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Hillsdale News District 4 Candidate Questionnaire Responses

Responses may be edited for length.

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Mike DiNapoli

QUESTION 1: How will you engage with voters in SW Portland if elected? Please provide specifics on how your constituents will be able to communicate with you and how you will communicate with us.

CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

If elected, I will maintain open, transparent communication with voters in SW Portland through several key channels. I’ll hold monthly town halls, rotating through neighborhoods to ensure everyone has a chance to engage. I will maintain an active online presence, with regular updates via social media, email newsletters, and a dedicated website where constituents can contact me directly. I’ll also host weekly open office hours for one-on-one or small group meetings to discuss issues in person. Additionally, I’ll send out periodic surveys to gather feedback on important policies and projects. Finally, I will work closely with local community groups and neighborhood associations to ensure their voices are heard and their input is regularly considered. These efforts will ensure that I stay connected and responsive to the needs of SW Portland residents while providing you with consistent opportunities to communicate directly with me.

QUESTION 2: The transition to a purely legislative city council with geographical representation is a major shift from the current structure in which councilors oversee city bureaus. Under the old government structure, concerns about transportation or traffic circulation issues would be addressed to the commissioner in charge of PBOT; concerns about parks would go to the commissioner overseeing the Parks bureau; etc. Given the shift away from administrative powers on the council, how will you make sure constituent concerns are addressed? 

CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

In the new legislative structure, I will ensure constituent concerns are addressed by focusing on advocacy, accountability, and strong communication with city bureaus. Although councilors won’t oversee bureaus directly, I’ll regularly meet with bureau leaders to advocate for solutions to issues like transportation, parks, and housing that matter to SW Portland residents.

 

I will also establish a dedicated constituent services team in my office. This team will field your concerns, help navigate city processes, and follow up with the appropriate bureaus to ensure timely responses and resolutions.

 

Collaboration with fellow council members will be key. I’ll work closely with them to push for policies and resources that align with our community’s needs.

Additionally, I will provide regular updates through community meetings, town halls, and online platforms, ensuring transparency and keeping you informed on the progress of important projects and concerns.

 

Even without direct oversight of bureaus, I will be a strong advocate.

QUESTION 3: What role should neighborhood associations play in fostering residents’ engagement with city government and elected officials?

CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

Neighborhood associations should play a key role in fostering residents’ engagement with city government and elected officials by acting as a bridge between the community and city leadership. Here’s how:

 

[Advocacy and Representation] Neighborhood associations can amplify the voices of residents, ensuring their concerns and ideas are heard by city government and elected officials. They provide a platform for discussing local issues like public safety, zoning, and community resources.

 

[Facilitating Communication] These associations can host meetings, forums, and events where residents can interact with elected officials and city staff, keeping the community informed and encouraging direct dialogue.

 

[Community Organizing] They can mobilize residents around local initiatives, making it easier for individuals to engage in collective action, whether advocating for improvements or addressing community needs.

 

[Inclusivity and Equity] Associations should strive to represent all segments of the neighborhood, including renters and marginalized groups, to ensure diverse voices are part of the conversation.

QUESTION 4: District 4 is large and covers many neighborhoods. What issues do you think are particularly important for SW Portland neighborhoods (not downtown)? What proposals would you make to address these issues?

CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

SW Portland neighborhoods face several key challenges distinct from downtown, and here’s how I would address them:

 

[Transportation and Infrastructure] Many areas lack adequate public transit and suffer from poorly maintained roads. I propose working with transportation bureaus to improve road safety, expand transit options, and develop better pedestrian and bike infrastructure. This includes pushing for more funding for road maintenance and improved transit connectivity.

 

[Housing Affordability] The affordability crisis continues to affect SW Portland. I will support zoning reforms and policies that encourage affordable housing development while maintaining the character of our neighborhoods. This includes incentivizing developers to create more mixed-income housing.

 

[Environmental Protection] SW Portland’s natural beauty and green spaces need protection. I’ll advocate for stronger environmental protections, park maintenance investments, and climate resilience measures like urban tree planting and habitat restoration.

 

[Traffic and Safety] Traffic congestion and safety are growing concerns. I will work on improving traffic management, safer intersections, and strategic planning to reduce congestion.

QUESTION 5: How do you plan to work with your District 4 colleagues to ensure productive outcomes on district issues? 

CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

To ensure productive outcomes on District 4 issues, I’ll prioritize collaboration, open communication, and shared goals with my colleagues. I’ll build strong working relationships through regular meetings to discuss our district’s challenges and opportunities. By focusing on common priorities such as housing affordability, transportation improvements, and environmental sustainability, we can align our efforts and advocate for stronger, district-wide solutions.

 

I’ll also emphasize collaborative problem-solving, ensuring we listen to each other’s perspectives and engage with community stakeholders to create balanced policies that benefit all neighborhoods. Transparency will be key, and I’ll maintain open lines of communication with both my colleagues and constituents to keep everyone informed on the progress of key issues.

 

By working together and focusing on common goals, we can create meaningful, lasting outcomes for all of District 4.

QUESTION 6: Why should voters in SW Portland give you a vote? 

CANDIDATE RESPONSE:

Voters in SW Portland should consider giving me their vote because I offer a fresh, working-class perspective rooted in lived experience as a union tradesperson, small business owner, and lifelong Portlander. I understand the challenges facing gig workers, industry workers, and those living paycheck to paycheck, and I’m committed to advocating for policies that benefit all residents, not just a select few.

 

My platform emphasizes practical solutions to local issues like improving transportation infrastructure, expanding affordable housing, and protecting our natural environment. I’ll work to ensure that SW Portland neighborhoods receive the attention they deserve, and I’ll actively engage with the community to ensure your voices are heard.

 

I bring a problem-solving mindset and a strong commitment to community resilience, particularly in addressing issues like climate change, improving the CEI Hub, and ensuring equitable development. I also believe in strengthening partnerships between the city, state, and county to tackle mental health and addiction services more effectively.

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