July 18, 2008 Volume 109 Number 14 Vancouver cop reinstated after two years off the job Lt. Doug Luse, a 20-year veteran of the Vancouver Police Department, was suspended and fired in early 2007 for alleged insubordination and making false statements. He and his union — Office and Professional Employees Local 11— fought the discharge, and last month an arbitrator reinstated Luse with full back pay and benefits. Oregon Supreme Court upholds unions’ case against Sizemore The Oregon Supreme Court ruled July 3 that two teachers unions were within their rights to use an organized crime law in a lawsuit against two groups run by anti-union activist Bill Sizemore. Labor helps resuscitate debate on health care reform If Democrat Barack Obama wins election this year, the stage would be set for a major debate on health care in 2009 and 2010. Democrats would control the House, Senate and White House, breaking the partisan deadlock that has prevented serious reform. Government agencies okay bridge plan, but conditions are attached Over the past month, five government agencies have passed resolutions supporting construction of a new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. Each of the government agencies passed resolutions supporting a new bridge with light rail and bicycle access. However, with each agency’s stamp of approval came pages of conditions that each would like to see implemented during the second phase of planning. PDC elects John Mohlis secretary John Mohlis will serve as secretary of the Portland Development Commission for the next year. Mohlis, executive secretary of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, was appointed to the commission by Potter in January 2007.