Albert Lee - May 15, 2020 Portland Conversations

Albert Lee - May 15, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Albert Lee who is a congressional candidate for US Representative, 3rd District in 2020.

"An Oregonian by choice, Albert moved to the state twice, choosing to set down roots here with his wife and daughter. He is deeply invested in our community, and shows that dedication through service on government advisory committees & boards and volunteer work with non-governmental community organizations. Albert was born in South Korea to an African-American soldier father and a Korean mother. The family moved to the suburbs of St. Louis, near Ferguson, when Albert was five. Because the public school system suffered from the legacy of segregation, his mother worked two jobs to put him and his sister through parochial schools. Her dedication to her work as a cook, both in a nursing home and at a fast-food restaurant, demonstrated to Albert the value of hard work; her commitment to providing a good education for her children gave him the momentum he needed to become a member of the middle class.

Today we have three major crises that threaten the quality of life in the 3rd District: HOMELESSNESS, INABILITY TO THRIVE, CLIMATE EMERGENCY. Over the past several decades, the absence of leadership has allowed these crises to grow. We need decisive leaders who will address the real issues that our district faces. We need bold action and workable solutions; not incremental change. Twenty-four years of incrementalism has changed the district dramatically—and not for the better."

Tera Hurst - May 11, 2020 Portland Conversations

Tera Hurst - May 11, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Tera Hurst who is a city of Portland, Oregon candidate for Commissioner, Position #2 in 2020. Part of the Portland Conversations series.

"Tera Hurst lives in the Sunnyside neighborhood of SE Portland with her son Elliott, two dogs and one hedgehog. Tera moved to Portland when she was looking for a supportive, forward-looking place to raise her son and get a fresh start. Tera is proud to be in long-term recovery from alcoholism and addiction. After putting down roots in Portland, Tera completed her degree in Social Work at Portland State University and started a career in political and community organizing. She first worked as an organizer with Basic Rights Oregon, fighting to pass Marriage Equality in Oregon. Tera then worked in the State Legislature and later served as Chief of Staff to Portland Mayor Charlie Hales.

It’s time for Portland to do better. If we work together, we can finally fulfill our city’s promise to all our neighbors. That’s why I’m running for City Council. As a single mom in long-term recovery I know that supportive community is everything. Portland is a supportive community that’s growing and changing, and we need to work together to make sure we all can thrive.

What I love most about this city is the hope, inclusion, and compassion of Portlanders. But most Portlanders I talk to know we can do better. If we work together, we can fulfill Portland’s promise. We can truly be a welcoming, inclusive, and unabashedly progressive city that leads the way for positive change. If you’re ready for Portland to do better for all of us, then I hope you’ll join our campaign today."

Sam Adams - May 8, 2020 Portland Conversations

Sam Adams - May 8, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Sam Adams who is a city of Portland, Oregon candidate for Commissioner, Position #4 in 2020.

"As a kid, Sam grew up in the small coastal town of Newport, Oregon. The local economy was in transition: so many trees had been cut down that the logging industry had mostly collapsed. Sam’s father, Larry, a special education teacher, also worked as a commercial fisherman to make ends meet. But overfishing depleted that line of work. Sam’s father struggled with addiction issues. After his parent's divorce, Sam’s mother, Kara, became a single mom of four teenaged kids. With the help of public student family housing and food stamps, Kara obtained a college education.

Sam Adams has worked as a county government intern, congressional aide, a campaign manager, mayoral chief of staff, a member of the city council, a Portland mayor, a nonprofit executive director, an environmental think tank leader of a global organization, a columnist, and a consultant. All this work has been dedicated to a common theme: making communities more educated, healthy, sustainable, prosperous and equitable for all.

I’m running for Portland City Council, Position No. 4  because Portland deserves a City Commissioner who can bring a renewed sense of energy, compassion, and purpose to City Hall. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived at our doors steps, our city was at a critical point - too many feel we are losing opportunities to tackle our most urgent challenges.

