Chamber Supports Ballot Question 1, Elected Mayor for Portland

Since 2007, the Chamber has maintained a focus on how Portland's system of government could be changed to improve jobs and opportunity.  One of our priorities has been giving Portland a real mayor, elected by popular vote. The elected mayor issue (Question 1) is a key opportunity for Portland to improve.

Make no mistake; Portland has much to brag about.  But for years we have struggled with a municipal government system that has no clear leader, that is largely unaccountable to voters, and that changes direction constantly. 

Currently, Portland Councilors pick a new mayor every year, essentially taking turns.  The ceremonial position carries little weight, and most people on the street cannot tell you who their mayor is, let alone what he or she stands for.  One of the downsides to this has been a lack of vision, leadership, and progress.  How many worthwhile projects have we seen languish and fade away?  With an Elected Mayor Portland will have a leader who is connected to, and responsible to, our businesses, schools, families, and neighborhoods.  That leader will also be a credible force in Augusta and Washington, where we do not always get our fair share. 

Here's why we support an Elected Mayor, and urge you to vote YES on 1, and lend your voice to our campaign by going to www.electourmayorportland.com.

• First, we see great value in having the city talk every few years about who it is and where it wants to go. Candidates will be out there saying why they want to be mayor.  The people and businesses will be engaged in telling candidates what they think/want. 

• Second, once all that has occurred, the person who wins will land in office with a real sense of what the community wants/needs. The new Mayor will have a mandate.

• Third, the Mayor will be a full time job. He or she will be there connecting with you and others in business.  They are in the neighborhood meetings and they are there to connect the dots when action is needed. On some projects there is no leadership of any substance right now.  The dedicated elected mayor's political power can move things along.

• Fourth, in a quarter billion dollar enterprise, you need professional management.  The City Manager will still be in charge of that.  But the political will to act will be borne by the mayor who just had the will of the voters exercised. The City Manager and staff will see and have to respond to that mandate.
• Fifth, the Mayor will be the credible face of Portland in Augusta, in Washington, and in the eyes of anyone considering a transaction or project here.  Now it is a manager whose ministerial duties can clash with this, or it is a part-time mayor who might start a conversation but will be gone from office in a few months, disrupting continuity and credibility.

Godfrey Wood, CEO