Common concerns surface in politically split Silverton

SILVERTON, Ore. (AP) — Silverton, anchored by a downtown that boasts 125-year-old brick buildings, is split by the 45th Parallel.

And it’s split politically.

The Oregon town of 9,500 halfway between the equator and the North Pole is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans.

Still, there are common concerns, like worries about the fitness of the presidential candidates and disgust at some of the tone of the campaign.

On statewide issues, a measure to impose a corporate tax has grabbed a lot of attention, and condemnation.

Jessica Maxwell, a mother and bartender, says she opposes Measure 97, which would increase taxes on companies with more than $25 million in annual sales in Oregon. She says she believes it will hit small business owners.

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