"The Value of Jobs", a coalition of Portland-area business groups that includes the Portland Business Alliance, has published its http://www.valueofjobs.com/candidate_ques/index.html for the City Council race between incumbent Amanda Fritz and her challenger Mary Nolan; and the mayoral race between Charlie Hales and Jefferson Smith. (more...)
Portland City Commissioner Amanda Fritz plans to vote against a PBOT request for federal funds that includes a bike share system when it comes in front of Council tomorrow.
Since her winning campaign back in 2008, Fritz has championed "basic services for all 95 neighborhoods" as the pillar of her policy making. Given that, when it was reported yesterday that she would vote no on bike share, I wasn't completely surprised.
What I am surprised about is that the "basic services first" mantra isn't the only reason she objects to the bike share project. (more...)
Commissioner Amanda Fritz, known as a watchdog of the City's coffers, especially when proposals have potential to impact citizen's pocketbooks, has published a blog post stating her support for Mayor Adams' $20 million plan to fund bike-boulevard specific components of green streets.
Fritz points out that the average residential sewer ratepayer in Portland would save just 7.5 cents per month, or 90 cents per year if the $20 million was given back to them instead of being used for this purpose. "The alternative of returning about one dollar to each ratepayer does not seem wise to me." (more...)
Mayor Sam Adams' support of a proposal that would authorize the construction of a new I-5 bridge that could "be built to accomodate up to 12 lanes" has sparked a new level of opposition to the current direction of the Columbia River Crossing project.
Adams' decision to compromise with Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard on this issue has provided a spark for citizen activists to organize and rally in opposition to the project.
A loose coalition of activists has come together and is planning a rally at 12:00 noon on April 5th in Waterfront Park (which is, fittingly, the site where the Harbor Drive Freeway was once located before it was removed, thus sparking Portland's green transportation planning legacy). (more...)
Last week during a meeting of the Bicycle Advisory Committee, there was one person around the table who I'd never seen before.
When she introduced herself as Amanda Mansfield from the staff of newly elected Commissioner Amanda Fritz, I was pleasantly surprised. After watching her listen attentively and fill several pages of notes (on what was a rather wonky meeting), I tracked her down to find out more.
It turns out that Ms. Mansfield was sent by order of Commissioner Fritz in order to learn more about bike issues. When I asked Mansfield why, she said, "to educate myself and Commissioner Fritz about what's on the agenda for bikes. I plan to report back to her so we can keep abreast of the issues and help out whenever possible." (more...)
With 70% of the vote, Amanda Fritz, a neighborhood activist and Registered Nurse, has been elected to Portland City Council.
Ms. Fritz, who lost a bid for Commissioner in 2006, won a decisive victory over Charles Lewis and she is the first non-incumbent to win a council seat using Portland's public campaign funding system.
Fritz seems likely to be a very capable and effective commissioner. She's very detail-oriented, has a lot of experience on local issues, and she listens and actively tries to engage all perspectives.
(more...)
It's been way too long since I chimed in on the one remaining race for a Portland City Council seat. I hope to offer more coverage of both remaining candidates (Charles Lewis and Amanda Fritz) soon, but in the meantime, here's a news release fresh from the Fritz camp:
"Mayor Elect Sam Adams Endorses Amanda Fritz
Amanda is passionate about doing good things for our city--- and has a history of doing so. I want good people on the city council. She is my choice,” said Mayor Elect Sam Adams today as he endorsed Amanda Fritz for the Portland City Council.
(more...)
91 comments 27 comments 27 comments 23 comments 20 comments
