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Portland is facing a historic election involving a new voting system and an unusually high number of candidates. Journalists at The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting share a goal of ensuring that Portland voters have the information they need to make informed choices, and we also know candidates’ time is valuable and limited.
That’s why the two news organizations teamed up this cycle to solicit Portland mayoral candidates’ perspectives on the big issues in this election. Here’s what they had to say.
For each of the following questions, we asked candidates to limit their answers to 150 words.
About the candidate
Name: Saadiq Ali
Neighborhood: Powellhurst-Gilbert
Renter/homeowner: Renter
Education: G.E.D.
Occupation: I have a real estate license but turned down six job opportunities to fully focus on running for mayor.
How long you’ve lived in the city of Portland: 20 years
Age: 20
Pronouns: He/him
Why are you the best candidate to serve as mayor at this time? Please point to specific accomplishments as part of your answer.
As a mayoral candidate with a background in social media management, I bring a unique perspective and a proven track record of engagement and communication. I’ve successfully led campaigns that increased community engagement by 40%, leveraging social media to amplify local voices and address key issues effectively. My work in digital strategy has involved coordinating outreach efforts that resulted in a 25% increase in public participation in city initiatives. Additionally, I have a strong record of fostering community partnerships, organizing successful events, and advocating for transparency and citizen involvement. My skills in strategic communication and public engagement will be instrumental in bridging gaps between the city government and its residents, ensuring that Portland’s diverse needs are met and that we move forward with a unified vision for our city’s future.
What are one or two issues that you’d like to draw attention to or champion as mayor that are overlooked or receiving less attention than they deserve?
Two critical issues I would champion are often overlooked but are vital to our community’s safety and well-being:
Fixing the roads the right way: Portland’s infrastructure is aging, and temporary fixes only lead to recurring problems and higher costs in the long run. I will prioritize comprehensive road repair and maintenance, focusing on durable, long-term solutions that ensure our streets remain safe and functional for years to come. Proper investment in infrastructure not only saves money over time but also enhances transportation efficiency and public safety.
Improving school security with effective door locks: The safety of our children is paramount, yet school security often lacks the attention it deserves. I will advocate for upgrading door locks in all schools to modern, secure systems that can prevent unauthorized access and protect students from potential threats. This measure is a simple yet powerful step toward ensuring our schools are safe havens.
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What specific examples do you have that demonstrate your competence to oversee a city with an $8.2 billion budget?
While serving as social media manager, I successfully managed a $1.4 million budget, strategically allocating resources to maximize impact and achieve key objectives. I consistently ensured that our campaigns stayed within budget while delivering measurable results, such as increased engagement and brand visibility.
In addition to budget management, I implemented cost-saving measures by negotiating vendor contracts and optimizing spending, which allowed us to reallocate funds to high-priority initiatives. My commitment to transparency included regular financial reporting and data-driven decision-making, which built trust within the team and ensured accountability.
Although my previous budget was smaller in scale, my meticulous approach to financial management and strategic planning has equipped me with the skills needed to oversee Portland’s $8.2 billion budget, ensuring that public funds are managed effectively and aligned with the city’s priorities.
Saadiq Ali, Portland mayoral candidate, in an undated provided photo.
Courtesy of the candidate
What are your biggest concerns, if any, about the new form of government? What role do you think the mayor should play in it?
My primary concerns about the new government structure are clarity, accountability, and community engagement. With potential shifts in roles and responsibilities, the mayor must ensure a clear understanding of the new system, both for residents and city officials. The mayor must champion transparency, clearly communicate changes, and maintain strong connections with the community. Effective coordination between different branches of government is crucial, and the mayor should act as a unifying force to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, ensuring equitable resource allocation and addressing any disruptions to essential services will be key. By leading with adaptability and focusing on transparent communication, the mayor can help the city transition successfully and uphold its commitment to serving all residents effectively.
How would you work to promote and boost Portland nationally as mayor and reinvigorate people’s sense of civic pride?
As mayor, I would boost Portland’s national profile and reinvigorate civic pride by highlighting our city’s unique strengths. I’d launch a marketing campaign showcasing Portland’s vibrant arts scene, environmental leadership, and innovative businesses. Supporting and expanding local events and festivals would draw national attention and celebrate our diverse culture. Additionally, promoting our achievements in green technology and sustainable practices will position Portland as a national leader in these areas. To strengthen civic pride, I’d enhance community engagement through volunteer programs and public forums, fostering a deeper connection between residents and their city. Investing in the revitalization of public spaces, such as parks and cultural landmarks, will not only beautify the city but also enhance local pride. By focusing on these strategies, we can elevate Portland’s national presence while cultivating a renewed sense of pride among its residents.
