John Kroger wants to be an activist attorney general. Since being sworn in, he’s taken on predatory lenders, challenged the LNG terminal, and headed up the investigation of Mayor Sam Adams. Now he’s asking lawmakers to fund a new civil rights unit so he can sue Oregon companies that break our state’s civil rights laws. His request comes as lawmakers in Salem are facing a growing budget crisis and considering major cuts in education, family services, public safety and other essential services. Can we afford Oregon Attorney General John Kroger's vision?
This week, Dave talks with Oregon's top prosecutor about why we need a new civil rights division in the Oregon Department of Justice and what exactly it will do. Will this unit replace the work being done by the Bureau of Labor and Industry's civil rights division? Will the state pursue civil rights violations by other public agencies such as city police departments? Join us in the discussion of these and other questions this Thursday at 8 am on Voices from the Edge.
The conversation doesn't end when the program does. You can join in additional discussion of the week's issue on our blog at kboo.fm/voicesfromtheedge (click on the "blog" tab). You'll find additional information, important links, comments from other listeners and commentary from Jo Ann and Dave. Have a question for our guests, but can't call in during the program? Post your questions on line so we can make them a part of the Voices discussion.