Photo by Robert Wilson

My interpretation of what the well-dressed future City Commissioner, who owns a zebra car, wears for the Portland Pride parade. Outfit courtesy of eBay, where I sniped the leather jacket for only $25. The dress and Victoria's Secret sneakers came off eBay, too. Accessory tea cup from the Pearl Bakery - my thanks to the woman in line who recommended the orange-anise roll (not pictured, having been consumed in short order).

The Pride parade, and indeed the whole festival, was delightful. Well-organized, good-hearted, neighbors supporting neighbors and enjoying each others' company. I was moved almost to tears by the welcome I was given along the parade route. Not only enthusiastic clapping, but cheering and yells of encouragement. I felt many, many people recognized and shared ownership in the amazing result we achieved together on May 20. That I am part of something huge here in Portland, a growing movement connecting every group and every neighborhood together and into City Hall. Gay, straight; black, white, and every skin color; men and women; young and seasoned; eastside, westside; labor and business. We can do great things when we do them as neighbors seeking a better Portland for all.

Special thanks to the couple standing at a corner who sang the first two lines of "Iron Man", and even remembered my words (check here if you don't). And thanks to Bill who is the wonderful Official Driver of the Zebra Car, and to Carol, Ellen, Jim, Lan, Les, Pat, Rebecca, and Robert, who marched with me. Go to the Volunteer page to sign up to help at the next parade - it's FUN!

It's going to be an interesting and busy summer, combining campaigning, preparing for office, and continuing to provide practical help in neighborhoods all over the city. Oh, and making space for a little re-connecting with my family, too.

A sampling of the 19 campaign-related activities I attended over the past week:

Friday evening, I participated in a tribute/farewell for Wilkes Community Group leader Ross Monn, who is moving to Spokane. The room was packed with well-wishers, including Mayor-elect Sam Adams, US Senate nominee Jeff Merkley, Metro Councilor Rod Parks, Commissioner-elect Nick Fish, many Neighborhood Association leaders, and staff from several City bureaus, Metro, and the Port of Portland. It's good to know that the work of volunteers is recognized and valued in Portland. Everyone at the event had learned and achieved results from knowing Ross, and we all wish him well in his new neighborhood. It was satisfying for me to feel special connections to the elected politicians, the staff, and the community leaders assembled at the East Portland Neighborhood Office. Like Ross, I've worked hard to develop positive relationships with people in all three stakeholder groups, over many years.

On Saturday, I spent time at:

* HOST (Home Ownership a Street at at Time) Development's Helensview project in the Cully neighborhood. This 52-home project, selling family houses with several bedrooms at under $200,000, is building homes that are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified. The homes are energy-efficient both in site and structure design and materials, and ongoing energy costs. This development offers buyers tax-abatements to reduce property taxes for the first ten years - demonstrating that the City's subsidy programs help regular families with lower incomes, and they are not limited to Urban Renewal Areas. I reviewed the "Homebuyer Opportunities Areas" maps and policies while serving on the Planning Commission. It's a good program, that helps improve neighborhoods and support first-time homebuyers.

* Portland Parks & Recreation's Mt. Tabor Yard Open House, outlining the community task force's work so far in planning upgrades for maintenance and horticultural facilities at this site. The process will add the Yard to the Mt. Tabor Park Master Plan. I am impressed with the improved working relationships between bureau staff and management, neighbors, at-large parks advocates, and Laborers Local 483, the main City union involved. I'm also glad the current version of the City Budget includes full funding to complete the planning process - something I mentioned as an important need in my answer on the City Budget in the City Club forum in May.

* Jobs with Justice's Immigration Forum and Training, held at Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 501's hall on SE Foster Road. I learned lots of good information there, but perhaps the best was when it was announced the Hilton hotel workers have a tentative agreement on their contract. It was fun to celebrate that victory with hardworking people, many of whom helped on my campaign, too.

