November 2, 2020 11:10 a.m.

The Superintendent of the Oregon State Police and the Multnomah County Sheriff will be in charge of public safety in Portland with some members of the Oregon National Guard on standby, under a law enforcement plan announced by Governor Kate Brown on Monday.

Brown said the joint incident command structure will be in place from 5:00 p.m. on Monday through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday unless extended or rescinded earlier. Brown said she is exercising her executive authority under state law to keep the peace, protect free speech, and prevent violence and intimidation on Election Day.

Brown said “Especially this year, there are unique dynamics at play that may create an environment ripe for a heated Election Day and post-election period”. Brown said the election comes at a pivotal moment in Oregon, “…where the pandemic, wildfires, and political atmosphere have boosted fear and anxiety”. She said residents have seen first hand what happens when free expression is fueled by hate. She said some people might want to use peaceful election night protests to promote violence and property destruction.

Brown said, “This behavior is not acceptable and it’s not in line with our Oregon values of being an inclusive democracy”.

Brown said while every Oregonian has the right to express themselves freely and to peacefully assemble, she wants to be clear that voter intimidation and political violence will not be tolerated. Brown said “Not from the Left, the Right or the Center. Not this week, not any week in Oregon”.

A full transcript of the Governor’s remarks are posted with this story at www.541radio.com: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12QagnWpu3PZAm0lw3cIVy0SleZmOVjR4/view