WIth ballots going out in two days, this is the chance for these candidates to make their final pitch:

Why should voters choose you?

(Check out the archives for this race, here.)

Jim Middaugh
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: jimforportland.com
Financial status: $150,000 in public funding, $129,620.54 currently in the bank

“Every now and then, history gives us big moments in politics - moments that offer a transformation, not just a transition. And when these moments come along, the old order always resists.”

Senator John Kerry, talking about Barack Obama

Maybe it’s overreaching to think about the transformation that is happening on the Portland City Council. Maybe it’s naïve and idealistic to think that new blood and new ideas will make the Portland of tomorrow even better than the Portland of today.

Then call me naïve and idealistic.

Portland is facing a transformative moment. A new mayor. Two new City Council members. An uncertain economy. A growing population. And, a power structure that is threatened by the recent changes in local campaign financing.

After knocking on too many doors to count and making hundreds of phone calls, it’s clear to me Portlanders are hungry for honesty, candor and openness that speak to the need for City Hall to transcend the status quo, to rise above the voices of those who have controlled Portland for too long by funding local politicians.

Portlanders are responding to the innovative, energetic, hard working, grassroots campaigns inspired by public financing. They are united in their conviction that real change will come more quickly when the voices of the thousands of people who contributed to candidates who are forsaking Big Money combine to form a movement so large that City Hall will be forced to listen.

Middaugh’s eloquent wrap-up continues after the cut, followed by his opponents’ pitches for your votes.

Yes, those with ready access to City Hall write checks to people like Sam Adams and Randy Leonard. But deep down, regular people understand that private money and politics, like oil and water, don't mix well. I'm proud to distinguish myself from Sam and Randy when it comes to campaign money.

This year, Portlanders have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to candidates. Everyone on the ballot for offices in City Hall is well meaning and well spoken. But, only the voter-owned candidates are inspiring thousands of new people to get involved in City politics. Only the voter-owned candidates will have the freedom to speak their minds and their hearts.

I believe that because I am the only voter-owned candidate in the race to replace Erik Sten that I am the person best qualified to transform Portland politics from a system reliant solely on those with power and access – even if they’re good people -- to a system that honestly, candidly reflects the needs of Portland's people and neighborhoods.

Faced with false allegations from my opponent about when I began my campaign, I responded with total transparency by simply telling the truth. When asked about difficult issues like private police, the Columbia River Crossing and the proposed renaming of Interstate Avenue, instead of simply saying "the right thing," I responded with honesty, candor and humility. I admitted my mistakes and took responsibility for my words and actions.

My responses and my values reflect my deep respect for the voters of Portland and my conviction that each of you is smart enough that I don't need to insult your intelligence with platitudes and stories that lack specifics. I’ll always let you know where I stand and I’ll always be open to persuasive arguments that run counter to my opinions.

My experience in government, my honesty, my candor, and my lack of ties to those who already have ready access to City Hall, provide me with an unprecedented opportunity to break with the past and to focus on Portland's future - a future that I believe can be even better than the present.

Because of my deep experience in our community, and my freedom from big contributors, I believe I can help, along with the other voter-owned candidates, to establish a new faith in government and in ourselves as citizens of a great city.

You can decide the future of Portland. Will it be a future based solely on the developers, lawyers and homebuilders who have had access to City Hall for years and are funding my opponent's campaign, or will it be a future based on the $5 contributions of thousands of regular people who yearn for a City that prioritizes the peoples' interests by electing candidates like me who have chosen change by picking the path of public financing?

My children -- and yours -- deserve a future Portland that's better than the Portland of today. That's why I'm running for city council. I have a proven track record of standing up for regular people and for getting the job done.

I helped create a community grants program to strengthen our schools. I partnered with business to cut red tape at South Waterfront while restoring a section of the Willamette River. I saved a million dollars while bringing salmon back to Portland. I helped find new resources for housing and the homeless. I teamed with our universities to search for local solutions to global warming. I serve on the Columbia River Gorge Commission, where I've fought to protect our national scenic area. I was co-chair of my neighborhood -- Kerns. I volunteer at Sunnyside, my kids' school. And, I've served Oregon on behalf of two members of Congress – Peter DeFazio and Jim Weaver.

