I know how government works, but I’m not a career politician.
I’m better than a politician – I’ve spent nearly two decades working directly with people, building and improving systems and policies that impact our communities, and fighting to bring more voices into these important conversations.
I know that government is how we, the people, come together to tackle big issues to make life better.
We each deserve a city that is safe, affordable and healthy. We deserve a community that we are proud to be a part of. We deserve leaders who recognize that public services can only add to our quality of life when they are reliable and easy to use. I want a Portland that is empathetic – a big city where we still care about our neighbors and we constantly strive to do better.
I ask for your vote to ensure this perspective is represented for District 3 on the new City Council.
Now is the time for leadership in city government that listens to a wide variety of viewpoints, builds consensus, and gets our city back on track with balanced solutions and clear results. This change in Portland’s city council is a chance to expect better of city government and how it’s supposed to work for us. I know how to lead through the culture shift that can make the city a better service provider.
I’m ready to move our city forward to help us be the city we love, the city we want to be: the City that Works – for all of us.
Where I stand
Balance
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We need a balanced transportation system that works for everyone – bicyclists, pedestrians, transit riders and drivers. Everyone deserves a safe commute, and Portland should strive to be the easiest, safest city in America to get around in, whether it’s the hottest part of summer or midway through the rainy season.
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No matter who you are or where you come from, if you’re not involved in a crime, the sight of a police officer shouldn’t strike fear in your heart. As a Native American, I am acutely aware of the impacts our justice system has on communities of color. We must ensure balance in our system: We need safe communities. We need a justice system that listens to our communities and works every day to serve us better. We should expect people to be responsible for their actions while building a justice system that helps move them to better.
When we fully staff our police force, we are taking care of officers working important and high-stress jobs. When we ensure that the Portland Police Bureau represents and is connected to the communities it serves, community members can understand – and influence – police policies, procedures and approaches.
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Small businesses are the backbone of Portland’s economy. I love talking to small business owners and hearing what’s working for them – and what isn’t. I want to see a city government that has small businesses top of mind, supporting them, their employees and their communities.
Consensus
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Portland’s new form of government needs an experienced consensus-builder who can work with 12 other people to help move Portland forward. After a 17-year career working with leaders in local government, I’ve seen the good – and the bad – in Oregon politics. I’ve supported the hard work of decision-makers wrestling with – and addressing – the diversity of perspectives, needs and hopes of residents, businesses, service providers, advocates and experts. This is essential for effective governance and, done well, lead to sustainable solutions where people’s lives and livelihoods have been seen, heard and considered.
I will expect the council’s decisions to be grounded in an optimistic vision for the city with a clear understanding of how the goals align with that vision, how results will be measured and demonstrated, what we can expect for both benefits and tradeoffs.
Results
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For houselessness, compassion in Portland is not the issue – and, over the last few years, we certainly have escalated funding to help. But so many of us continue to ask, “Why aren’t we being effective?”
We need leadership at all levels of government to create a consistent and aligned plan to help those in need – one that recognizes there are some people who are asking for help, some who don’t yet trust the offer help, and some who aren’t in a place to say yes to help due to deep mental health or addiction issues. And that recognizes the nightly circumstances are not all the same: Some people are unsheltered and exposed, some have built relationships and community with others who are experiencing houselessness, some have a vehicle and possessions that are important to them, and some are getting by with the help of a sleeping space with friends or family.
Homelessness is trauma. Our systems need to address that trauma and work to build communities of support, recovery and self-empowerment and responsibility. We need clear paths to housing for different circumstances, understanding the barriers to and the opportunities for success. And we must uncover – and fill – the gaps in these paths that drop people out and force them to start again.
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I don’t believe that the housing affordability crisis is simply the “will of the market.” We need a full audit and understanding of the policies and practices that have added to our housing affordability crisis.
Even good concepts around tenants’ rights – are some policies preventing people from renting out rooms or creating accessory dwelling units? How many houses are tied up by corporate landlords who use them for short- or micro-term rentals or even leave them empty until they can get a better rate or for tax benefits? What tools have other growing cities used to prevent displacement and housing shortages? I want to explore how those strategies would work for Portland.
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Whether it’s dealing with your water bill, registering for swim lessons or getting a construction permit, we need to make it as easy as possible to work with Portland government. We aren’t just taxpayers, we are customers – and city services need to deliver. We need to be the City that Works… for us. Portland needs to earn the trust of all communities, and that starts with reliably delivering services that are easy to use.
I grew up in Northeast Portland and have lived off Glisan Street for 15 years. I’ve seen the changes that have come to our neighborhood, and our city – both good and bad. My husband, our dog and I are proud Montavilla residents. My family is of white, Filipino and Chetco ancestry, and I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
Occupational and educational background
Public Engagement and Communications Manager, Civil Rights Program Manager | Metro (greater Portland regional government)
JD, Lewis & Clark Law School
BA English, Portland State University
BA Anthropology, Portland State University
