There are a record four open seats on city council this year, including for mayor, and we interviewed almost every candidate running to fill them. This is one in a series.
NOTE: all of these interviews were conducted before the Covid-10 outbreak.
Teressa Raiford, running for Mayor of Portland
www.teressaraifordformayor.com
“we can no longer ignore the devastation that is happening around us because of displacement and the rising rents.“
What’s the most pressing problem facing Portland and what are you going to do about it?
Our housing crisis must be dealt with. There’s no time to talk about it, we just need to begin reconstruction, rehabilitation and surveying of buildings that are available. Reunifying families who have been living on the streets is a priority – we can no longer ignore the devastation that is happening around us because of displacement and the rising rents. It isn’t getting any better so solutions must come now.
How would you define a successful term in office?
At the end of my term, there should be a renewed interest and engagement in politics. Communities working together to build solutions, participating in city government on a level we haven’t seen in over twenty years. I want to re-activate community involvement.
What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a vegan!