I received the sole endorsement in this race from the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Oregon Natural Resources Council Action, Bike/Walk/Vote and other environmental leaders. I’ve been endorsed by current and former members of Congress, state legislators, Metro Councilors, county commissioners, housing advocates, labor unions, civil rights groups, small business people and neighborhood leaders from across our city.

My independence, experience, and passion will allow me to deliver results beginning Day One. But don't take my word for it. Ask any of the 1,700 people who contributed $5 and their signatures to qualify me for public financing in record time.

You get to decide what happens with this transformative moment in City politics. Will you stick with the powers that be and the politics of private campaign money or will you make a change?

I believe the clear choice for all of Portland is obvious. I'd be honored to have your vote. Thanks for paying attention.

Ed Garren
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: edforportland.com
Financial status: $4,360.00 in contributions, $1,231.64 currently in the bank

Yes We Can ~ In Portland Too !! www.edforportland.com As the election comes closer, it is very clear that many people are concerned about the economy, soaring costs of petroleum, loss of living wage jobs and a host of other issues swirling around our lives these days.

People want change, we want innovative solutions, and someone who will fight for that change.

The Mercury staff have seen how passionate I can get about "doing the right thing" and fighting for justice for all of Portland. If I am elected, I will continue to fight for fairness and openness at City Hall.

Here is my "Yes We Can" list for Portland, that I will fight for if I am elected. I certainly have other interests, and there are many problems, particularly related to "gentrification" , urban renewal and development, but here is my personal short list. Some of these may require adjustments to state law, but the city already has a "list" which is expected to pass the current legislature, so adding any of these to that list is possible and doable as long as we have Democrats in power in Salem.

None of these proposals require additional tax dollars. They can be accomplished by simple policy changes, that none of the other candidates have proposed.

Some of these items will create new jobs, particularly adding solar panels and creating "green" options for our city.

Protect existing affordable housing

Create a Rent Stabilization process that protects renters from arbitrary rent increases, while offering property owners the ability to adjust rents for documentable capital repairs, maintenance and improvements.

Create a process which encourages the creation of Co-Operative Housing when an existing apartment building is about to be sold.

Encourage the creation of New co-operative housing developments which are less expensive than condominiums and easier to purchase. Our current "development" plans have completely ignored housing for working families, retirees, and low income persons. More and more people cannot afford Portland and that is not an accident, it is by design.

Specific steps to reduce carbon emissions

Require the installation of solar panels on every roof that receives sufficient sunlight to generate electricity. The electricity generated can pay for the panels, even a new roof under them.

A Carbon Tax based on engine displacement (similar to European auto taxes) for automobiles and SUV's. This would exclude commercial vehicles and trucks (including pickups). Such a tax would encourage the purchase and use of more fuel efficient vehicles. It would also help the city raise revenue for badly needed street improvements.

Begin converting our transit system back to Electric Busses. Electric busses are zero emission, ultra quiet, and are a less expensive option to building street car lines. As we phase in solar panels, and electric busses, the solar electricity could actually power the transit system.

Biking Safety

I have proposed several steps which are in the Better Biking Safety link on my web site.

Ending Racial Profiling and Improving Law Enforcement

Portland is becoming a more diverse city every day. Our hearts are in the right place, but change is always challenging, and there are some steps that can be taken to educate all of us about our neighbors. Our law enforcement officers are already stretched thin due to an equally thin budget. This can change by forming partnerships with neighborhoods via Community Policing and Diversity Training. I have an article about this on my web site as well.

Encouraging Small Businesses

Small businesses generate the most jobs, and create thriving communities. Currently, they pay a larger share of the tax burden that large corporate businesses. This needs to change.

Better Schools

City Council has no direct oversight over the school system, but development policies, which move families with children out of the city have a direct impact on school funding. The city cannot ignore our schools any longer.

I am also proposing a higher level of Technical Education in our schools. An academic education is good for students who are college bound, but leaves other students unprepared for life, or good paying jobs. We cannot continue to cheat our youth in this manner.

Voter Owned Elections

This is a good idea, but it has been hijacked by those who already have power to get tax payers to pay for their campaigns. Clearly there need to be reforms before this is passed by voters in 2010.
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Thank you for your time, please contact us if you have any additional thoughts or questions.

