Voters can select two members of the Portland City Council in the May 17 primary.
OPB sent questionnaires about the big challenges facing the city to every candidate in the race. We wanted to know where they stand on some of the major issues in this campaign — homelessness, police oversight, the future of the city’s unique form of government — and what in their lived experience makes them think they’re the best candidate for the job.
Under the commission system, Portland City Council members serve as both legislators voting on policy and agency heads. Each oversees a portfolio of departments and assignments handed out by the mayor. Council members are elected in citywide, nonpartisan races of four-year terms. If no candidate receives a majority of votes in May, the top two candidates will face each other in a runoff in November.
The two races on the ballot this year are for positions 2 and 3.
Position 2 is currently held by Commissioner Dan Ryan. Challengers include Avraham Cox, Alanna (AJ) McCreary and Sandeep Bali.
Position 3 is held by Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. Challengers include Chad Leisey, Kimbra Kasch, Ed Baker, Vadim Mozyrsky, Rene Gonzalez, Dale Hardt and Joseph Whitcomb.
Ballots in the primary must be dropped off in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on May 17 or postmarked by May 17.