Street Roots asked Portland’s 2016 City Council candidates 13 questions — a mix of short answer, yes or no, and multiple choice.
The following City Council candidates participated in Street Roots’ pop quiz:
Commissioner, position No. 1
Lanita Duke
Amanda Fritz (incumbent)
David Morrison
Ann Sanderson
(Sara Long and Tabitha Ivan did not respond.)
Commissioner, position No. 4
Michael Durrow
Shannon Estabrook
Chloe Eudaly
Steve Novick (incumbent)
Suzanne Stahl
Fred Stewart
(Joseph Puckett, James Bernard Lee, Stuart Emmons and Leah Dumas did not respond.)
RELATED: See how Portland's mayoral candidates fared in Street Roots' pop quiz
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)
Lanita Duke
On the weekends and graveyard shifts, phone calls for critical services will go directly to the fire station for evaluation, response and dispatch – $2.5 million. I will redevelop Wapato Jail as a SRO with centralized social services on site and re-route TriMet to that area – $3 million.
I will redirect the Portland Housing Bureau to set up a pilot program to add an extra bedroom and bath to rent out for homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage – $1 million.
Maintenance for the park bureau will be temporarily cut and prioritized to water leaks and roofing – all work contracted to small businesses and contractors – $500,000.
Police – Public Safety – Bring back Community Policing – $3 million
Michael Durrow
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.
Shannon Estabrook
The 10 million would be divided evenly between all three agencies.
•Our police and fire are considered to be the best in the nation. I will ALWAYS support the Portland Police. Always. I support unions. ALWAYS. We as citizens need to overlook these agencies. Always. As in occupation there are bigoted, irrational employees. However, our Portland Police have very few. It is our responsibility to continue this.
•Social Services is a mess. Home Forward has become a criminal participant. Private so-called “non profits” are stealing blatantly from Portland taxpayers. Federal HUD inspections are failing. We are now losing federal dollars that will not come back.
Before Home Forward gets one new dollar, an immediate investigation would take place. For example, contracted property managers. I will use IPM. Currently stealing valuable money for the homeless, through city funds.
These funds are earmarked for the homeless. Not for private pockets. Home Forward is in existence to help not hurt. IPM is criminal. An immediate investigation is necessary immediately.
Chloe Eudaly
I will prioritize social services and pursue any additional measures available in stemming the tide of unchecked rent increases and no-cause evictions, which have led to tens of thousands of cost-burdened renters as well as a significant portion of our homeless population. By helping to keep people in their homes, as well as getting people housed and off the streets, we will decrease the demands on our fire and police, saving money, improving public health, and strengthening communities in the process. The public cost of serving people who are homeless is up to five times greater than it is to serve people in supported housing. Safe, stable and affordable housing is a basic need and human right. It needs to be the city’s top priority because it is our biggest and most urgent problem. This is an emergency. Let’s start acting like it.
Amanda Fritz
These are the decisions I’ve had to make every year for seven years, except that in five of the budgets I’ve voted on, the choices were on how to make cuts rather than how to improve services. I have already voted to allocate $10 million to housing this year, before considering any other cuts and additions. We are suffering an affordable housing crisis. All city services are important to our community, however. I make my decisions after considering broad public input, asking the questions, “Who pays, who benefits, and is that fair?” I prioritize basic services, spending taxpayers’ money wisely to provide both essential and quality-of-life functions. This year, I will prioritize police accountability, affordable housing and assistance to people experiencing houselessness, and fair wages including city parks employees who for decades have been paid under $15 per hour with no benefits.
David Morrison
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.
Steve Novick
The question is both vague (police and parks need money for critical services – which ones?) and unrealistic – social service agencies need a hell of a lot more than $5 million. I’ll respond by referring to this budget: In ongoing money, we’ve committed $5 million in new money to housing, I need $1 million to help the way overworked 911 staff, the police say they absolutely need $1.8 million to do background checks, and we need $1.3 million to avoid laying off firefighters – but if we fund all those, parks will take big cuts. We’re not going back on the $5 million, my top other priorities are 911 and fire, but I hope we can get more money for parks and police.
