The decision by a coalition of business groups and lobbyists to oppose Commissioner Adams’ Safe, Sound, and Green Streets transportation funding package (which passed City Council yesterday) has sent shockwaves through City Hall and bike advocacy groups in Portland. Given what’s at stake and who’s involved, this is without a doubt the most important transportation-related … Read more
[Updated: 7:26pm] Romain strikes again.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Earlier today Portland City Council passed Commissioners Adams’ Safe, Sound and Green Streets funding plan. The plan would be a huge boon to bicycling in Portland, with nearly $30 million (out of $400 million total) going toward bike safety improvements. But don’t start the celebration yet… The … Read more
This just in from the Chris Smith campaign: Chris Smith Submits 1,180 Signatures for VOE Certification This afternoon Chris Smith formally requested certification as a publicly financed candidate under the city’s “Voter Owned Elections” system. Smith, who is running for the Position 1 seat of the City Council, turned in 129 additional qualifying signatures and … Read more
[Updated: 3:27pm] Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard sets a good example.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) The majority of Vancouver (WA) City Council members are reportedly in favor of expanding a youth helmet ordinance to include adults. The ordinance was first heard by City Council earlier this month and based on recent comments by four of the seven … Read more
Jim Middaugh(Photos © Jonathan Maus) In a rare move for an aspiring politician, City Council hopeful Jim Middaugh is telling supporters to stop giving him money. In a statement released late Thursday night, he claimed they are “over the top” with $5 contributions. “In fact,” the statement said, “We’re over the top so far that … Read more
Lobbyist Paul Romain forced a compromise.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Whew. A lot has transpired with the Safe, Sound, and Green Streets Proposal in recent weeks. First, some background… The monumental proposal will look to raise over $400 million for transportation system maintenance and safety projects by way of a new fee charged to city residents … Read more
Chris Smith pedaling along the South Waterfront.(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Transportation and neighborhood activist Chris Smith, who began his run for City Council back in September, plans to submit his 1,000th, $5 contribution to the Auditor’s office later today. Smith, who was given the moniker “Citizen Smith” by the Portland Tribune, needs to have at … Read more
Elly Blue Note: This article was written by BikePortland.org columnist Elly Blue. Elly is a dedicated activist who is busy in the local transportation scene. She spearheaded the “We are ALL Traffic” rally and press conference back in November and she is currently the point person for the upcoming International Towards Carfree Cities Conference coming … Read more
Jim Middaugh (in blue) and friend Bo Grayzel in the Auditor’s office.(Photos © Jonathan Maus) Portland City Council hopeful and daily bike commuter Jim Middaugh just turned in 781, $5 contributions to the City Auditor’s office. Middaugh, who announced his run for Commissioner Erik Sten’s seat just last Monday showed up at City Hall today … Read more
City Council hopeful Jim Middaugh sporting a bit of helmet hair.You can meet Jim this Sunday night at an event being hosted by Congressman Peter Defazio at the Lucky Lab Brewpub in SE from 5:30 – 7:00 (bring $5!).(Photos © Jonathan Maus)
Earl Blumenauer(Photo © Jonathan Maus) Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore) introduced a series of ten bills this week that look to temporarily suspend the import duties on bicycle parts needed by American manufacturers that are not produced in the United States. According to a press statement just released by his office in Washington DC, these bills … Read more
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. … Read more