Jessie Sponberg, a Portland native, is a grass-roots activist and an “ally and accomplice for marginalized communities.” On his candidacy of filing, he listed his occupation as community organizer.
Sponberg is running for mayor of Portland. Here are his responses to Street Roots' candidates pop quiz — a mix of short-answer, yes-or-no, and multiple-choice questions. (Read other candidates' responses.)
QUESTION 1
You only have $10 million to spend. The fire bureau says that without $5 million, call times for critical services will be hampered, potentially costing people’s lives. Social-service agencies need $5 million because rent increases mean they can’t place people into housing, creating a backlog of people waiting to get off the streets. Both the police and the parks bureaus need critical support for services totaling $7 million. What do you do? (150 words or less)
I’d be reluctant to give the police any extra money so long as they fail to act in good faith with the community. I would use this leverage as part of the negotiations for the new contract (and they have to fire Mark Kruger). Of course they would immediately threaten to cut our most vital services, as usual. I won’t fall for that. The fire bureau has Randy Leonard all over it, so assuming it is halfway as wasteful as our Water Bureau I would encourage them to stretch 4 million, giving the full 5 million to social services and asking our friends at the parks department to be patient with me while I find the funds and let the grass grow for 1 million. Of course, this is a hypothetical box, and the trick answer is go cut your bloated budgets. AUDIT TIME!
QUESTION 2
The Portland Police Bureau’s contract with the city says police officers involved in an incident using deadly force must receive 48 hours’ notice before being compelled to speak to bureau investigators. Average citizens, however, are questioned often immediately on the grounds of capturing the best memory of events. Yes or No: Would you abolish the 48-hour rule?
An emphatic YES (all caps).
QUESTION 3
Yes or No: As mayor, will you end the practice of contracting for military and militarized equipment for use by our police bureau?
As a person who has personally experienced pepper spray, the LRAD device and flash grenades, I will push hard to eliminate this practice.
QUESTION 4
Please place the following items in order of priority as mayor. Note with 1, 2 and 3.
• Increase parking
• Bike infrastructure
• Low or no-fare public transit
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Bike infrastructure
3. Increase parking
QUESTION 5
Choose the item in each pairing that is more suited to you:
1. Uber or Radio Cab
2. Raincoat or Umbrella
3. Adidas or Nike
4. Maple Bacon Doughnut or Kale
1. Radio Cab
2. Raincoat
3. Nike (ugh)
4. Kale (?)
QUESTION 6
Complete this sentence with the following options: I smoke marijuana ____________
a. For medicinal purposes only.
b. To decompress after a stressful day.
c. Recreationally. Hey, it’s legal.
d. Rarely.
e. Never.
c. I smoke marijuana recreationally – a lot.
QUESTION 7
Make one promise to the city’s people of color that you will deliver on as mayor. Street Roots will check on its status every year.
I rarely use the word promise as part of my campaign, but I’m sure I will continue being an active accomplice with groups like Don’t Shoot PDX. Too many politicians make promises to communities of color. I would prefer to reflect on my consistant past efforts – in the streets – as a reflection of the type of candidate I will be.
QUESTION 8
How will you ensure young people of color will succeed in Portland?
Find and fund more community based programs that have been existing without major funding, while simultaneously putting long-term recipients of city funding under increased scrutiny.
QUESTION 9
In one sentence, state something you will do as mayor to ease the burden on Portland’s small businesses.
(no response)
QUESTION 10
Pair the issue with the sentiment. Use each sentiment only once:
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law
2. Public campaign finance option
3. Expanded light rail transit into Washington St.
4. PPB Horse Patrol
a. Great idea
b. Good idea
c. Needs work
d. Nope
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – c. Needs work
2. Public campaign finance – a. Great idea
3. Expanded light rail – b. Good idea
4. PPB Horse Patrol – d. Nope
QUESTION 11
Portland is losing significant, large trees at a rapid pace to development. In 50 words or less, what will you do to save these legacy trees?
Trees are near the top on my priority list. No removal of any trees older than 70 years. These trees cannot be replaced. One day we will wake up and realize that we can never go back. In a hundred years you will thank me. I will push for legislation to save all trees equally, not just ones in affluent neighborhoods.
QUESTION 12
Yes or No: Understanding we’re going to have street homelessness, do you support tent cities?
Yes.
QUESTION 13
Select a local artist – professional or amateur – to draw your favorite thing about Portland.