Ann Sanderson
In this scenario, I would first ask which option has the most potential risk to the people of Portland and which has the most potential benefit. I will always try to make policy decisions that are informed by the best possible analysis of facts. Having said that, my inclination is always to say that we need to take care of people’s basic needs first; housing is a basic need.
Suzanne Stahl
I would spend $5 million on social service agencies to treat and place the houseless. Many individuals that are chronically houseless have dual diagnoses, mental health issues and drug addictions. Additionally, individuals that have recently lost their housing due to rising rent can also develop health issues, both mental and physical, due to the stress and anxiety of their situation. As a case manager for a non-profit mental health clinic, I have seen the appreciation and gratitude of program outreach. It was much easier for me to go to them then for them to come to the clinic. I would also increase public housing and create 7,000-plus low-income housing and traditional housing units. Bridge Meadows is a great model. These efforts may even decrease the needed fund amount of police and fire bureaus.
With the $5 million left, I would increase the manpower and operation of the Fire Bureau.
Fred Stewart
I would spend $2 million on the fire bureau, $4 million for social services, $3 million on the police bureau, and $1 million on the parks bureau.
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?
Lanita Duke
Yes, I would advocate to the mayor for the abolishment of the 48-hour rule.
Michael Durrow
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.
Shannon Estabrook
No. Absolutely not. I would follow police union dictate. Unions first. Always.
Chloe Eudaly
Yes. It is not common or best practice in law enforcement, it will improve police accountability, and it’s called for under our DOJ settlement. Perhaps most importantly the continued refusal of the police union to get rid of the 48-hour rule is increasing community mistrust and resentment at a time when PPD needs to be mending its fences.
Amanda Fritz
Yes.
David Morrison
Absolutely
Steve Novick
Yes.
Ann Sanderson
Sorry. Yes/no answers to complex questions make for bad policy. As a council member, I would ask to hear from all parties involved, including national experts in police shooting investigations. Then I would make a decision on what to recommend to my council colleagues.
Suzanne Stahl
GET RID OF THE 48 HOUR RULE! The city must be transparent and accountable, and allowing officers “down time” is egregious. If they are held above the law, they will act above the law. Information and memory is more accurate immediately after an event. If officers don’t disclose information right away, pertinent information may be lost.
Fred Stewart
Yes.
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?
Lanita Duke
Yes, I would advocate to the Mayor for the abolishment of contracting for military and militarized equipment for use by our police bureau. I would advocate for bringing back Community Policing. I support the Department of Justice 2015 recommendations that, “PPB shall ensure that officers use non-force and verbal techniques to effect compliance with police orders whenever feasible, especially in the course of conducting welfare checks or effecting arrests for minor offenses or for persons whom officers have reason to believe are experiencing a mental health crisis; de-escalate the use of force at the earliest possible moment; only resort to those use of force weapons, including less-lethal weapons, as necessary; and refrain from the use of force against individuals who are already under control by officers, or who may express verbal discontent with officers but do not otherwise pose a threat to officers or others, or impede a valid law enforcement function.”
Michael Durrow
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.
Shannon Estabrook
Depends what equipment.
Chloe Eudaly
Yes. Intimidation doesn’t lend itself to successful community policing and the increased militarization of our police can lead to more forceful and potentially deadly interventions than necessary.
Amanda Fritz
This is not within my power as a commissioner, since the mayor is in charge of the Police Bureau and this type of internal Standard Operating Procedure decision is not subject to council approval. I won’t promise things I can’t deliver.
David Morrison
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.
Steve Novick
I’d like a definition of militarized equipment, but instinctively, yes.
Ann Sanderson
See above about the danger of Yes/No answers. A police force is not an army and should not look like one. I am in favor of a sincere, effective community policing model which makes officers a part of the community they serve. That said, I also want to make sure officers have the equipment they need to be safe.
Suzanne Stahl
Using the military and its equipment is unfounded and not necessary. As commissioner I would end this practice.
