Ed For Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

 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.

So, borrowing from Senator Barack Obama, 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.

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 Buses.  Electric buses are zero emission, ultra quiet, and are a less expensive option to building street car lines.  As we phase in solar panels, and electric buses, 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 this 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.

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 at 503 841-2708 if you have any additional thoughts or questions.

Ed Garren