politics

Open Government Groups Push For Changes In Portland Elections

By Rob Manning (OPB)
Portland, Oregon Aug. 3, 2016 12:38 a.m.

Some of Portland's top city officials have been in regular talks recently to change city elections, according to lobbying reports out Tuesday.

Commissioner Amanda Fritz was elected to office through a publicly financed election system – a system that voters narrowly rejected in 2010. Now, Fritz’ advisors — and staff from two other council offices — are looking at a new set of changes.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

They’re hearing from three “open government” groups on a regular basis, according to a report on lobbying activity from the city auditor.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

It shows Common Cause, Every Voice and the Seattle-based Sightline Institute have contacted city officials at least 40 times in the last few months.

They’ve regularly met with Fritz’s staff as well as advisors to Mayor Charlie Hales and Commissioner Steve Novick.

Discussions date back at least to April, but a Novick staff member says talks are still “early.”

Among the issues still up in the air is whether a new election system could win city council approval or if changes would be sent to voters.

In June, Willamette Week first reported interest in possibly reviving Portland's defunct "Voter Owned Elections" system of public financing.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: