Rudy Soto has entered the already pretty crowded field vying to defeat City Commissioner Dan Saltzman.

SOTO AND PRESIDENT OBAMA IN 2007, WHEN OBAMA VISITED AS A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
  • IMAGE COURTESY OF RUDY SOTO
  • SOTO AND PRESIDENT OBAMA IN 2007, WHEN OBAMA VISITED AS A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

"I'm running against Dan because Dan is basically, let's be real, he's the most vulnerable and weak," says Soto. "And he's up for reelection. I also think that he represents the status quo and politics as usual, and I think that this race is going to generate considerable interest and attention because people are fed up of the politics as usual, and Portland is pretty much knee-deep in a lot of problems."

What does Soto think of Saltzman's handling of the recent police bureau controversy?

"I think it's an unfortunate situation, that our police bureau that he oversees, it's no secret and it's widely known that they lack confidence in his leadership," Soto says. "I've spoken with numerous police officers, and they feel like he handled that situation poorly. I would have gathered all the facts before I rendered judgement."

Soto, who is half Mexican and half Native American, plans to go spend some time on his family's reservation next week before jumping in to the race next week. "It's widely known that tribal politics can get pretty nasty, so I figure it might be a good idea to get a few words of wisdom from the elders, who can give me a word of advice," he says.

"I know I'm young, but I'd like to think that I'm wise for my age," he says.

Soto's experience includes sitting on dozens of committees and boards locally, and this fall, he has interned in City Commissioner Nick Fish's office—"by the way," he says, "I think he's going to be our next mayor although he doesn't know it yet."

Soto wants to learn more about the civic process, he says, adding that he thinks local governments have more of a direct impact on people's lives than the Federal government.

Soto is on the Oregon National Guard, and plans to graduate from PSU in June with a major in Liberal Studies. He plans to announce his candidacy formally at Cleveland High School on MLK Day on Monday. He plans to seek public financing "without a doubt," he says. "I will have slightly around 10 days or so to collect those donations. I am confident that the people of Portland, when they hear about my story and consider the current state of the city, that they might see my candidacy, while it's young, as a breath of fresh air. And if these guys aren't representing them well, then they might consider a leader from the next generation."