Welcome to What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, host Jacob Espinoza sits down with County Commissioner Converse to discuss Marion County government, public service, and the challenges facing Salem today.

Topics covered include:

Understanding Local Government

• How county, city, state, and federal governments work together
• The historical origins of county government in Oregon
• Why counties are essential but often misunderstood

The Commissioner's Journey

• From lawyer to county commissioner: the personal story behind public service
• Why local relationships matter in politics and governance
• Balancing ambition with genuine community care

Current Challenges & Solutions

• Homelessness and addiction in Marion County: policy, compassion, and accountability
• The role of law enforcement and social services in addressing a crisis
• How the 2020 wildfires tested the community and led to recovery

Building a Better Salem

• Why public safety matters for community revitalization
• The importance of unifying around shared values, even during disagreement
• Creating a Salem where families feel safe and the community thrives

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:34 - Understanding levels of government

03:58 - The founding of Marion County government

09:41 - Commissioner Converse's path to public service

16:50 - The importance of personal relationships in politics

22:03 - Facing overwhelm during the 2020 wildfires

27:40 - Addressing homelessness and addiction

40:20 - Salem's mayoral race and public service values

57:47 - Future priorities and Salem's potential

01:07:42 - Favorite Salem memories