News from "Bonny" Scotland

I came to Scotland to get away from my concerns for a time, but reading the newspaper — and newspapers over here seem more popular than in the U.S. — tends to limit relaxation.  The headlines in Scotland could easily be on the newspaper stand in Oregon, too. Perhaps it is possible to take some solace in knowing that every country has problems.

Judging by the following, not everything is bonny here.

CFM Partner Dave Fiskum was reading familiar newspaper headlines in Scotland when he could have been golfing at St. Andrews.

"Britain facing worst wave of strikes for a generation": That was the headline in The Herald on Wednesday, September 14, followed by this summary:

"Union leaders warned last night Britain is facing the biggest wave of industrial action for a generation that could involve thousands of Scottish public service workers.  Schools, hospitals and other services will be hit by the dispute this winter, with an announcement on coordinated strike action expected to be made today."

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Rep. Ben Cannon resigns to take policy post in Governor's office

Rep. Ben Cannon, D-Portland, today announced he would be resigning his seat to become Education Policy Advisor to Governor John Kitzhaber.

Rep. Ben Cannon, D-PortlandCannon has served part of Northeast Portland in the Oregon House since 2006. He is a private school teacher and said in today's press release he ran for the Legislature because he "hoped to help turn the tide on an education system that was strained to the breaking point." Cannon says he thinks Governor Kitzhaber "has helped create a rare window of opportunity for turning the tide."

Cannon often noted the challenge he faced in balancing his teaching job and family life with legislative duties. He is known as an environmental and education policy champion, and also was one of only two legislators who did not accept campaign contributions from corporate and organizational Political Action Committees.

Cannon will leave his job teaching humanities to middle schoolers at Arbor School of Arts and Sciences to take the full-time position in the Governor's office.

Under state law, the Multnomah County Commission must nominate Cannon's replacement from a list of nominees supplied by the Democratic precinct committee people in his legislative district.