PSJ Endorses Voter-Owned Elections

 

It means that candidates run for office and win or lose based on their ideas, values and connection to the community, not just their fundraising ability. Candidates can collect $5 contributions from registered Portland voters (1,000 for Commission candidates or 1,500 for Mayoral candidates) to demonstrate community support. Once certified, a candidate agrees to follow strict rules and procedures to become eligible for funding through the City. It means candidates are accountable to the community instead of big donors and political insiders. Rather than spending months raising money from big campaign donors and special interests, candidates are able to engage with Portlanders about our issues and our interests.

 

 

We believe that publicly financed candidates will have increased accountability to the community and be more responsive in addressing core public safety issues and critical community concerns. PSJ has been deeply disappointed with how many of the City’s historic and current Portland officials have responded to serious concerns about police accountability. The lack of attention to responsibly repairing the broken trust among local law enforcement and various Portland communities has been alarming and disrespectful. Voter-Owned Elections increases the likelihood that this kind of community issue, among others, will be addressed.

Visit the Voter-Owned Election website at www.yesforportland.org and learn how to keep Portland elections fairs, open and accountable.

We'll need to make a lot of phone calls and knock on a lot of doors to get the word out about voter-owned elections. Visit www.yesforportland.org to find out about volunteer opportunities!