ride in 2006, is running for
Multnomah County Commissioner.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Paul Van Orden is running for Multnomah County Commissioner Seat #2 (North and Northeast Portland district). Van Orden is a political neophyte but he’s no stranger to community organizing and working in the public policy realm. As someone who I’ve noticed at many bike events through the years and who has garnered a lot of support from bike shop owners, bike advocates, and other in our community who care about biking, I figured I’d share a bit more about him here on the Front Page.
Van Orden is currently employed by the City of Portland as a Noise Control Officer. Acting more in a volunteer capacity than in an official City role, Van Orden organized a bike ride leaving the final screening at Filmed By Bike’s recent opening night. That street party has gotten complaints from nearby residents and Van Orden wanted to encourage folks to leave the area and take the party elsewhere.
“Bicycling is a perfect synergy between the health responsibility of the county – including preventative health – and the county’s role overseeing bridges and some roads.”
– Paul Van Orden
But Van Orden has been doing things in the bike scene long before he decided to run for elected office. Maybe that’s why he currently has the support of; bike shop owners Kevin Chudy (Bike N’ Hike) and Bill Larson (Cyclepath); two former executive directors of the BTA, Scott Bricker and Evan Manvel; and the executive director of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, Steph Routh.
Below are answers to five questions I sent Van Orden via email:
Do you think support from bike shop owners, advocates, and others in our community who care about bicycling will play a significant role in your chances to win?
As you know, the neighborhoods of District Two – North and Northeast Portland – have among the city’s highest percentages of people who commute by bike. Cyclists are more engaged in the community than the average person, and vote more often. So I’m thrilled to have visible support from community leaders who care about biking and walking. It’s a crowded race and there’s lots of static, so I’m hoping people who care about biking will spread the word that I’m the candidate for them. Of course, the financial support has also been critical, as you need money to get your message out.
Why are people who care about cycling throwing support behind you?
The county has a significant role in improving transportation choices. Bicycling is a perfect synergy between the health responsibility of the county – including preventative health – and the county’s role overseeing bridges and some roads. As the only person who regularly rides a bike in the race, I understand the needs and perspectives of those who care about biking better than anyone else. It’s also been a personal passion, and I’ve done multiple bike-related campaign events.
Describe how bike riding plays a role in your daily life?
I own and ride a lot of bikes. I commute to work by bike regularly, and have raced bikes, gone on bike tours, and so forth. I’ve got a lot of gear and a lot of passion for cycling. If you want to wonk out about gear, call me.
Given your answer above, how will your perspectives on bicycling inform your work as a County Commissioner?
My personal life riding a bike connects well with my work as a volunteer and professional work working with businesses. As someone who volunteers with low-income communities to grow their own food, I’m passionate about providing affordable, safe transportation choices for everyone. I also know how providing for cycling can help small business owners, from the Waypost Cafe – whose owner has endorsed me – and the city as a whole – I’ve earned national transit expert Charlie Hales’ support. From personal experience I know that biking makes people healthier, which is a key responsibility of the county commission. I’m also aware of key gaps in the network as I’ve ridden them.
What specific issues might come across your desk that impact bicycling in Multnomah County?
Multnomah County maintains six Willamette River bridges, and while with the Morrison we now can safely cross five of them, the Sellwood is an embarrassment for cycling and a huge safety and connectivity problem. It was the leading gap identified by members of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. We’re moving forward on getting it fixed, and we have to succeed. Second, obviously, we could be using our limited political and financial capital for better transportation projects than an overbuilt, bike-unfriendly CRC, and find smarter solutions. At the county, I’m also interested in engaging the low-income and minority communities in conversations and programs about how biking and walking can help with preventative health, which is a big part of the County’s budget.