management, or its hosts.
