Michael Durrow is the director of the Multnomah Educational Service District. Previously, he worked as a real estate broker and spent two years studying to be a paralegal.
Durrow is running for commissioner position No. 4 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)
The framing of this question is tremendously hypothetical, but it hangs on fire department response times and people sleeping on the streets v. what? Layoffs in the police department and park service and maybe some deferred maintenance in parks? The police have a 100M+ budget, and though the parks budget is less than 75M, these two departments could recover faster and with less long-term damages to the residents of the city. I spend the money on the Portland Fire Department and social services.
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?
I would strongly be in favor of one rule for all. If the police don’t want to speak, they can avail themselves of the Fifth Amendment.
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?
Yes. Having a SWAT team is prudent because some criminals and most domestic terrorists (like the KKK, White Power Movement and the Bundys) are heavily armed. However using shock troops against unarmed protesters is unethical and only escalates the violence within society and resentment towards the police.
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. Bike infrastructure
2. Low- or no-fare public transit
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. Uber
2. Raincoat
3. Adidas
4. Maple Bacon Doughnut
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.
d. Rarely.
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 testify that the slights we face are not “all in your head.”
QUESTION 8
How will you ensure young people of color will succeed in Portland?
Provide resources so they can plan, prepare and connect to the right people and resources.
QUESTION 9
In one sentence, state something you will do as commissioner to ease the burden on Portland’s small businesses.
Increase free recycling services.
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 – b. Good idea
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?
Mandate two replacements for one tree cut, increase the administrative process, charge punitive fees, and increase neighborhood rights and appeals.
QUESTION 12
Yes or No: Understanding we’re going to have street homelessness, do you support tent cities?
I prefer small tent communities in non-residential areas to having tents everywhere. They should be provided with security fencing and honey-pots, too.
QUESTION 13
Select a local artist – professional or amateur – to draw your favorite thing about Portland.