Fred Stewart
There is some equipment that I would not support the City of Portland purchasing or owning. Some equipment, I would, of course, support. I will look at each item and deem the value of that item based on the needs of the Portland Police, the values and civil rights of the people of Portland, and the cost to purchase and train officers to use said items.
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
Lanita Duke
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Increase parking
3. Bike infrastructure
Michael Durrow
1. Bike infrastructure
2. Low- or no-fare public transit
3. Increase parking
Shannon Estabrook
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Bike infrastructure
3. Increase parking
Chloe Eudaly
1. Low- or no-fare public transit (plus greater ADA accessibility)
2. Bike infrastructure (coupled with curb cuts and other ADA improvements)
3. More neighborhood parking permit zones to encourage visitors to walk, bike or bus.
Amanda Fritz
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Bike infrastructure
3. Increase parking
David Morrison
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Bike infrastructure
3. Increase parking
Steve Novick
1. Bike infrastructure
2. Low- or no-fare public transit (note: Tri-Met is the responsible government entity)
3. Increase parking
Ann Sanderson
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Increase parking
3. Bike infrastructure
Suzanne Stahl
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Increase parking
3. Bike infrastructure
(I want services to be as equitable as possible. I and the disability community and other communities cannot ride bikes, but can take public transit.)
Fred Stewart
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
Lanita Duke
1. Radio Cab
2. Raincoat
3. Adidas
4. Maple Bacon Doughnut
Michael Durrow
1. Uber
2. Raincoat
3. Adidas
4. Maple Bacon Doughnut
Shannon Estabrook
1. Radio Cab
2. Raincoat (I’m an Oregon Native)
3. Nike (Gotta Love Uncle Phil)
4. Maple Bacon Doughnut (What? Are you joking?)
Chloe Eudaly
1. Radio Cab
2. (It depends.)
3. (Brand loyalty and sweatshops are out.)
4. (Neither)
Amanda Fritz
1. Radio Cab
2. Raincoat
3. Nike
4. (Neither)
David Morrison
(Bacon and kale)
Steve Novick
1. Radio Cab
2. Raincoat
3. Nike
4. (I don’t eat bacon, but a Maple Doughnut sounds delicious.)
Ann Sanderson
1. Uber
2. (A really cool looking hat)
3. (Keds)
4. (Really, really strong coffee)
Suzanne Stahl
(Again with making sure services meet the demands of the public, Uber states it “doesn’t need to comply with the ADA” thus limits users. Radio Cab, on the other hand, has wheelchair accessible vans and accommodates more people.)
Fred Stewart
1. Radio Cab
2. Raincoat
3. Nike
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.
Lanita Duke
Back in the day, recreationally but now -rarely d.
Michael Durrow
d. Rarely.
Shannon Estabrook
I smoke marijuana never, as in ever.
Chloe Eudaly
I smoke marijuana rarely. I prefer cocktails and remaining coherent.
Amanda Fritz
e. Never.
David Morrison
e. Never.
Steve Novick
d. Rarely.
Ann Sanderson
Along, long time ago in galaxy far, far away.
Suzanne Stahl
d. Rarely.
Fred Stewart
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.
Lanita Duke
As the Director of Grassroot News, NW, I am longtime reporter and video producer. I have a deep understanding of the issues facing the city and have forged relationships with citizens across geographical districts. My videos have tackled issues such as teen interaction with police, curbing teen pregnancy, low-income housing, Alzheimer’s disease, low math scores of city schools, job skills training and more. I will continue to be a voice for the voiceless to provide hope to the hopeless.
Michael Durrow
I will testify that the slights we face are not “all in your head.”
Shannon Estabrook
I will see everyone as equal, as I do in my classroom. It is my “clean slate” policy. We ALL continue to learn from our differences. We are every color now. We all have varied backgrounds now. We ARE ONE. Please DO check on my tolerance status each year, should I win. I’m still learning too.
