Author: Lyndon Zaitz

What happens in Ukraine should matter to all of us

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the largest military action in Europe since World War II. Though Kyiv is almost 6,000 miles from Oregon, what is happening there is a concern for what may come next. Pundits try to understand what Vladimir Putin’s goal is. He is concerned about NATO encroaching[Read More…]

Hold the line just a bit longer

Mask mandates in Oregon are expected to be lifted by March 31, if not sooner. That is welcome news to everyone, especially students and their parents, who have been vocal about those requirements. Oregonians have a month yet to adhere to the mandates that have done so much to keep[Read More…]

A new chief

By time you read this Keizer will have a new city manager. After press time, Wednesday, the Keizer City Council met in a special session to interview the three finalists for the top management position in the city. Adam Brown, current city manager in Ontario, Ore.; Eileen Stein, current city[Read More…]

The city enters middle age

The city of Keizer is turning 40 years old in 2022. When voters approved incorporation in November 1982, Keizer became Oregon’s 13th largest city. The impetus to become a city was in part not to be annexed by Salem. Keizer was created as a limited services, low cost city. Keizer[Read More…]

Keizer’s 2021 honorees

The Keizer Chamber of Commerce announced winners at its annual First Citizen Awards at a banquet Saturday, Jan. 22. While the awards may be presented by the business organization, the honorees should be feted by the whole community for the impact they have had on Keizer. The First Citizen of[Read More…]

2022.2?

Several weeks ago I wrote about how January brings an opportunity to shape how the new year will be. I am always optimistic that things will turn out alright. What other choice do we have? I am not ready to concede that my optimism was misplaced, but three weeks into the[Read More…]

Violence is never the answer

A number of recent surveys reveal that up to one third of those polled agreed that it is justified for citizens to take violent action against the government. We saw that in real time on January 6, 2021 at the nation’s capitol in Washington. That number should startle everyone. The[Read More…]

2022: Gloomy to bright?

For many people, this past year has signficantly outstripped 2020 as annus horribilis (a year of disaster or misfortune). Everyone will be forgiven for celebrating the new year with wild abandon (but, celebrate responsibly—don’t drink and drive). Take your pick for what made the past year practically unbearable for you[Read More…]

Council goes for a Starr

To fill a vacant council seat, the Keizer City Council had a rich and diverse roster of applicants to chose from at a special session on Monday, Dec. 20. After two ballots the council voted for Shaney Starr, an excellent choice by any measure. Starr currently serves as executive director[Read More…]

A seat on the city council

Thursday, Dec. 9 is the deadline to submit a letter of interest and a resume for those who want to be appointed to the vacant Keizer City Council position. Applicants will be able to make a brief presentation and take questions from the sitting councilors on Dec. 20. This is[Read More…]