This fall, Portlanders will decide whether to continue their experiment with voter-owned elections. The question becomes more relevant in the wake of Citzens United vs. Federal Elections Commission, a recent Supreme Court ruling that removed bans on corporate campaign spending. This week, Jo Ann and Dave talk with Common Cause Oregon's Janice Thompson about the upcoming referendum on voter-owned elections and what else needs to be done to fix our ailing electoral process. 

Eliot Lipp didn’t choose to become one of the most looked to artists in contemporary electronic music, but somehow, Lipp’s sound, one that uses vintage gear to create a unique take on Hip Hop and House, has quickly garnered the respect among the industry’s most influential musicians and producers as well as the deep admiration among audiences worldwide.

Since being discovered by Scott Herren (aka Prefuse 73) in the mid 2000’s, and releasing albums on the cutting edge labels Eastern Developments, Mush and Hefty as well as backing the hype with a relentless touring schedule of influential live shows all over the globe, Lipp has quickly become one of the barometers for the revival of electronic music in the States.

Its been happening every decade since 1790. As mandated by the constitution, the U.S. Census Bureau determines the population of the nation, the results used to allocate congressional seats, electoral votes and government program funding. As census questionnaires start arriving in mailboxes this month, criticism of the census is heating up from all quarters. Right wing pundits characterize the census as part of the Obama administration's efforts to control citizens' lives. Republicans accuse organization like ACORN of distorting the results for political gain. Communities of color and other underrepresented populations worry that historic undercounting of their numbers will once again leave them without real political representation.

Joe Uris hosts a discussion of the proposed reorganization of the Portland Public School System. Last week the Portland School Board approved a resolution to reorganize the high school system. In less than two months superintendent Carole Smith must come up with recommendations that address equal access to programs, low graduation rates, the achievement gap and a loss of enrollment.

Tune in and weigh in on the issues affecting Portland Public Schools.