A Series of Signs at the Corner of Congress and Franklin Streets at the Bottom of Munjoy HIll.

The Logo for the People First Portland Campaign – to Correct the Failed City Council.

Late last week, the Portland Democratic City Committee overwhelmingly voted to support questions A, B, C, and D on the Portland ballot for the November 3, 2020 election.

On Thursday, 75% of members present voted to add Question A, raising the minimum wage to $15. an hour with hazard pay for essential workers, to their endorsement list for 2020.  Previously the Portland Democratic City Committee endorsed the Facial Surveillance Ban (Question B), The Green New Deal for Portland (Question C) and an Act to Protect Tenants (Question D).

“At the Portland Dems, we are proud to support and uplift local direct democratic efforts like People First Portland.  Power imbalances in this city need to be addressed in order for us to have an equitable thriving democracy,” said the Co-chair of the Committee, Evan Lebrun.

Opposing measure A is the Chamber of Commerce and its PAC.  They sent at least one paid representative to the meeting who unsuccessfully tried to sway members to vote against the measure.  In an editorial on the editorial page, Greg Quiche, editor, penned an opposition to Questions A, B, C, D and E.  It appeared on Wednesday, October 14, 2020.  That across the board rejection by the “Republican Press Herald” came as no surprise since the local depends on the advertising from the real estate industry for its very existence.  Any perceived threat to that industry is a perceived but unreal threat to the future of the “Herald.” The People First Portland non-profit is supported by a coalition of numerous organizations, and does not stand alone,  as the Republican Press Herald says.

The final vote by the Portland Dems last week was 42-14 in support of Question A.

For more background information, please visit posts dated October 13, 2020 and June 20, 2020 – :People First Portland Steps in Where City Has Failed Portlanders.”