* The Portland Pride mixer at the Q Center on SE Taylor near OMSI. A highlight of the event was the announcement of this year's Spirit of Pride award to Laura Calvo... who is also a supporter of Amanda for Portland 2008. Many, many good things and good people are coming together this year. I was happy to hear that Pride organizers are taking particular care to be fair to both candidates in the Sest # 1 race. To determine order of appearance in their Parade, they shuffled the two entry forms and inserted them into the stack of participant papers blindly. I like knowing the process was managed so neither candidate was favored. The Pride Parade is coming up on June 15 - call the office, 503-235-2295, to join me marching!

* The Starlight parade. I arrived by the China Gate too late to squeeze through the crowds to the front, but I enjoyed watching some of my friends from Old Town, including supporter Carl Roberts, delighting in the show. Most entries received a smattering of applause; the one that was greeted with everyone clapping enthusiastically was the "Boatload of Survivors" - a boat-on-a-float carrying pink-hatted breast cancer survivors. I am looking forward to leading improved awareness on health care issues on the Portland City Council, and better collaboration between the City, Multnomah County, the state, and health care providers in the community and institutions.

I watched the Starlight Parade at 3rd and Burnside... after finding parking at 14th and Overton. Walking back to my car through the Pearl on the warm Spring evening was reminscent of being in London. The good parts of London -- I found the experience delightful. I'm glad to know there are over 1,000 affordable new homes in the Pearl, and that it's developed into such an exciting, attractive neighborhood.

Yesterday, my youngest child graduated from Wilson High School. Ali and I shopped and ate lunch in the Lloyd Center, then she sang the National Anthem at the ceremony at Memorial Coliseum. She earned Performing Arts Honors, National Honor Society, and the Certificate of Initial Mastery (CIM), as well as being voted Female Singer of the Year by her peers. And yes, I am proud of her -- perhaps especially since support services from Mom during her senior year were sometimes less than adequate, due to my campaign. It will be strange to be talking in the runoff to November, saying "I was a Portland Public Schools parent" rather than "I am a Portland Public Schools parent". Being an active parent volunteer in Portland's public schools has helped me grow into a community leader ready to help City Hall understand and support the school districts better. And after Ali turns 18 in June (one more vote - yay!), then when she and her two brothers are all in college in September, I will be able to focus even more time on City of Portland issues. I'm looking forward to that... as well as enjoying the here-and-now, this week and over the summer.

Former State Representative Mike Fahey and Portland Public Schools Development Director John Branam have endorsed me in the runoff for Portland City Commissioner #1. I am honored to have earned the support of these two former candidates for the seat, especially since they heard all my position statements over the past 5+ months, and gave many great answers themselves. Mike's labor supporters and John's school affiliates, in particular, were likely torn between the good choices offered in the primary.

John wrote to his supporters yesterday:

"Portland's future is bright. We are an amazing city because of our location, our history, our values and our people. Even as I cycle off the campaign I will continue to work, as do each of you, to make our city the most livable in America. As I shared during my run, doing so means becoming increasingly serious about the quality of our schools, while also working to sharply reduce our carbon footprint and support our small businesses. Additionally, it is imperative that we further evolve, as a city, into one that values all voices at the table, and whose leadership embodies this value by leading us in a collaborative manner.

Which brings me to a most important thought. As you can imagine, I had the privilege of getting to know my fellow candidates quite well while on the trail. In fact, we spent quite a bit of time together. I also became incredibly familiar with our city, and City Hall, and believe I have a very clear sense of the kind of leader Portland needs. As between Amanda Fritz and Charles Lewis my choice is clear: I absolutely support Amanda Fritz for Portland City Council. Amanda has the collaborative leadership style Portland needs, as well as the thoughtful experience to move our city in the right direction. Thus, even as I take time to reconnect to those parts of my life I neglected during the campaign, I will actively support Amanda's campaign for City Council. Please join me in doing so, she is the right choice for Portland."

Mike Fahey is also already helping me connect with his supporters. Look for joint appearances at events over the summer and into the fall, and active participation of new volunteers coming to my campaign thanks to these endorsements.

