League of Women Voters on Portland government

This is the adopted League of Women Voters of Portland position on

City of Portland ~ City Government (1991, 1965, 1963, 1961):

The League of Women Voters of Portland, Oregon finds that the present commission form of city government is accountable, flexible and responsive to citizens.

Therefore, we support the commission form of city government as it exists in Portland. We do not support a council-manager or a weak mayor-council form of government.

Under the commission form we support both increased long-range planning and regional cooperation.

We support the continuation of city-wide elections for the offices of commissioners and mayor and no limit on the number of terms these elected officials may serve. We support the mayor’s prerogative of appointing council members to be in a charge of city bureaus for any length of time.

And here is the testimony submitted on the record by the League of Women Voters of Portland at last Thursday’s Charter Review hearing:

DATE: January 17, 2007

TO: Mayor Potter, Commissioners Adams, Leonard, Saltzman, and Sten

FROM: League of Women Voters of Portland
Carol Cushman, president
Debbie Aiona, action chair

RE: Charter Review Commission Report and Recommendations

The League has devoted a great deal of thought to the merits of a May vote on the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations. A decision on how we govern our city deserves careful consideration by an informed and engaged electorate. That cannot be accomplished on such a short time frame or in a 2007 off-year election.

The League believes that more time is needed to make this critical decision. The Charter Review Commission proposals are a good starting point for an inclusive citywide decision making process. Beginning with the form of government question, we recommend council develop a plan to educate the public and solicit its opinions and recommendations on Portland’s form of government. The process should include community meetings in addition to Charter Review Commission and City Council hearings. Besides the mayor/council/CAO form, retaining our current commission form and adoption of alternative models should be considered. Once the form of government issue is settled, the city can begin to consider the other charter changes.

A vote on the form of government would ideally take place in May or November 2008. At that time we can expect a high degree of voter interest and participation. As an added advantage, candidates running for city office will make this issue part of their campaigns and contribute to voter understanding by raising its visibility.

The League thanks the Charter Review Commission for its hard work and City Council for the opportunity to share our recommendations with you. Once again, we urge you to give the public the opportunity to understand and participate in this important decision by scheduling the vote in 2008 and opening the process to greater public participation.

I’m not an authorized representative for the League of Women Voters on this issue. I’ve been a member for a few years, and I vouch for the thoroughness of their research and of their structured, careful, inclusive review and debate before reaching consensus on position statements. I support both their City Government position and last week’s advice on process for Charter Reform.