Ed Garren
www.edforportland.com

Harold C. Williams Two
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: none
Financial status: $1,932.00 in contributions, $1,932.00 currently in the bank

A vote for me is a vote for you. I am in this race to empower the people, by providing Access, Accountability, Communication, Education, and Relationship building with the citizens Portland and city government; as it relates to resources, opportunities, and services. I don’t calm to the have answers for the Portland, Portland has the answers for Portland. But PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT is the key, no longer can we stand on the sidelines and point fingers; we are in this together. And by mapping out Portland city government, it will allow you the opportunity to get off the bench and get in the game.

Portland, who do you believe in? What does your heart say? What would you do if given the chance? Remember that all you ever wanted, a chance not hand out, well Portland I’m YOU.

VOTE 4 TWO.

-Harold C. Williams Two
Candidate for Portland City Commissioner position (2)

Fred Stewart
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: fredforportland.com
Financial status: $1,425.00 in contributions, $1,095.00 currently in the bank

Portland needs diversity on City Council. That’s me, Fred Stewart. I am not only a member of a racial minority, but I have a wide range of experiences in the public and private sector. My long history in Portland shows I have the ability, skills and vision to continue to build the community we call Portland. For example, here are five things that make me unique and the best choice for Portland City Council. I have:

1) Sold around 700 homes in North/Northeast Portland
2) Torn down barriers to financing for minority homebuyers
3) Built businesses from scratch, struggled to meet payrolls
4) Been a Labor Union member
5) Served six years as US Marine

Portland needs someone with a business background that is community minded and committed to making sure Portland serves everyone. That is what I am all about - That is Fred Stewart.

Nick Fish
Position sought: Commissioner #2
Website: nickfish2008.com
Financial status: $103,060.54 in contributions, $77,378.71 currently in the bank

This year we can change the direction of our country and change the direction of our city. As a lifelong Democrat, I am running to bring a new voice to City Hall.

As City Commissioner, my most important job will be to bring people together to tackle tough problems. I commit to engaging the public before important decisions are made.

In their daily lives, Portlanders follow the rules and are accountable for their actions. We can expect no less from Portland’s elected officials. When government is well managed and respectful of the needs and wishes of citizens, it can be a powerful force to create opportunity in people’s lives. I will provide the leadership on City Council to meet this shared value and fundamental standard for civic responsibility.

For the past 20 years, as a civil rights lawyer and civic activist, I have helped people without power achieve justice by fighting for better pay and benefits for health care workers, helping those suffering the crushing burden of poverty find good homes and leading a community coalition to save the Portland Women’s Crisis Line. Pursuing equality is not about lofty platitudes. It is about the hard work of creating opportunity in people’s lives.

The most important issue facing Portland today is maintaining the city’s livability for all of its citizens. The high cost of living, combined with the recession, are pricing too many people out of our city, including our elderly, working families and young people. The rapid rise in housing costs poses a clear threat to our neighborhoods, schools and livability. As City Commissioner, I will work tirelessly to bring innovative solutions to our housing crunch. And I will continue Commissioner Sten’s legacy of working to end homelessness.

We all know that a healthy local economy is a cornerstone of a livable community. I will be a champion of our neighborhood small businesses, and for green collar jobs which benefit our community and environment.

Nothing is more fundamental to our success as a city than a great urban school district. Great schools anchor our neighborhoods, maintain our quality of life and attract the businesses that we need to make this city thrive. My commitment to Portland public education is a very personal. My daughter is a ninth grader in Portland Public Schools, and my wife teaches history at Portland State University.

As City Commissioner, I’ll be a tireless advocate for kids and schools. Whether it’s supporting the Children’s Investment Fund, advocating for stable and adequate funding from Salem, or building partnerships for before-and-after schools programs, city government has a vital role to play in supporting our schools and school districts. I am proud that I am the only candidate in the race endorsed by both the Portland Association of Teachers and Stand for Children.

I am running to be a new voice on City Council and to open the doors of City Hall to everyone. Trusted progressive leaders and organizations throughout our community are supporting my campaign – from Governor Barbara Roberts and Gretchen Kafoury to the Multnomah County Democrats (co-endorsed) and the Basic Rights Oregon Equality PAC (Green Light). I would be honored to earn your vote in this race.