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Mayor Ted Wheeler has already warned that next year’s budget will be a difficult one as costs rise and forecasts call for lower revenue. What would guide your decisions in developing a budget, what specific ideas would you explore to minimize service reductions and are there specific areas where you would look to make cuts?
In developing the budget amidst rising costs and lower revenue forecasts, I would prioritize fiscal responsibility and transparency. Key decisions would focus on maintaining essential services like public safety and housing. I’d conduct a thorough review of city programs to identify efficiencies and potential cost savings. Exploring new revenue sources, such as public-private partnerships and economic development initiatives, would help bolster city funds. Additionally, implementing cost-saving measures, like energy-efficient upgrades and optimizing public transportation routes, would reduce expenditures. Engaging with the community to understand their priorities would ensure that budget decisions align with public needs and support. By balancing these strategies, we can address budget challenges effectively while minimizing the impact on vital services and maintaining public trust.
How can the city of Portland and Multnomah County improve their existing partnership to more effectively address the homelessness, addiction and behavioral health crises?
To improve the partnership between Portland and Multnomah County in addressing homelessness, addiction, and behavioral health crises, we should focus on enhanced coordination and resource sharing. Establish a joint task force to integrate services and align strategies, ensuring a unified approach. Develop a shared funding model to pool resources and reduce duplication, optimizing the impact of our investments. Create centralized service hubs that offer comprehensive support for housing, addiction treatment, and behavioral health, making it easier for individuals to access the help they need. Implement a joint data system for tracking and analyzing program effectiveness, allowing for real-time adjustments and better outcomes. Engage local organizations and affected individuals in decision-making to ensure community-driven solutions. Lastly, cross-train city and county staff to improve collaboration and communication. These steps will strengthen our partnership and enhance our ability to address these critical issues effectively.
Related: Listen to 'OPB Politics Now'
If elected, you will oversee the police chief. What is your opinion of police bureau priorities and operations and what changes, if any, would you make? Would you push for the city to fund hundreds more police officers than the City Council has already authorized? If yes, where would you find the money?
Regarding funding additional officers, I’d carefully evaluate whether this is necessary. Instead of immediately pushing for hundreds more officers, I’d explore alternative safety measures and community-based programs. If additional officers are deemed essential, I would seek funding through reallocating existing budgets, applying for state or federal grants, or forming public-private partnerships. Any increase in officers must be accompanied by strong oversight and a commitment to community-focused strategies. By balancing enhanced public safety with effective resource use and accountability, we can address crime while building trust and ensuring equitable community outcomes.
For the five remaining questions, we asked candidates to answer in 50 words or fewer:
Do you favor arresting and jailing people who camp on public property in Portland who have refused repeated offers of shelter, such as the option to sleep in a city-designated tiny home cluster?
I advocate for a supportive approach rather than arresting people for camping on public property. We should expand and improve shelter options, enhance support services, and strengthen outreach efforts. Enforcement, if necessary, should be coupled with resources and alternatives to focus on long-term stability rather than criminalization.
Have the problems impacting downtown Portland received too much or too little attention among current city leaders? Are there other specific neighborhoods in the city that have not received enough attention?
Downtown Portland has received significant attention, but ongoing issues need persistent focus. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like East Portland and outer areas often lack sufficient resources and infrastructure. A balanced approach is essential, ensuring both high-profile and underserved neighborhoods receive equitable attention and support for comprehensive city improvement.
Do you support the decision to use millions from the Portland Clean Energy Fund to backfill budget holes in various city bureaus? Would you seek to continue, expand or halt that practice?
This fund should be dedicated to its original purpose: supporting clean energy projects and climate resilience. I would seek to halt this practice and ensure the fund’s resources are used as intended while exploring alternative funding solutions for budget shortfalls.
Do you support a potential change to the region’s homeless services tax that would direct some of the program’s unanticipated revenue to construct more affordable housing? Why or why not?
Yes, I support directing some unanticipated revenue from the homeless services tax to construct more affordable housing. This approach would address the critical need for housing while enhancing the effectiveness of our homelessness response. It’s a strategic use of funds to tackle the interconnected challenges of homelessness and housing affordability.
Describe the qualities and experience you will seek in a city administrator. Describe the working relationship you plan to build with the top administrator and their half dozen deputies.
I will seek a city administrator with strong leadership, extensive management experience, and a commitment to transparency and equity. I plan to build a collaborative relationship with them and their deputies, focusing on open communication, mutual respect, and shared goals to effectively address city needs and drive progress.