An important opportunity is before Portland voters on Nov. 5. We will be electing three new councilors from Districts 1 and 2, and one At-Large.
In the last few years, I have heard the common refrain that “Councilors have their own agendas” and “The council doesn’t listen to the public.” Recently, the council has faced several major issues, with robust public input, both in writing and in multi-hour public meetings. Anne Pringle is a former mayor of Portland and former District 2 city councilor.
Two notable examples of issues that have split the community are homeless encampments , with their attendant public safety issues, and the Portland Museum of Art’s plan to demolish 142 Free St. in pursuit of its expansion “vision.” In 40-plus years of public life, I have never seen this level of citizen engagement and frustration on both issues.
How did the council respond? Many councilors posted automated responses that they were receiving so many emailed comments that they could not respond. Did they ever read the comments submitted? Were the questions raised in comments ever cataloged and answered? I listened to both of the long public hearings on these two topics and was impressed by the quality of passionate and well-stated public comments on both sides, among the most focused I have ever heard. Yet, when it came time for councilors to respond to the comments made and to explain their votes, there was very little, if any, reference to the public feedback.
In fact, the prime sponsor of the proposal to allow encampments read a lengthy prepared statement that made no reference to any of the public comments made. So, what does this mean for the November council races? Many years ago, when I was considering a run for election as District 2 city councilor, my predecessor, Pam Plumb, emphasized that it was important to listen to everyone. Then, as now, District 2 is one of the most diverse areas of the city, with many activists who often disagree with each other.
In fact, while councilor, I had to intervene to prevent one from crossing the room to physically attack another at a neighborhood meeting. The city had complicated issues before it, too, when I served in the early 1990s, including the divisive issue of waterfront zoning. I listened to, worked through and balanced opposing positions.
I then explained to the public why I voted as I did. When I left office, one of those District 2 activists thanked me for my service and said, “You know, Anne, I didn’t always agree with how you voted, but I knew you always listened to me.” As I look at candidates for City Council, that is the quality I am looking for.
Not the “gladiator rhetoric” of candidates stating that they will “fight for” this or that. Or promise simple solutions to complex issues like affordable housing, homelessness and climate change. I want councilors who will listen to public input, dig into and process policy details that can really make a difference in the lives of all of their constituents, not just one constituency that they favor over all others.
It’s all about balance. We are fortunate to have some candidates who meet that standard: Sarah Michniewicz in District 1; Nancy English, Catherine Nekoie, and Atiim Boykin in District 2; and Brandon Mazer At-Large. They come from differing backgrounds, but are all realistic about the challenges facing our community and passionate about improving the future of the city.
Portland voters, please carefully consider these candidates. They are putting themselves out there to be true public servants. We invite you to add your comments.
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Politics
Opinion: An important opportunity for Portland voters
The election of three new councilors in November has the potential to provide the city with an infusion of thoughtful, results-oriented leadership.