|
Dear friends,
I see a lot of familiar faces in City Council public testimony. No matter what the subject, the same lobbyists and special interests show up in the same T-shirts. Their voices are heard by legislators... but what about yours?
Here’s the problem. The “pros” have gotten very good at gaming the public testimony system. They know just when to sign up to testify, take up as many slots as they can, push rigged constituent surveys, and coordinate on messaging. It’s not very democratic to drown out, shout down, or intimidate everyday Portlanders who are just there to get local government to listen.
It’s time for you to get involved. We knew these cuts were coming, and they’re painful for everyone. My proposed budget, which I urge Council to adopt, is a balanced, shared-sacrifice approach where everyone must give up something to keep us on a path to revitalization. (Read my budget message here.)
Here’s how you can get involved:
It’s okay if you’re not an amazing public speaker or confident writer. You don’t need to get “political.” Just show up or write in to tell your representatives what you’ve experienced in your life, your business, in your neighborhood, or on your streets. Tell them what you need to feel safe and supported. You deserve to be heard.
If you can’t get a slot to testify or a response from your representative when you write in, don’t take silence for an answer. You shouldn't have to game the system to get a voice, so speak up until you’re heard.
|
