QUESTION 1: How will you engage with voters in SW Portland if elected? Please provide specifics on how your constituents will be able to communicate with you and how you will communicate with us.

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

As a NW Portland resident, I'm committed to strong connections with all of District 4, including SW Portland. My engagement strategy includes:

1. Implementing a constituent response management system to efficiently track and respond to all communications, ensuring timely answers to inquiries.

2. Partnering with local organizations, including neighborhood associations, and attending regular community meetings in SW Portland neighborhoods.

3. Holding informal "Coffee with Bob" sessions in SW Portland cafes and community centers for residents to discuss concerns without appointments.

 

These strategies aim to create an open, transparent, and responsive relationship with SW Portland residents. Drawing from my experience as a city council member, mayor, and U.S. Senate staffer, I understand the importance of addressing constituents' concerns promptly. My goal is to ensure your voices are heard, concerns addressed, and ideas incorporated into City Hall decision-making, leaving no neighborhood behind.

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QUESTION 2: The transition to a purely legislative city council with geographical representation is a major shift from the current structure in which councilors oversee city bureaus. Under the old government structure, concerns about transportation or traffic circulation issues would be addressed to the commissioner in charge of PBOT; concerns about parks would go to the commissioner overseeing the Parks bureau; etc. Given the shift away from administrative powers on the council, how will you make sure constituent concerns are addressed? 

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

In the new council structure, I'll support implementing a robust constituent response management system to ensure concerns are effectively addressed- like the system I used for 6 years as U.S. Senate staffer. This system will:

1. Centralize and track incoming constituent issues

2. Route queries to appropriate city departments

3. Provide responses to constituents

4. Provide data to identify recurring issues and identify specific systemic improvements.

 

I'll work closely with the mayor and city administrator to establish clear communication channels and accountability measures for city bureaus. I'll also hold regular community meetings in District 4 to hear concerns directly, and use the budget approval process to make sure District 4 priorities are addressed.

 

While we won't oversee bureaus, councilors will still advocate for constituents. 

Ultimately, this change allows us to focus more on policymaking and community representation, while ensuring professional management of city services. (Also, see answer #1).

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QUESTION 3: What role should neighborhood associations play in fostering residents’ engagement with city government and elected officials?

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

Neighborhood associations are vital bridges between residents and city government. As I highlighted on my website (www.bobforportland.com), I believe in empowering these grassroots organizations to amplify community voices.

 

My ideas for the role neighborhood associations should play in fostering residents’ engagement with city government and elected officials include:

1. Host regular forums with elected officials and city staff

2. Gather and communicate residents' concerns to decision-makers

3. Disseminate city information to community members

4. Organize local improvement projects and events

 

We must provide associations with resources to effectively fulfill these roles.

 

Neighborhood associations keep residents informed and involved. By strengthening these neighborhood associations, we cultivate a more responsive and transparent government that truly serves Portlanders.

 

I'm committed to fostering this crucial link between City Hall and our diverse neighborhoods.

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QUESTION 4: District 4 is large and covers many neighborhoods. What issues do you think are particularly important for SW Portland neighborhoods (not downtown)? What proposals would you make to address these issues?

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

While I think people in SW Portland share district-wide and city-wide concerns about issues like homelessness, public safety, lack of adequate park maintenance, SW Portland has some unique issues in terms of transportation infrastructure, especially roads and sidewalks.

 

Shortly after announcing my candidacy, I spent an afternoon in the midst of a deluge with Don Baack on a tour of part of SW Portland to see first-hand the lack of sidewalks (and part of the trail system)- as well as an adequate storm water system! 

 

I am also familiar with the Alpenrose project, and attended a community meeting at Hayhurst Elementary. I am familiar with PBOT’s failure to date to address the need for street and sidewalk improvements on Shattuck.

 

I would address these issues by working with the mayor, and District 4 colleagues as well as other council members to make sure that SW needs addressed through the budget process.  

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QUESTION 5: How do you plan to work with your District 4 colleagues to ensure productive outcomes on district issues? 

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

As a former Mayor of Ketchikan, Alaska for 12 years, I have extensive experience collaborating with other elected officials to address complex issues.

 

If elected to the City Council, I would bring this collaborative approach to address our city's pressing issues. My strategy for working with the Mayor, fellow Council members, and co-district Council members would include establishing frequent check-ins to discuss priorities, share ideas, and find common ground. 

 

While it is important for the 3 members of a district to have a good working relationship, it is important as well for council members to be able to work well with their counterparts from other districts. To that end, I have reached out to a number of candidates in all districts- as well as many of the candidates for mayor.

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QUESTION 6: Why should voters in SW Portland give you a vote? 

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

My experience as an elected official and U.S. Senate staffer distinguishes me from other candidates. During my 18 years in local government in Ketchikan, Alaska, I developed skills in leadership, collaboration, and addressing complex challenges. I championed data-driven policies and evidence-based decision-making. With my 12 years as a school superintendent, I have 30 years of public budget experience.

 

My time in Alaska deepened my understanding of diverse communities' needs. I fostered regional partnerships, working closely with neighboring communities, other local governments and state and federal officials. This experience in municipal governance, collaborative problem-solving, and regional cooperation will be invaluable in addressing Portland's unique challenges, particularly in developing strategies to address homelessness and affordable housing. 

 

My public service record demonstrates my ability to translate principles into effective action, always focusing on improving residents' lives. I look forward to bringing this wealth of experience and proven leadership to the Portland City Council.

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