I am very happy to have the support of these two fine men ... and more so to call them friends, after five months of running in the same race. As John often said in the campaign, Portland needs collaborative leadership. Mike talked repeatedly of jobs and helping working families. It is surely a testament to our positive, issue-oriented styles and shared values, that within a week of Election Night, John and Mike are working with me on a newly united goal.

Thank you, Mike Fahey and John Branam!

Wow! What a great victory we achieved together, as shown by the election results! Thank you so much for your support and participation in our shared campaign. Going into the General with a 30 point/44,000 vote lead is certainly a happy place to start!

It took long months of work by many, many people for us to achieve the win on Tuesday, and it will take even more effort to secure the Commissioner # 1 seat in November. All five of the other candidates for Position 1 were worthy opponents, and one-on-one the race will surely heat up.

Jeff Bissonnette, John Branam, Mike Fahey, and Chris Smith are amazing, smart people who truly care about Portland. I learned from each one over the course of the primary campaign. I know from my experience two years ago how difficult it is to stop suddenly at the end of the primary, after so many months of hyperactivity and pressure. I expect Jeff, John, Mike, and Chris to continue doing good things in and for Portland. I will be watching and cheering their ongoing activism.

I plan to keep running hard, all through the summer. I went to events and did a TV interview yesterday - and then wore my Amanda for Portland button to my required CPR class, and gave information to two more voters when they asked about it. Today, I'm going to the Johnson Creek Watershed Council fundraiser, and volunteering at a Wilson High School arts performance. Wearing my button! Please keep wearing yours, and get contact information when anyone comments on it. My goal is to double our vote count in November.

Note: Yard Signs - Please keep yours stored until September, if you have space.** If you'd like the campaign to pick it up and return it to you after the summer, please call the office at 503-235-2295. The office will be closed for the holiday weekend, so leave a message and one of our volunteers will pick up your sign next week.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, let's remember our blessings, enjoy our freedom, recognize the sacrifices so many have made, and celebrate!

** Addendum on yard signs - Yes, we want you to take them inside or return them to the office for storage until the fall, please. We want your neighbors and passersby to notice them as if for the first time, come September :)
But keep wearing those buttons and talking to your neighbors!

You are warmly invited to

Ecotrust, 721 NW 9th, from 7 - 9 p.m.

for our Election Night Party and Volunteer Recognition. Family-friendly, accessible, fun.

Public Transit: Tri-Met Buses #17, #77, #9 and Portland Streetcar

Accessible entrance on the NW 10th Avenue side by Hot Lips Pizza. On-street
parking is available nearby.

I'll be speaking at 7:30 p.m., so please come early and enjoy music and refreshments while we wait for the first count. Bring a folding chair if you want, as seating is limited, otherwise just come with a big smile and your family/friends, or by yourself.

Photo by Dennis Jaffe

My once-in-a-lifetime ride on the back of a Corvette, at the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) parade on Saturday (see below). I was back again today, at NE 122nd and Halsey, waving to passers-by with my older son, Luke. Lots of honks, waves, and thumbs up. I feel happy to have made so many more friends, all over town, in the past eight months.

At the Alberta ART HOP street fair on Saturday, I talked with several artists. In responding to their questions, I said I'd posted some of my views on funding for arts and culture here on this blog. In checking to make sure the links were clear, I found my previous statements on the topic hadn't been cross-posted on this site. So here they are:

From Mercury Blogtown several weeks ago:

Arts are vital to the cultural, educational, and economic infrastructure of our region, as well as our city. Yet although both the cultural/entertainment aspects and the economic factors benefit the whole Metro region, the City of Portland already picks up most of the funding for arts and culture organization through the Regional Arts and Culture Council (RACC). I will work to encourage Clackamas and Washington Counties, Metro, and the State of Oregon to contribute their fair share to support the arts in the community and in schools.