Chloe Eudaly
Just one promise to address the ongoing effects of historic and institutionalized racism in one of the whitest cities in the country? I’ve got three: I promise to seek out, value and honor the input of communities of color in all aspects of my work on council. I promise to advocate for transparent citywide goals around diversity, equity and inclusion for all city spending, hiring and programming. I promise to fight further displacement of communities of color in all current and future urban renewal areas, by insisting on rigorous anti-displacement measures, and requiring community benefit agreements (to be crafted by the communities involved) from all developers utilizing public dollars or receiving incentives from the city.
Amanda Fritz
I will seek out and consider input from communities of color before making important decisions. This promise includes hiring/retaining people of color in the staffing of my office and bureaus, to provide opportunities, direct input, and leadership on the actions of the government that belongs to all Portlanders.
David Morrison
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.
Steve Novick
I will work with my bureaus to ensure that in recruiting for city jobs and seeking input on city projects, we make an extra effort to reach people of color in as many languages as possible. We have taken steps restructure our outreach on PBOT projects with the help of my East Portland liaison, Andrea Valderrama.
Ann Sanderson
I won’t lie to you.
Suzanne Stahl
Improve the relationship between PPOC and police. Can’t be done? I have already seen good dialogue at Race Talks. I will promote Race Talks, school meetings, and community forums that incorporate the police community.
Fred Stewart
I will lower the level of violence in the black community in the city of Portland.
QUESTION 8
How will you ensure young people of color will succeed in Portland?
Lanita Duke
I would declare a state of emergency regarding the academic achievement gap in education. In Oregon, children of color and low-income students consistently fall far behind their white, middle-class counterparts on key educational metrics. A 2013 study by the secretary of state shows achievement gaps are significant and consistent in Oregon with a notable effect on workforce preparedness for underserved populations.
“If the state fails in the effort to close the achievement gap, long-term workforce availability could be compromised, and that could impact Oregon’s ability to attract and retain quality jobs,” the report states.
I will create study groups at kitchen tables, in parks, community centers, trailer parks, apartment building – everywhere to encourage students to increase their study time to close this gap.
Michael Durrow
Provide resources so they can plan, prepare and connect to the right people and resources.
Shannon Estabrook
All young people should be provided with: Free tuition at ALL community colleges in the Portland area. ALL students. Free bus passes on TriMet. Opportunities for employment and reduced rent. Free child care.
Chloe Eudaly
This is another complicated question with no single adequate answer. Lack of economic opportunity and affordable housing, combined with gross inequities in our educational system, and generations of racism and discrimination mean that most young people of color will face multiple challenges and barriers to success. While the city, county and state must work together to develop long-term strategies for these bigger systemic issues, we can still take smaller and more immediate steps to not just helping youth, but presenting our communities with ways in which they can step up and help create the welcoming and inclusive communities youth need and deserve through community partnerships. After all, this is not a shortcoming on the part of the youth or communities of color; this a failure of our larger society to guarantee equal rights and opportunities to all people.
One great example of the kind of partnership I’m talking about is the Boise Youth Business Unity Project, where students from Jefferson and Rosemary Anderson high schools are matched with area businesses for paid summer internships. Youth learn valuable job skills while building wider connections in their local communities. Local businesses have a chance to give back to communities they do business in by investing in area youth.
Amanda Fritz
I will help foster success for young people of color through programs in my assigned bureaus, and by being a role model as someone who is not a white male on the council. For instance, by providing healthy recreation and SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) programs in Parks; by continuing to encourage police reform so that all Portlanders are treated with respect and everyone is safe in their neighborhood; by supporting the Diverse Civic Leadership and East Portland Action Plan initiatives within the Office of Neighborhood Involvement; and by employing people of varied backgrounds in my office and in my bureaus. Young people need internships, apprenticeships and volunteer leadership opportunities to enter the pipeline to success. I will also continue to champion the Future Connect scholarships with Portland Community College. No one person can “ensure” that youth succeed. We are all responsible for the success of every young person.
David Morrison
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.
Steve Novick
By working to improve transportation infrastructure in east Portland, where many of our people of color live, so that they can get to jobs or school even if they don’t have cars. By working to ensure that the city itself employs young people of color. By carefully monitoring city bureaus (including but not limited to the police bureau) to guard against discriminatory conduct.