Now, more than ever, it’s time for a leader with a proven track record of bringing Portlanders together to get the tough stuff done. You know me as someone who not only shares your progressive values but can deliver results in the service of a holistic agenda to benefit all Portlanders. I’m dedicated to continuing to serve all of Portland, the city we love."

Mingus Mapps - May 8, 2020 Portland Conversations

Mingus Mapps - May 8, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Mingus Mapps who is a city of Portland, Oregon candidate for Commissioner, Position #4 in 2020.

"Some folks decide to join civic life because they are molded to follow in their family crest while others see themselves as conduits for change through public engagement. It was somewhere in the magic of life’s winding road that I found my calling. I do feel that I was called to serve.

It is from this desire, this commitment that I am running.  After many years of splitting my time teaching urban politics at schools such as Harvard and Cornell and working as a public servant in Portland, I landed in City Hall. I helped manage the City of Portland’ Neighborhood Association and the Crime Prevention Program. Folks, it is just what you imagined it to be. Dysfunctional and ineffective. This is the time, now more than ever with COVID-19 changing the economic landscape for all of us, for us to make sweeping changes to our city government."

Candace Avalos - May 7, 2020 Portland Conversations

Candace Avalos - May 7, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Candace Avalos who is a city of Portland, Oregon candidate for Commissioner, Position #1 in 2020.

"As this city continues to grow and change, our leaders must grow and change with it. We need bold leadership today, because Portland deserves a better tomorrow. I believe in our future, and with your vote, I will fight for it as your commissioner.

My name is Candace Avalos and I am a first generation “Blacktina” from the east coast that transplanted to Portland in 2013. I come from a family of Guatemalan immigrants that came to the United States in the 1960s seeking a brighter future, fleeing violence, poverty, and a lack of opportunities. These roots have taught me to appreciate the value of the vote, as my grandparents faithfully cast their vote in every election cycle seeking leaders that will continue to support their success. This sparked my interest in government accountability and serving the needs of its constituents."

Jessica Vega Pederson - May 7, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jessica Vega Pederson - May 7, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Jessica Vega Pederson who is the incumbent Multnomah County Commissioner, District #3 in 2020.

"Our region has grown, and with that growth has come prosperity and inequity. We’re working together to build the 21st century community we need with housing for all, a commitment to addressing the climate crisis, and by ensuring every child has the chance to succeed as early as possible. Together, we can build the modern, equitable, and sustainable community we deserve!

I am a mother, a business professional, a progressive Democrat, a proud resident of East Portland, and the first Latina elected to the Oregon House of Representatives.

As Multnomah County Commissioner I’ve fought to make sure every member of our community has what they need to succeed. I want to make Multnomah County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. I'm ready to get to work and I hope you'll join us!"

Cameron Whitten - May 6, 2020 Portland Conversations

Cameron Whitten - May 6, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Cameron Whitten who is a candidate for  Metro Councilor, District #5 in 2020.

"Cameron believes that everyone deserves to live in a place that gives them a chance to thrive. Cameron gained this belief at an early age. As a child, Cameron lived in an unsafe home environment where he was a target of emotional and physical abuse. These experiences were the driving force in his decision to come to Portland as a homeless youth. Homelessness exposed Cameron to the societal inequities that he and his peers faced, through no fault of their own. Thankfully, through the support of local nonprofits, Cameron was able to secure housing, finish his education, and find employment. During this time he also found his calling: to help others in the same way others helped him.

But, Cameron knew even then that someone’s identity could unfairly determine their future. A zip code could predict the quality of housing, economic opportunities, and health outcomes. He believed that Portlanders deserved elected leaders who understood these challenges — because they had lived them too. At the age of 20, Cameron ran his first campaign as Mayor of Portland. His age and campaign stood out from the rest. For example, he walked the streets of downtown Portland wearing a colorful cardboard box that read “Vote Cameron for Mayor.” He did not win that election, but that experience planted the seeds for him to grow up in Portland’s civic and political culture.

For the past decade, Cameron has received the mentorship of trusted leaders, built deep connections to the community, honed skills as a policymaker, and been an outspoken leader when action was needed."