PORTLAND IS AT A HISTORIC CROSSROADS.

Both gun violence and violent crime in general are at historic levels, for our city and compared to other cities. Unmanaged homeless camps have taken root throughout our beautiful city. The obvious impact of meth and fentanyl are now a part of our everyday lives. Portland has become a city that is inhospitable to small businesses and families. This situation is not a result of the pandemic. It is a result of bad policy and elected officials unwilling to face the truth and act.

This election will determine whether we will recover quickly or continue to struggle. It is time to put ideology aside and elect people who will fight for Portland. I need colleagues who use debate, reason, and logic to solve our many crises. I need colleagues who understand that public safety is the foundation for a healthy city. I need colleagues who value our city employees despite the color of their uniforms. We can disagree, argue, and debate while still valuing our public servants.

Rene Gonzalez is the colleague I need on City Council.

There are reasons to be optimistic. Portland has everything a city needs to be successful. We have mountains, rivers, world leading public transportation, small businesses and most importantly smart people. We can dig out of our current crises, but we can only do so if we harness the best and brightest of us. Rene Gonzalez has a track record of success in law, business, and advocacy. He has the temperament, nuance, and compassion to address problems and collaborate with his colleagues. We need to work together to bring peace to Portland.

Vote for Rene Gonzalez this November

—Commissioner Mingus Mapps