Parkrose Town Hall - Charter Review Committee 7.14.22
Portland Party Note: We watched this video in full only recently, so based on new information that has come to light in several news reports, the notes we have taken are a little biased in wanting to know more details. We thank Terry from the Parkrose Community Association for asking the hard questions!!
Notes from video:
Why only 1 ballot proposal?
Polling said support was higher if combined - non partisan local polling used by most
FM3 Research ‘620 likely Portland voters’
GBAO Research ‘610 likely Portland voters’
More voters support a slew of multiple reforms (57%) versus just changing the form of government (31%) {but was the question asked fairly? WW article discusses ignored polling responses}
All 3 options polled over 50% individually
Rank choice was supported most
People were asking for a stronger and more equitable democracy
All 3 are stronger together
Example: If form of government changes but number of commissioners doesn’t, won’t work and vice versa
On its way to county now; can only be challenged legally at this point
Oregon single ballot title law
Can challenge if competing priorities to break it up - Portland Business Assoc lawsuit
This needed 15 out of 20 votes to go to the ballot
17 out of 20 voted yes in May
Preliminary vote in March was 100%
City council can make changes to charter (one way outside of every 10 year charter commission)
This would go to ballot - would voters who just said no suddenly now say yes?
Remove primary in May to get the real voter turnout - terms are 4 years
Mayor & two districts w/ lowest historic voter turnout would be presidential election year
City auditor & two other districts would be midterms
Any changes are going to take work and time
Commissioners vote on new policy
Mayor and city manager determine how to implement in bureaus
Council determines if interpreted correctly
Many, especially downtown, don’t want to wait any longer and are willing to try this and vote yes
If measure passes, an independent 12 member commission will be assigned to draw districts
Will be based on population (equally populated) and be contiguous land areas
Suggested population maps show west side will be 1 district and east side 3
Charter itself isn’t appropriate place for details
Intent vs. actual implementation
Current elected officials must put in place
Starts with budgeting - Finance Oversight Committee would take public input
Charter reviewed every 10 years (per charter) - could be revised again at that point through new appointed commission
More districts would create more issues - in particular with regards to zoning (NIMBYism would stop important equity and housing option advancements)
Bureaus create budget —> City mgr & mayor review —> City council approves / amends
Will there be a Citizens Advisory Committee??