Portland's dysfunction and Government Reform (Wheeler, Detroit: crime, camping, safe)

[MtnSurfer]

Portland's government has been failing its people for quite some time. Consequently, there is a new push to reform its current system which is moving toward a vote of the people.

"The 20-person Charter Review Commission unanimously agreed on changes they want to make to the city’s oft-criticized form of government." Portland voters could consider dramatic changes in city government

Do you think Portlanders will finally vote to change its form of gov't? And more importantly, do you think this could help repair some of the current dysfunction?
Portland charter reform: Proposed changes to city government

Interestingly, "despite the persistent criticisms, Portlanders have voted against changing the form of government on seven occasions since voting to adopt the form of government in 1913 by a margin of a mere 300 votes. Portland is the only major U.S. city that still has a commission system."

Derek

[NeutralZone]

I fully support changing our current commission form of government. Having the commissioners in charge of their own little fiefdoms with virtually unchecked power is an incredibly inefficient, dysfunctional, and archaic form of government.

[Nell Plotts]

I too support the proposed change in the form of government. IMHO the proposal will pass because of the anger/frustration with our current commission form.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Nell Plotts

I too support the proposed change in the form of government. IMHO the proposal will pass because of the anger/frustration with our current commission form.

It sounds like this could be a positive thing overall bringing a more unified approach to governance. Hopefully, it can help to restore some civic sanity. Although there is a lot of work to be done which depend upon many agencies and local groups working together for the common good. At least its a place to start.

Derek

[redguard57]

One of the things Ted Wheeler has been right about. The government is divided up into these various fiefdoms with no accountability. It makes it where it doesn't really matter how we vote. That has to change.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

The only thing I would be looking closely at is how does it benefit the people in power? They are going to block anything that reduces their power, so there is something they want in the restructuring. A sharp fishhook hidden in the bait.

[NeutralZone]

I think the results of this year’s city elections will be pivotal. They will determine whether the city comes back from the brink and starts the road to sanity or becomes Detroit 2.0.

A step in the right direction is not only changing the form of government but also ensuring Joann Hardesty is defeated for re-election. Either of her two main opponents, Vadim Mozyrsky or Rene Gonzalez would be a huge improvement. Portland is more crime ridden and less safe because of her. I also think it’s important that Dan Ryan gets re-elected. I don’t think he’s been wonderful but his main opponent, Alanna McCreary, would be a much worse choice. Lastly, the choice for Multnomah County Chair is important. I really like the passion of Sharia Mayfield and her anger at the county’s utter disregard of our most pressing problems. Sharon Meieran would be ok, but Lori Stegman and Jessica Vega Pederson are just complacent incumbents with no plan to solve anything.

[Ericgibsonor]

Oregon Justice Reform (OJR) includes much more than our beloved city pf PDX.
The End and Prevention of Homelessness (TEPH). "Because They are Hard" Kennedy.

I have some work on OJR, if anyone would like to see it please send me and email. Oregonhort@gmail.com.

Eric

[Jimrob1]

I'm hearing on the news reports that Portland is going to restrict, tents and Homeless camping around the area. That some sort of supervised camps will be opened for the homeless. I'm wondering if these measures will actually put into effect. Since these issues have been around for a long time, what was the push that got all this action?

Is the city actually voting to change its form of government as has been mentioned?

I watched a video of Rene Gonzalez that is running for office. Is he expected to win over Joanne Hardesty?

[EasyBeezy]

I'm in favor of ending the commission system, but the proposed system in the ballot measure is overly complicated and will not be fully understood by a vast majority of the electorate. Mingus Mapps proposed system is much better, but it is too late. He proposed it as a reaction to the proposal on the ballot, and it depends on the ballot measure going down, which is unlikely.

https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2022...y-2023-ballot/