Bike Walk Vote endorses Smith, Bissonnette

This just in, from the Bike, Walk, Vote political action committee:

Bike Walk Vote Co-Endorses Chris Smith, Jeff Bissonnette for City Commissioner District 1 Seat

Bike Walk Vote PAC, the political arm of the Portland area’s bicycling and walking lobby, has endorsed two of the seven candidates in the Portland City Commission District 1 race.

Chris Smith and Jeff Bissonnette received the endorsement based on their records and their answers to an extensive questionnaire.

Nic Callero, Bike Walk Vote treasurer, said: “We’re thrilled that we have so many good candidates in the race, and it was a tough decision. While Amanda Fritz has an impressive record of fighting for pedestrians, Smith and Bissonnette showed the deepest understanding of how best to serve the needs of Portlanders as we bike and walk. We’re convinced they both would be strong leaders in our efforts to improve our health, save resources, and protect the environment.”

Having made the endorsements, Bike Walk Vote is now working to assist the candidates to qualify for public financing by Jan 31st. It will then turn its attention to the Portland Mayor’s race and the race for City Commission districts 2 and 4 (Sten and Leonard), as well as Metro and county commission races in the greater Portland area.

Bike Walk Vote endorsees have won 12 of 13 races. Formed in 2004, it helped elect Commissioner Sam Adams, helped Metro Councilor Robert Liberty oust an incumbent, and helped Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen win in a crowded race.

Bike Walk Vote’s board includes active members of the biking and walking community, including Evan Manvel, Scott Bricker, Dan Eisenbeis, Curt Dewees, Dat Nyguen, Ian Stude, Peter Welte, Nic Callero, Robin Denburg, and Carl Larson. Larson, who has done paid work for Smith, was barred from participating in the endorsement process.