David Morrison has owned three bookstores in Portland, including his current business, whose profits he donates to juvenile diabetes research or to activities that involve informing people of the health risks of wireless technology.
Morrison is running for commissioner position No. 1 on the Portland City Council. 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)
Well, in an emergency situation we could double up on the housing temporarily. The most important thing is basic services: roof, bathrooms, kitchen. Then work our way out of that. We could also ask landlords to lower rent and use the loss as a tax write-off.
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 vote to abolish the 48-hour rule?
Absolutely
QUESTION 3
Yes or No: As commissioner, will you end the practice of contracting for military and militarized equipment for use by our police bureau?
The militarization of our police forces is a “psy-op” or psychological tactic to raise the bar on what we perceive is “normal” for the police. It is disgusting and should be abandoned. It serves no purpose other than to remind the public that there is a “terrorist” around each corner. YES.
QUESTION 4
Please place the following items in order of priority as commissioner. 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
(Bacon and 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.
e. Never.
QUESTION 7
Make one promise to the city’s people of color that you will deliver on as commissioner. Street Roots will check on its status every year.
I will work to keep cell towers out of neighborhoods, especially schools. There are two cell towers right next to Boise Elliot grammar school that are frying the kids inside. I would retrofit the building to protect the kids.
QUESTION 8
How will you ensure young people of color will succeed in Portland?
I think the best way is to make sure that all schools get the same funding and are of the same caliber. Get the military out of the STEM program. If they want to even live to see a future, we are going to have to get wireless (microwave radiation) out of the schools and replaced with more reliable, safe cabled connections.
QUESTION 9
In one sentence, state something you will do as commissioner to ease the burden on Portland’s small businesses.
Begin a program to offer tax credits for hiring kids out of school, a homeless person or an ex-prisoner.
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 – d. Nope
2. Public campaign finance – a. Great idea
3. Expanded light rail – c. Needs work
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?
Require developers to work around the trees or no permit can be issued.
QUESTION 12
Yes or No: Understanding we’re going to have street homelessness, do you support tent cities?
I think entire parks should be dedicated and programs that were initiated during the Occupy movement that engaged the homeless would be a positive step. Art programs, a library, etc. Of course the “homeless” need to be individualized rather than referred to as one aggregate group.
QUESTION 13
Select a local artist – professional or amateur – to draw your favorite thing about Portland.