(PORTLAND, Oreg.)—Portland District 3 City Councilors vye against newcomers on November 3.
Three incumbent councilors Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, and Steve Novick are challenged by newcomers Tom Sollitt, Esther Leon, and Kellie Torres.
OpGov.news provides a quick overview of the candidates below, allowing voters to make a more informed decision in November.
Photo Credit: portland.gov
First of the incumbents is Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane, who as a fourth generation Japanese American (Yonsei), stands on the shoulders of generations of people working for change.
“Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane is honored to represent District 3 on the Portland City Council. She is the first Asian American woman elected to Portland’s City Government,” according to her website.
Councilor Koyama Lane, also known as Teacher Tiffany, also has 16 years of experience teaching in public schools. She advocates for safe streets, healthy community through public goods, environmental justice, and strong labor contracts.
Next, Councilor Angelita Morillo, who as a Paraguayan immigrant and Portlander, who has experienced homelessness, knows how important it is for leadership in governance to include people impacted by the issues.
Councilor Morillo’s builds her platform on public safety, housing and homelessness, better governance, transportation and infrastructure, immigrant rights, along with climate, parks, and Portland’s future.
“Nobody gave me a seat at the table. I’ve earned it and I’m using it to serve and support the people of District 3 and all Portlanders, with policies, protections and legislation that advances working people, our families and our communities,” angelitaforportland.com said.
Councilor Steve Novick is running to make progress - for District 3 and for all Portlanders. He has a track record of getting things done, and in a second term he intends to continue the fight for public safety, livability, small business, and the responsible use of your tax dollars.
On a council so often divided, Councilor Novick is a voice of common sense, pragmatism, and a sense of humor.
“Because I’ve been around for a long time, most of you know what I’m about. I listen to constituents. I don't shy away from a realistic assessment of our problems. I don't overpromise. I look for cost-effective, evidence-based solutions. And I don't think that we can solve our problems with overheated, self-righteous rhetoric” novickforportland website said.
Among the newcomers is Tom Sollitt, who hopes to make government boring, so that when it is needed it works.
Sollitt proposes five things he will seek to accomplish if elected.
He will work to restore and strengthen the auditor’s office, bring the city together on homelessness, return material Arts Tax changes to voters, reassess the rules that impact local businesses, and Prosper Portland.
“As someone who was displaced through international adoption from South Korea to Oregon, an immigrant, and a former full-time educator, I know how profoundly agency, belonging, and opportunity shape a person's life. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to determine their own future, build a stable life, and fully participate in their community,” tomforpdx.com said.
Photo Credit: portland.gov
Kellie Torres has been a nonprofit leader, a strategic planner, and a partner inside city hall.
Torres’s vision for Portland includes building safe neighborhoods and reliable city services, housing affordability, small business vitality, and accountable governance.
“I’m an Indigenous Mexican woman whose parents were union workers and managed the apartment complex where we lived. I learned early that leadership starts with showing up for your neighbors, solving problems, and serving your community. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career,” kellietorresforportland.com said.
Esther Leon is a healthcare provider, who has worked with individuals in Oregon’s prison system. This background has made her a strong listener, who is open to new perspectives.
Leon believes she is in a unique position to see and hear Portlanders, as she seeks to heal the community.
“Portlanders are overtaxed and underdelivered. We are losing faith in our ability to contribute to the collective good through civic measures as the housing crisis worsens, our infrastructure crumbles, and our favorite small businesses are priced out of the area. Nobody wants this. If elected city councilor, I will work to restore affordable living, a successful small business scene, clean and safe streets, and a thriving arts culture. Let’s keep Portland beautiful, healthy, and weird for generations to come!” Torres said.
OpGov.news will post all local election results on the night of the November General Election.
If you would like to comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org
0
0
Comments