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."

Sam Chase - April 29, 2020 Portland Conversations

Sam Chase - April 29, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Sam Chase who is a city of Portland, Oregon candidate for Commissioner, Position #2 in 2020.

"Sam Chase is a lifelong champion for affordable housing, climate-friendly transportation, clean air and water, parks and nature, jobs, and building a culture of equity and inclusion that drives good governance.

For Sam, the need for affordable housing and services for the vulnerable is personal as well as a professional commitment. As a teenager, Sam lost his father to mental illness and drug addiction. Sam believes that everyone should have the support they need to succeed in life – like affordable housing, healthcare, jobs, and clean air and water.

Sam lives in Northeast Portland with his partner, their 4 children, dog and cat. He received his B.A. from Pitzer College of the Claremont Colleges."

Sarah Iannarone - April 22, 2020 Portland Conversations

Sarah Iannarone - April 22, 2020 Portland Conversations

Jason Allen interviews Sarah Iannarone who is a city of Portland, Oregon candidate for Mayor in 2020.

"My name is Sarah Iannarone (she/her). I'm a mother, civic leader, and educator running for Portland Mayor. I have worked for decades to make Portland the best it can be, running a successful small business, volunteering in my community, and using my urban planning expertise to shape a better future through local government action.

Portlanders are committed to an equitable, sustainable future, but our city is falling short of our goals. We’re not seeing the solutions we were promised by the current mayor to homelessness, climate action, affordability, or inequality: on his watch, things keep getting worse.

I’m offering a different approach. My priority in City Hall will be listening to the people of Portland, not big-money donors. We must harness our resources, empower our people, and organize our communities into a formidable force for change, but we can’t do it without leadership that believes in us.

Portland, this is our chance. I’m asking for your vote-- let’s build a better future together."

Kneel Cohen - October 13, 2017 Portland Conversations

Kneel Cohen - October 13, 2017 Portland Conversations

Kneel Cohn of Home on Range Farm Animal Benefit  joins the Portland Conversations.

"Kneel Cohn... is the primary songwriter, lead singer and guitarist for Warshow Angels, and The Dead Stars On Hollywood, known for the songs "Prozac Smile" and "Flaunt it Like This"... Cohn is vegan and known for his involvement in animal rights issues. He regularly performs and DJs on behalf of many animal rights organizations including Farm Sanctuary, Animals Asia, and CFEI. In April 2009 he designed and launched Vegetable Slut, a line of animal rights activist pinback buttons and t-shirts.

He produced Home On The Range, a farm animal benefit compilation CD and documentary film for the non-profit organization CFEI (Compassionate Farming Education Initiative). The album includes songs by Moby, Joan Jett, Yoko Ono, Bright Eyes, The Pretenders, Nellie McKay, Howard Jones, Princess Superstar and Warshow Angels." (Wikipedia)

Production by NuzBox. Music by Dan Ballmer "If We Never Meet Again".

Jason Allen - October 3, 2016 Portland Conversations

PDXConvo Ep001 Jason Allen

Jason Allen is co-creator and co-host of Anarchy Radio, which bills itself as the northwest's number one internet radio show. When he envisioned a totally wide open no genre show, little did he know that Anarchy Radio would showcase over 120 music acts, along with comedians, politicians, authors, pro wrestlers, and paranormal investigators each week for the past four years. He's here to talk about his new show Turning Left, a progressive political talk show premiering this week on House of Sound Internet Radio. Jason has been accused of going into "Full Shtick Mode" and we'll see if I can keep him under control. The Portland Conversations Episode 001 with guest Jason Allen and host doc normal. Production by NuzBox. Music by Dan Ballmer "If We Never Meet Again".