As of Tuesday, March 6, a total of 23 candidates had filed to run in the 2012 mayoral election. With the May 15 primary elections fast approaching, the Portland mayoral race moves into a critical period of voter outreach, and candidates are redoubling efforts to raise awareness of their platforms. The top candidates—Jefferson Smith, Eileen Brady and Charlie Hales—and alternative candidates like Cameron Whitten are seeking endorsements and knocking on as many doors as possible, hoping to gain momentum going into the primary.
Notable for its lack of negative campaigning, this mayoral race’s focus has stayed on candidates’ positive traits and policy ideas, a contrast with much of the current political rhetoric at the national level. However, at times the distinctions between the candidates are less evident than their similarities. Throughout the debates, candidates have reached a general consensus on improving Portland’s outer neighborhoods, particularly east of 82nd Avenue. Similarly, job creation and public transportation system improvement are part of each candidate’s campaign.
The question then becomes: How do the candidates distinguish themselves from their opponents if they all agree on the same ideas? This final pre-primary push gives candidates the chance to bring their various backgrounds into the spotlight and demonstrate their qualifications.
Recently, Jefferson Smith launched a large-scale grassroots effort, enlisting more than 100 people with the hope to reach more than 4,000 citizens and educate them on Smith’s campaign and the upcoming primary.
“Jefferson Smith knows how to run campaigns,” said Smith campaign spokesperson Stacey Dycus. She said that Smith has past experience in working to increase the participation of “young people in politics” through the Oregon Bus Project. According to Dycus, this experience, coupled “with his history of working to register voters,” gives Smith insight into campaign management. “It’s a valuable skill for a mayor who knows how to strategize campaigns, navigate political waters and know what can get passed,” Dycus added.
Twelve fellow state legislators have thus far endorsed Smith. Dycus also emphasized Smith’s achievements in the Oregon legislature and his ability to work with lawmakers. “The mayor has to manage politicians and gain consensus. Managing in that kind of environment is an important skill. Jefferson has experience—elected to house leadership over the last two terms,” Dycus said.
According to Dycus, a candidate’s political track record is just as important as identifying with a candidate’s values. “It’s not just about trusting a candidate on what they say, it’s about trusting a candidate on what they’ve done,” Dycus added.
Eileen Brady, one of the original organizers of the locally based New Seasons Market, has no prior government experience. In debates and meet-the-candidate events, Brady describes herself as a concerned citizen, mother and activist who is working to improve neighborhoods. The New Seasons grocery store chain is credited with helping to spur growth in many Portland neighborhoods in recent years. Brady has emphasized that her business experience will help with job creation and in consolidating city government to run more efficiently.
Focusing on job creation, Brady has put emphasis on courting commercial and labor organizations. She recently gained endorsements from The Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council, the Portland Business Alliance, and The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. Brady claims to be the candidate that can draw business to Portland and convince established economic mainstays to continue doing business here.
Charlie Hales discussed his candidacy and views on the mayoral race in a phone interview with the Vanguard. Hales urged a greater awareness and participation in regard to student engagement in local politics and activism.
“What makes Portland great doesn’t just fall out of the sky like rain; it’s the result of decisions that are made every day that steer Portland’s future,” Hales said. “It’s not on autopilot. It’s not that we will automatically have a great quality of life and a great environment where there will be a great transit system that will be affordable, where there will be a job after graduation. It’s in people’s interest to pay attention and get engaged.”
Hales, who recently gained the endorsement of former mayor Vera Katz, said that he is the only candidate with experience in Portland city politics. From 1993–2002, Hales served as a city commissioner and played a significant role in the installment of the Portland Streetcar.
“I’ve tried to articulate a clear and compelling vision for our city as a place where our values of livability become real,” Hales said. “A sustainable local economy, an improved local school system and a better urban environment will be the results of our work together.”
Gaining attention in the bid for Portland mayor is 20-year-old Cameron Whitten. Whitten is a Portland State student with strong ties to Occupy Portland. He said that he is the candidate most understanding of student issues and is not affected by the same influences that compromise other candidates.
“I know exactly what Portland State students are going through,” Whitten said. “I am very vocal in calling out the PSU administration and advising that if they are going to be raising tuition rates, then that funding should be going toward students, not administrators.”
Whitten said the current political system needs big changes to achieve equity in the city. “The public needs to demand control of their government. Heavily funded professional politicians do not represent our needs for systemic change,” he added.
One aspect of Whitten’s platform is the stress he places on elected positions. He suggested that positions like the director of the Portland Development Commission, the city’s chief of police and the city treasurer should be elected positions. Then the community would have greater opportunity to become more involved. “I see the city pioneering civic engagement by having more governmental positions being involved in forums where they have to pitch to the community how they are qualified for the job, before they can be selected,” Whitten said.