Times change and so does Portland’s need for a district run city government. Each neighborhood in this beautiful city has its own attributes and challenges and each should have representation by a district representative that lives in each district and can represent the needs of that district. We deserve broader representation and taking the power out of the hands of the few and putting into the hands of the many make for better democracy in the great city.
We are hoping to see Portland Community Equality Act on next November’s ballot. This is our opportunity to bring Portland’s city government into the new millennium. Portland Community Equality Act is gathering signatures. Please help! This is our chance for real change.
Please invite your friends and neighbors to stop by and sign the petition to get direct representation for you on the ballot.
Portland Community Equality Act coming to gather signatures in the North Park Blocks near the Playground this Saturday, 10/3 from 12pm to 1:45 pm. They will also be in the Pearl at the Whole Foods at 2010 NW Couch from 10am to 11:45am as well.
The City of Portland, Oregon was issued a territorial charter in 1851, incorporating 2.1 square miles of forest, stumps and houses. In May 1913, Portland voters narrowly approved a commission form of government. This outdated and archaic structure remains in place today.
Commission Form of Government
The City of Portland has the last remaining Commission form of government among large cities in the United States.
The Mayor, four Commissioners and the Auditor comprise the City’s six elected officials. The Mayor and the Commissioners together make up the City Council. Thus the mayor has no more power that any of the council members.
The commission form of government differs from most other municipal governments in that its members have legislative, administrative and quasi-judicial powers. This is too much power centralized to a small handful of politicians.
Legislative – The City Council meets weekly in the Council Chambers to conduct the City’s legislative business. The Council adopts the City budget and passes laws, policies and regulations that govern the City. You can clearly see the breakdown in the enforcement of “laws” which prohibit encampments and camping in city parks and the “policy” that has been put in place which directs law enforcement to leave the “campers” alone.
Administrative – The Mayor and Commissioners also serve as administrators of City departments, individually overseeing bureaus and carrying out policies approved by the Council. The assignment of departments and bureaus is determined by the Mayor and may be changed at his or her discretion. In the case of the City of Portland, Mayor Charlie Hales heads the Police and Amanda Fritz oversees the parks, instead of having a director of parks whose sole purpose is making those public spaces safe for all of the community.
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