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:

Town Halls & Community Meetings: I’ll hold regular town hall meetings across SW Portland to make sure I’m available for face-to-face conversations. I’ll also organize smaller neighborhood gatherings to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate.

 

Open Office Hours: I’ll set aside time each week for open office hours, when constituents can drop by, to speak directly with me. I want to make sure my office is always approachable and responsive to concerns.

 

Digital Communication: I’ll maintain an active online presence through email newsletters, social media, and a dedicated website, keeping constituents informed about decisions, issues, and opportunities for input. I’ll also use tools like surveys and online forums to gather feedback.

 

Proactive Outreach: I plan to regularly canvass neighborhoods, not just during election cycles but throughout my term, to stay connected to your concerns and priorities.

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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:

Ensuring that the City provides excellent services is a top priority for me. I will make sure your concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Although Council members won't have direct control over bureaus, we will have budgetary and legislative authority to address issues that are brought in by constituents. In the long run, this will provide better service for all Portlanders because the Council will need to find systemic solutions that work for the whole city instead of one-off fixes.  

 

The ombudsman also handles complaints. Currently City bureaus are not required to follow the recommendations of the ombudsman. I will lead my colleagues in turning the ombudsman’s recommendations into policy that is implemented. 

 

Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that your concerns don’t get lost in the transition to the new government structure. I will be a strong voice for our district, working to deliver results for SW Portland.

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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 in connecting residents with city government and elected officials. By gathering community input and concerns, they represent local interests and ensure diverse voices are heard. These associations host meetings, forums, and town halls, fostering direct engagement with officials and encouraging open dialogue.

 

They also serve as an entry point for civic participation, organizing events and workshops that help residents get involved in local governance, from voting to advocacy. Additionally, neighborhood associations help build consensus on important issues like public safety and land use, presenting unified positions to city leaders.

 

Their deep connection to local communities allows them to advocate for solutions tailored to their neighborhood’s unique challenges, providing valuable insights for policy development. In short, neighborhood associations play a crucial role in ensuring that local government remains responsive to the needs and concerns of its residents.

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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:

For SW Portland neighborhoods, some of the most pressing issues include the lack of sidewalks, stormwater management, potholes, and limited public transportation access. The absence of stormwater infrastructure makes installing sidewalks expensive, which limits safe walking and biking routes. Additionally, public transportation is challenging—at my home, the nearest bus stop is a 25-minute walk, and if I miss the bus, the next one doesn’t come for another 90 minutes.

 

To address these issues, I will advocate for dedicated funding, such as a vehicle-miles-traveled fee, to support transportation projects. For stormwater management, I’ll push for collaboration between BES and PBOT to develop a district-wide plan to manage stormwater runoff effectively, which would make sidewalk construction more affordable. These solutions would improve safety, mobility, and access across our neighborhoods.

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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:

I will maintain open communication with my District 4 colleagues by meeting regularly to discuss our priorities and strategize on how to advocate for our district effectively. I’ll work with them to set shared goals and ensure we are aligned on key issues, like improving transportation, housing, and public safety. What makes me stand out is my ability to genuinely listen to people who have different perspectives. This will help me collaborate with my colleagues, even when we don’t agree on the details, so we can find common ground and move forward.

 

I’ll work to understand their strengths and leverage them when working on solutions, so we can approach issues from different angles. We will collaborate to engage the community through joint town halls and forums, ensuring we’re hearing and addressing concerns together. Working closely in this way, we can achieve better outcomes for the people of District 4.

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

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CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

I’m deeply committed to our community and bring both lived experience and a fresh perspective to the issues we face. I’ve lived through the instability of poverty and now pay the mortgage and taxes on my own home. These experiences drive my passion for addressing climate change, public safety, and housing in ways that benefit everyone, not just a few.

 

What sets me apart is that I’m pragmatic and get things done. I don’t let the perfect stand in the way of the good. I do this by truly listening to people with opposing viewpoints to understand what they care about. By working together on the parts that we agree on, we create practical, long-term solutions that work for all of us. My experience as an engineer working for the city means I understand how to get things done, and I will advocate for the changes our community needs.

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