state politics

The Oregon Investment Council (OIC) approved investing $600 million of PERS money in Lone Star, a venture investment firm, at the end of January. This money is part of $10 billion Lone Star is seeking to buy up distressed mortgage lenders and faltering commercial properties. Is taking a bet on foreclosure vultures really a good deal? What do the candidates for Oregon Treasurer have to say about Lone Star’s scofflaw reactions when the foreclosed properties become public nuisances?

Former McMinnville city councilman, Bernt (Al) Hanson, has filed as the Democratic candidate for State Representative in House District 24.

Hanson, an attorney, is a longtime resident of McMinnville. He has run for various offices, including circuit court judge, and District Attorney.

The district featured one of Oregon's closest legislative races in 2006, when 3-term Republican incumbent, Donna Nelson, defeated Democratic challenger Sal Peralta, by 350 votes.