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:

Engaging with voters in SW Portland requires building trust and maintaining an open line of communication, which is exactly what I plan to do. I want to see that we hold regular town hall meetings and attend local events and neighborhood initiatives. Conducting surveys will allow me to gauge your opinion on issues and how they are being addressed. I plan to foster the connection with SW Portland and maintain your confidence as a voter.

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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:

While councilors will no longer have direct oversight of bureaus, we can still be responsive by creating clear, accessible pathways for constituents to communicate their concerns. I would establish robust communication systems, including regular town halls, office hours, and online platforms, where constituents can voice issues directly. This will allow us to capture the full scope of concerns and prioritize them. The city council’s role will be primarily legislative, meaning we can set the priorities for where resources go and how policies are shaped. By bringing constituent concerns to the forefront in council discussions, I will advocate for policies that directly address issues like traffic congestion, parks maintenance, and public safety. This ensures that even if we aren’t in charge of day-to-day management, we still drive the decisions that shape the city.

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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 a great way to get residents involved with our local council member. They can teach people about what's going on, help residents get their voices heard, keep everyone informed, and it helps build a stronger sense of community. This can really help our city government be more responsive to the needs of our SW Portland voters.

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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:

SW Portland is a diverse part of the city, with distinct needs and concerns that deserve focused attention. The key issues that are important are Traffic Safety and Transportation Infrastructure, Affordable Housing and Homelessness, and Public Safety and Emergency Services. I would advocate for a comprehensive traffic safety plan that includes expanded pedestrian crossings, better lighting, and lower speed limits in residential areas. For example, enhancing roadways around Multnomah Village and Hillsdale to make them more pedestrian- and bike-friendly while reducing traffic speeds would benefit everyone in the neighborhood. We must also protect the affordable housing stock that exists in the area, especially in neighborhoods that are seeing significant gentrification. I would advocate for stronger tenant protections and the use of affordable housing preservation programs to keep long-time residents in their homes. I propose working with local neighborhood associations to create community-led safety initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs.

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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:

It’s important to have people who know where we’ve been and those who have the vision to see where we are going. I don’t believe one person has all the answers, so it is imperative that I listen to the ideas of my fellow council members. There's power in the diversity of our leadership. This is where a high level of communication skills comes into play. Our egos and differences are left at the door so we can achieve our common goal of revitalizing our city.

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

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

I am dedicated to bettering the quality of life for our SW voters. The revitalization of Portland's downtown is important, but it will be my responsibility to keep the concerns in SW at the forefront of our council members' minds. I bring fresh perspectives, strong leadership, and the vision to move our city forward. What I say I will do for our city during my campaign, my constituents know they can count on me to see them through. 

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