Ann Sanderson
The same way I would on any big, important problem: Listening to the people who are affected by the problem. Working with people throughout the community. Looking at what works in other communities in the United States and internationally and then adapting those solutions to the needs of Portland.
Suzanne Stahl
Gang activity is on the rise because gangs provide a sense of belonging to our youth. More after-school activities need to be created and fostered, more youth need to be involved with successful STEM programs, and more community centers need to be built and remain open after hours a weekends (times when many parents are working). These activities will show there are better and healthier ways to get that sense of belonging.
Fred Stewart
First off, I will be an example of a black person in Portland who loves his hometown. I will ensure that black people in Portland feel like they are included in the future of Portland. We will see more relationships with the black business-owner community, and we will learn more about how much black people have contributed to Portland under my tenure as a City Commissioner.
QUESTION 9
In one sentence, state something you will do as commissioner to ease the burden on Portland’s small businesses.
Lanita Duke
A loan program with a 12-month repayment option, a flat tax rate based on yearly revenue and set-aside contracts from the city and state.
Michael Durrow
Increase free recycling services.
Shannon Estabrook
All small businesses should be given immediate tax exemptions and relief.
Chloe Eudaly
The lack of affordable housing poses a triple threat to Portland’s small-business owners -- residential and commercial rents are going up unchecked, making it harder for small-business owners who are renters to live and do business in Portland, harder to find and retain employees who are becoming cost-burdened by rent, and harder to attract customers, many of whom now have less discretionary income -- which is one of the many reasons why affordable housing and tenant protections are my top priority.
Amanda Fritz
I will continue to support increasing the “owner-exemption” tax break so that small-business owners can keep more of the money they earn.
David Morrison
Begin a program to offer tax credits for hiring kids out of school, a homeless person or an ex-prisoner.
Steve Novick
I will support improved transportation infrastructure to help their customers and employees get to and from their businesses. I’m not sure what “the burden” means – what burden are we talking about?
Ann Sanderson
I won’t assume the solution to every problem is a new tax or fee.
Suzanne Stahl
As commissioner, I would limit urban renewal plans and may do away with them completely, thus limiting rent increases.
Fred Stewart
I will protect thecity of Portland from unnecessary taxes and fees, and I will do what I can to help small-business people in any way that I can.
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
Lanita Duke
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – c. Needs work
2. Public campaign finance – a. Great idea
3. Expanded light rail – d. Nope
4. PPB Horse Patrol – b. Good idea
Michael Durrow
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
Shannon Estabrook
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – d. Nope
2. Public campaign finance – c. Needs work
3. Expanded light rail – b. Good idea
4. PPB Horse Patrol – a. Great idea
Chloe Eudaly
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – d. Nope
2. Public campaign finance – a. Great idea
3. Expanded light rail – b. Good idea
4. PPB Horse Patrol – c. Needs work
Amanda Fritz
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – d. Nope
2. Public campaign finance – a. Great idea
3. Expanded light rail – b. Good idea
4. PPB Horse Patrol – c. Needs work
David Morrison
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
Steve Novick
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – d. Nope
2. Public campaign finance – b. Good idea
3. Expanded light rail – a. Great idea
4. PPB Horse Patrol – c. Needs work
Ann Sanderson
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
Suzanne Stahl
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
Fred Stewart
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – c. Needs work
2. Public campaign finance – a. Good idea
3. Expanded light rail – b. Great 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?
Lanita Duke
Work with the mayor to develop a policy to save the trees. Developers would need to include them in plans.
Michael Durrow
Mandate two replacements for one tree cut, increase the administrative process, charge punitive fees, and increase neighborhood rights and appeals.
Shannon Estabrook
No trees removed. None. If a tree is a clear and present danger to life, shall be immediately addressed. This is NOT Los Angeles. Thank you.
Chloe Eudaly
The choice to destroy our urban canopy shouldn’t be left up to developers. No one should be allowed to take down large, healthy, non-dangerous, non-nuisance trees without public notice, steep fines (i.e. the actual value of the tree), restrictions on percentage of trees removed, and 1:1 replacement requirements.
