Blogtown, PDX

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Politics Charter Reform Heads To Ballot

Posted by Scott Moore on Wed, Feb 7 at 4:02 PM

As expected, city council voted to pass all of the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations on to voters this May 15. That means that you, dear voter, will have a chance to vote on how the city functions.

Without skipping a beat, the opposition campaign to changing the city’s form of government has already kicked off.

The Committee for Accountable City Government will be co-chaired by local activist Chris Smith and former mayor Bud Clark.

Here’s the press release:

“On the question of whether Portland is the wonderful city that it is because of, or in spite of, its form of government, we firmly believe that the Commission form of Government has contributed to Portland’s prosperity, livability and active culture of citizen engagement. The Charter Review Commission has not met the burden of proof that the current system is broken, or that their proposal will better meet the needs of our city.” said Clark.
Smith added, “Having the city bureaus accountable to elected Commissioners, rather than an administrator, provides accountability, access and improved constituent service to citizens. Concentrating power under a strong mayor reduces opportunities for accountability and access.”

Other initial committee members include:
Josh Alpert
Tom Badrick
Jo Ann Bowman, former State Representative
Jillian Detweiler, member of the Charter Review Commission
Amanda Fritz
Ted Gilbert
Justin Gottlieb
Gretchen Kafoury, former City Commissioner
Jewel Lansing, former City Audtor
Staci Paley
Ethan Seltzer
Margaret Strachan, former City Commissioner
Chris Woo

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Comments

Now if only the Bus Project people will ever reply to my email asking them to consider holding a Charter Gone Wild event.

Posted by b!X | February 7, 2007 4:19 PM

There's already something in the works!

Posted by Amy Jenniges | February 7, 2007 4:55 PM

You can add my name to that list,too.

Posted by Dave Lister | February 7, 2007 5:00 PM

Riiiight, the Bus Project. That way it can be 2 hours and 50 minutes of nonsense that has nothing to do with charter reform, and then five minutes from each side to explain their position. And then everyone gets to slap each other on the back about what a great job they did. Meanwhile, voters still have no idea how they should vote.

Posted by Nerd Burger | February 7, 2007 5:17 PM

Hey, it isn't my fault that, generally speaking, only the Bus Project has done much to even -attempt- a different approach to outreach during elections. But that's why I poked the Bus Project in particular. If others are going to step up into the breach, more power to them.

Posted by b!X | February 7, 2007 5:25 PM

Perhaps the Mercury should host an event. Coughcough. A drunken event.

Posted by Matt Davis | February 7, 2007 5:49 PM

So, if reform fails, what does Potter have left? Visioning? Anything besides that? Hello? Bueller?

I like that he ran as a "change agent" and then can't get anyone to support his changes. LOL

Posted by Morgan | February 7, 2007 6:17 PM

Well, things have turned out pretty well for him with the police bureau. And the sit/lie thing came together like a charm.

Oh. Wait.

Posted by Scott Moore | February 7, 2007 6:49 PM

Continued LOL!

Posted by Morgan | February 7, 2007 8:19 PM

The Mercury debate was the most fun for me in the campaign last year, and much more meaningful than CGW. Would you please do something similar for the Charter? Do it at PSU again, and be sure and give participants the "Oh Puh-leese" cards. Actually I think all citizens should be issued "Oh Puh-leese" cards for use in City Council sessions like today's. But where is the Charter reform ballot measure calling for that???

Posted by Amanda Fritz | February 7, 2007 8:40 PM

This is quite a list of Portland Heavy Hitters adamantly stating that they are againt the charter reform.

I truly wish the Mayor and Council would stop spending their time and energy on the futile effort of charter reform and get back to running the city.

The proposal from Council is a stupid excuse for lack of leadership and ability of council to make difficult decisions and run the non-sexy bureau aspects of our city. And remember, the charter reform proposal is a "strong mayor" form of government that requires we actually have a strong mayor. Potter, is not strong.

Posted by L | February 8, 2007 8:46 AM

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