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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2008)
NeWS November 2008 The Southwest Portland Post • 3 Candidates for City Council debate economy, dirt roads, and schools By Kate Bennett Special to The Southwest Portland Post On the night of October 20 th , ap- proximately 50 people showed up at the Multnomah Center auditorium for coffee, neighborly conversation and the Portland City Council Position #1 candidates’ debate. In the space of an hour, Amanda Fritz, 50, and Charles Lewis, 36, (the top two candidates in the primary election) each explained why they thought they were best qualified for the City Com- missioner’s job. The debate began with moderator Brian Russell, president of Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc., asking which candidate would like to go first. After a brief silence, Lewis looked as if he was about to volunteer to go first, until Fritz exclaimed that every debate has to start with a coin toss and that it must be done. Russell obtained a coin, tossed it and called out “heads.” Fritz won. She de- ferred to Lewis. For better or worse, this initial ex- change immediately highlighted some of the character differences between the two candidates. Fritz appeared to be assertive and law-abiding. Lewis, although law-abiding, ap- peared to be a bit more flexible and subdued. Throughout the debate, these candidate’s characteristics showed themselves in the candidates’ stated interests, priorities and plans. In his three-minute opening state- ment, Lewis calmly commented on the need to strengthen local schools, the im- portance of job creation, and his desire to create “vibrant neighborhoods.” Lewis noted that he lives in the Cully neighborhood on a “dirt road” and that he understands the importance of good infrastructure. Fritz, sounding resolute and impas- sioned, stated that she wants Portland to provide basic services to all of Port- land’s 95 neighborhoods and 35 busi- ness districts. Fritz said she wants to “make sure that every penny is spent wisely” and that “citizens’ voices are heard.” She remarked that she has lived in south- west Portland for the past 22 years and understands the specific issues facing each neighborhood. When looking at resumes, each can- didate is equally impressive. Lewis attended the University of Portland which he followed with a two-year stay in the Congo as a Peace Corps volunteer. Upon his return to the states, he at- tended Harvard University where he obtained a Masters Degree in public policy. After graduating from Harvard, he moved back to Portland where he founded the Ethos Music Center. Fritz, originally from England, at- tended Cambridge University. In 1979 she moved to Pennsylvania where she obtained her nursing degree. Her degree has led to a rewarding 22-year career with OHSU as an inpatient psychiatric nurse. Fritz has also been a dedicated community activist. The 30-minute question-and-answer section predominantly focused on the Offering a variety of fall floral art, gift baskets, decor and more, for all your party, recognition and gift giving needs. AMAZING flowers for AMAZING people. Embellishments for the Home, Office, Events and more. Lets us help you make your events Amazing! Flowers • Gifts • Wine • Stationery 6350 SW Capitol Highway 503.246.4221 www.zfiori.com well current economy, dirt roads, and schools. Most of Lewis’ answers combined his interest in “common-sense solutions” with innovation. As example, one of his answers to Portland’s impending budget crisis is to create jobs. Lewis explained how he came up with an innovative solution to create jobs though by founding Ethos Music Center, a successful non-profit that now has 78 employees. Regardless of the issue, Fritz’s an- swers emphasized the need to prioritize and for everyone to work together. One of her responses to our city’s impending budget crisis is to focus on smaller bud- getary items such as how to transport children to school, rather than big ticket items such as “global warming or the $4.2 billion dollar (Interstate) Bridge.” Fritz stressed the “need to prioritize, to work with other jurisdictions and to use budget money wisely.” She also made a point to tell the audience that she is not afraid to tell her fellow com- missioners, “We don’t have the money to do that right now.” As the debate was drawing to a close, Russell asked the candidates this ques- tion: “If elected, which bureau would you want?” Fritz immediately stated, “The Office of Neighborhood Involve- ment.” She claimed that the Office of Neighborhood Involvement is “stra- tegically placed to make our city work better.” Fritz’s strengths appeared to be her extensive knowledge of Portland’s communities and neighborhoods, her confidence to say it how it is, and her desire to involve everyone. Lewis stated that he wants the Bureau of Housing and Community Develop- ment, as “housing is so critical to so many things here in Portland.” He also mentioned how, if elected, he would create a local community corps that would enlist individuals to work exclu- sively on community development. Lewis’s strengths appeared to be an ability to befriend most anyone, a dedi- cation to social justice and a laudable business background. 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