Amanda Fritz
I will continue to be the council’s primary champion on tree protection. Having helped instigate the Tree Code as a community activist, it is very frustrating to see it watered down by council, subject to development interests. I will work with community organizers and neighbors to strengthen and improve it.
David Morrison
Require developers to work around the trees or no permit can be issued.
Steve Novick
I support strong measures to protect trees greater than 48 inches in diameter, as recently proposed. I think we may need stronger protections in areas of the city which do not have good tree canopy, and should make it harder to remove trees to build McMansions than to do so to add density.
Ann Sanderson
Good policy analysis takes time and a lot of listening. I would work to modify the tree ordinance to create incentives for keeping trees with the goal to maintain or even increase our urban canopy. A critical first step would include looking at the city’s own commitment to trees to find ways to avoid devastating losses to our canopy like the beautiful trees on Southwest Lincoln taken down for the light rail expansion.
Suzanne Stahl
As commissioner, I will enforce more fees when contractors or the city removes trees. This is a deterrent. I would increase the community’s voice at City Council, and have different bureaus collaborate on ways to keep trees in place.
Fred Stewart
I do realize that many of the legacy trees we enjoy today will need to be cut down if we are going to develop the housing we need. We are a growing city and we need room for people to live and work, and that means we will need to cut down some trees as well as tear down some homes and buildings. Sensible, affordable density is a goal of mine. We will not needlessly cut down trees if it can be avoided.
QUESTION 12
Yes or No: Understanding we’re going to have street homelessness, do you support tent cities?
Lanita Duke
I support tent cities in certain areas. I respect and admire what Dignity Village has accomplished. The village’s five rules cultivate a sense of community: no violence, no theft, no alcohol or drugs within a one-block radius, no constant disruptive behavior, and all residents must contribute at least 10 hours per week of work for village upkeep. Due to income inequality, lack of affordable housing and jail servicing as residential mental health facilities there are currently a large number of Portlanders experiencing homelessness. However, I do not support tent cities in residential neighbors populated by schools and small businesses.
Michael Durrow
I prefer small tent communities in non-residential areas to having tents everywhere. They should be provided with security fencing and honey-pots, too.
Shannon Estabrook
Absolutely NOT. The homeless need dignity and care. Please put politicians and millionaires in tents. Thank you.
Chloe Eudaly
Yes. We have to meet people where they are in this crisis and right now thousands of people are on the streets. If we cannot immediately provide adequate shelter space or permanent affordable housing, supporting safe and stable areas for tent cities is the next best option.
Amanda Fritz
No. As the chief proponent of a permitted, improved site for Right 2 Dream Too, obviously I do support this wonderful organization, and other gatherings of people sheltering and forming communities living temporarily in tents. The word “cities” implies large bureaucratically organized encampments where thousands of people live permanently. I reject the implication that some people must live outside for long periods in huge impersonal settlements. We must find funding to provide permanent supportive housing as the primary mechanism of moving people living on the streets into better options. When insufficient affordable housing is available, shelter inside in well-managed safe spaces is the next best option for many folks waiting for services. Tents in small connected communities are better than isolated tents, and better than tarps/no shelter.
David Morrison
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.
Steve Novick
I’m not sure anyone “supports” tent cities except as a last resort, but we have seen that there are models that work like R2D2 and Hazelnut Grove. While still looking for solid long-term solutions to our homelessness problem, we should also support those in the homeless community that are working within the law to make a safe place with minimal negative community impacts.
Ann Sanderson
No, and I believe “understanding we’re going to have street homelessness” is the first sign of failure. If we can have a “Vision Zero” for transportation, it is even more imperative that we have a goal of zero homelessness. Anything else is unacceptable.
Suzanne Stahl
Yes! The city should use Right 2 Dream Too as a model.
Fred Stewart
No, I feel we can do better. I want to develop shelters for homeless people. There are other options that we can immediately implement to shelter our homeless, such as building squad bays in warehouses.
QUESTION 13
Select a local artist – professional or amateur – to draw your favorite thing about Portland.