Journalists throughout the state worked to bring you the answers in this issue
In terms of covering elections, newspapers traditionally sift through expansive pools of candidates (particularly during primaries) and narrow the field to a small group of ‘serious’ candidates. Often, this practice is in acknowledgment of how small most newsrooms are (Street Roots has a four-person staff, for instance) and the inability to cover every inch of ground. In some cases, the winnowing is done simply because an editor or staff believes, often accurately, that only a few candidates have a chance, regardless of coverage.
Listening sessions hosted by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, Rural Development Initiatives and the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication’s Agora Journalism Center showed Oregonians were tired of newspapers gatekeeping who should be considered a viable candidate. Voters wanted the opportunity to read responses to questions about hot button issues from each candidate, irrespective of each news source’s opinion about who should, or should not be, considered viable.
The May 4 issue of Street Roots is part of an attempt to accommodate that exact request from voters. Our May 11 issue, much of which we will publish online prior to the print release, will take a similar tack with candidates at the local level, albeit without the widespread collaboration that produced our May 4 issue.
Street Roots joined an effort with journalists across the state representing more than 40 publications and more than a dozen organizations, from Jefferson Public Radio in Ashland to the East Oregonian in Pendleton; from the Lake County Examiner in Lakeview to the Portland Tribune. Organized through the Agora Journalism Center, we worked collaboratively to craft detailed questions designed to elicit specific responses and submitted them to each candidate for governor. Only a handful chose not to respond, but more than 20 candidates filled out the questionnaire and returned it.
Answers from each candidate who returned the questionnaire are printed in the May 4 issue. Questions spanned forest management during the unfolding crisis of climate change, to child care, to housing, to jobs, to treatment for people experiencing addiction. There were so many questions and answers, we had to pare down which questions were included in the print issue issue, though the full range is available at streetroots.org.
There are many answers, including policy proposals, that raise the hackles of journalists — whether they are based on falsehoods and misconceptions, or are simply impractical. Aside from minor edits for length and clarity, Street Roots left the vast majority of answers intact, although a few outright falsehoods were removed. The format was not conducive to pressing candidates on statements that lacked merit, a concern voiced by some journalists during planning meetings.
After the primaries, however, Street Roots will scrutinize the remaining candidates and ask the tough questions our readers expect. We will delve deeper into the connections between who funded campaigns and who benefits from policy proposals. In the meantime, we encourage readers to exercise skepticism (and their search engine of choice) when delving into the answers provided by candidates.
Street Roots is an award-winning weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
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