I’ve been referring to this week’s question in shorthand, as “The economy’s in the shitter. Discuss.”

Here’s the whole question:

From the collapse of Bear Stearns nationally, to news that home values locally are now dipping, it’s no secret that the economy’s in bad shape. What would—or could—you do as a city commissioner to protect homeowners from foreclosures, keep citizens employed, and generally strengthen Portland’s economy, both in the short and long term?

Martha Perez got to us first.

Martha Perez
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: none (contact: moperez73@aol.com)
Financial status: Plans to spend less than $300

I would recommend the following: * Immediately pass a city-wide resolution to work with locally-based financial institutions to seek buffer-protections for homeowners in distress. * Prevent hiring freezes of city government; work with private industry to seek those solutions which will offer worker protections from mass lay-offs. If need be, offer local, city, county, state and federal governing resources as a way to fill in employment gaps. * Employ a multi-strategic short and/both long-term approach to finding ways to protect homeowners and workers. * Long term: Establish Portland and Oregon as the national leader in creating green jobs for low-income citizens of color.

Solving these types of complex scenarios requires participation from the public, as well as all levels of government; however, government must take a leadership role to ensure that this current recession will not create a negative impact or legacy. We must not neglect our voters at a time when they need us the most to provide guidance, direction and proper fiscal stewardship.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this statement. Best wishes.

Respectfully,
Martha Perez
Candidate, City Commissioner, Position No. 4 (Public Safety) currently seated by Randy Leonard

Randy Leonard
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: randyforportland.com
Financial status: $50,410.85 in contributions to date, $42,352.43 currently in the bank

The appropriate forum to deal with regulations regarding home mortgage issues is in the Oregon Legislature. In addition to supporting the City of Portland’s efforts to lobby the legislature to adopt changes in statutes to protect home owners, I will personally lobby lawmakers to ensure that citizens threatened with home foreclosure receive full and fair protection against predatory lenders.

For the short term, I am currently working with Commissioner Adams to develop a strategy to work with people who are unable to make their sewer and water payments because of job loss or underemployment. We also want to make it easier for individuals to get the help they need to start their own small businesses. I have been an active proponent of bringing family wage jobs to Portland, and I will continue to fight to bring new opportunities to Portlanders.

In the long term, I do believe the City of Portland and its residents will be less effected by the current economic downturn due to the careful strategic planning our region is known for that attracts good businesses to Portland. Our biggest challenge as a city is to continue to make the necessary investments to upgrade our roads and transportation infrastructure (light rail, street car, safe bike and pedestrian ways), thus ensuring that Portland will remain one of the most desirable cities on earth in which to live.

Ed Kill
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: none
Financial status: Plans to spend less than $300

Did not respond by deadline.

Emily S. Ryan
Position sought: Commissioner #4
Website: emilysryan.com
Financial status: $185 in contributions to date, $185 currently in the bank

Did not respond by deadline.