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Portland-area elected leaders and civic groups are urging calm, a week before a tense presidential election that many fear could lead to unrest.
A demonstration held on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death on May 25, 2021, turned destructive as participants set a dumpster fire and broke windows in downtown Portland. Elected officials are urging Portlanders to avoid destructive protests following the 2024 election.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
In a letter released Tuesday by the Portland Metro Chamber, an array of elected officials – including Gov. Tina Kotek, both of Oregon’s U.S. Senators, and a broad swath of county and local leaders – called on Portlanders to “uphold our tradition of respectful civic participation during this election season.”
The letter warns that sustained protests featuring property destruction, as Portland saw in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd and – to a much smaller extent – following the 2016 election of Donald Trump, could set the city back as it tries to climb out of its post-COVID malaise.
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“We have seen encouraging signs of progress as we address the city’s challenges,” the letter reads, citing an uptick in downtown foot traffic, a multitude of cultural events, and improved public safety. “As we navigate this election period, let us safeguard and advance our hard-won but still fragile progress, ensuring our actions strengthen rather than undermine our community’s growth.”
The plea comes a day after ballot boxes in Portland and Vancouver were set ablaze, in a vivid display of the nation’s tense political moment. It’s not the first time Portland elected leaders have attempted to calm a populace that is well known for demonstrating.
In 2021, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler held an online event urging residents to “choose love” ahead of a planned rally by the far-right Proud Boys in the city. That event resulted in open, violent clashes on city streets between Proud Boys and antifascist groups.
Wheeler’s pleas, however, came before an event that was widely expected to draw violence. The outcome of this year’s presidential election is unknown.
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“As the election results are tabulated, there may be moments of uncertainty or heightened emotions,” the letter reads. “It is in these moments that we must exemplify the very best of Oregon — our compassion, innovation, and commitment to progress and inclusivity.”
A copy of the letter shared with media outlets Tuesday was signed off on by dozens of elected officials from the Portland area – almost all of them Democrats – including Wheeler. It also included dozens of cultural, civic, labor and business groups.
Tootie Smith, a Republican running for reelection as the Clackamas County chair, joined the multitude of Democrats signing the letter.