The traditional reaction on support for cultural resources and activities is to consider arts for their aesthetic and soul-satisfying qualities. In 2008, however, "Creative Arts" is one of the known growth industries for Portland, the Metro region, and Oregon. We tend to think of "starving" and "artist" in the same phrase, but for thousands of Oregonians,

Arts = Jobs
Graphic design and advertising fit well with our existing concentration of technology-based businesses. Arts industries generate over $300 million in spending in the Metro region, and support over 10,000 jobs. I will support economic development programs that promote good paying jobs in creative arts industries.

Right here in the heart of Portland, in the Central Eastside Industrial District, successful companies are producing films, commercials, and graphic art such as Nintendo games. If I am elected to the City Council, I will support not only leveraging funds for non-profits in the community via RACC, but also other ways the City can protect and add good jobs in creative arts industries. Keeping the Central Eastside's Industrial Zoning to ensure preservation of large warehouse spaces for production, is one example. Another is considering the impact of traffic flow changes in the Burnside-Counch couplet on sound studios nearby. I will work with the State to continue and enhance economic development incentives with proven success, to ensure that our film industry can compete with other locations.

My daughter is heading to Southern Oregon University in September, to try out for the Acting specialty in their Theater major. SOU hosts one of the premier drama programs on the West Coast, in partnership with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Knowing the odds of my daughter becoming a star are low, I'm glad I know there are many good-paying jobs off stage, in design and production. But hey, here's Ali's mom, with a good chance of winning a seat on the Portland City Council, thanks to Public Campaign Financing and my years of service in our community. Sometimes surprising things happen.

My response to the Regional Arts and Culture Council's questions is posted [below, after the break]. Willamette Week made fun of my answer, saying the details I gave on the sources of funding put the reporter to sleep. I believe we need a new City Commissioner who will pay attention to important details, particularly when watching over taxpayers' money and looking for ways to bring more good paying jobs to Portland.

In the Oregonian yesterday, on the Letters page (format and authors' neighborhoods added):

Fritz tends to city

In "East Portland no longer ignored" (May 6), a City Council candidate is quoted saying the lack of attention to East Portland issues is "the most surprising discovery of (his) campaign."

We support Amanda Fritz, who has worked with us in East Portland for more than 10 years. On the Planning Commission, Fritz was a strong advocate for our concerns. She brought the Southwest and East Portland parks volunteers together to form a citywide partnership and helped us with grant applications for improvements.

She has worked alongside us on school cleanups and neighborhood projects many times. She regularly attends Business Association meetings in Parkrose.

Fritz has plans for providing improvements in all 95 neighborhoods by using taxpayers' money wisely. She has shown us she cares about public services, jobs and schools in East Portland.

Vote for Fritz to elect a new city commissioner who knows and supports every area of Portland.

ALICE BLATT, ROSS MONN (Wilkes neighbors)

LINDA ROBINSON, ARLENE KIMURA (Hazelwood neighbors) Northeast Portland

LINDA BAUER (Pleasant Valley neighbor) Southeast Portland

***************************

I will be in East Portland again today, at the Gateway Area Business Association (GABA) Fun-O-Rama parade and community festival. Come join us! I'll be at the 111th Square Fair after the parade, and I'd love to meet you and answer any questions you may have about me or my plans for Portland.

Last week, I marched in the St. Johns parade. So fun! Some observers commented that I walked instead of sitting in a car - so green, y'know. And also about my red heeled shoes .... here's a secret: they're actually comfortable. Today, I'll be riding in a convertible for the parade. It's an honor accorded only to dignitaries and members of the Business Association. I joined GABA this spring after visiting several times, because the members are so friendly and constructive, and because I support their goals. So I am honored to be offered the special treatment. Also, this may be the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this homely woman with the misbehaving hair to ride a parade in a convertible. As hard as I've worked serving Portland over the last 20 years, I hope you agree I've earned the treat.

Update, 15 hours later, 10:48 p.m.:

Well, riding on the top of a shiny black Corvette in the GABA parade was indeed a memory to cherish, and I thank Randy, the owner and driver, for his kindness. But when the "VIP cars" finished the route at the head of the parade, I ran back five blocks (yes, ran in the red shoes) and completed the route again, marching with my supporters towards the end of the line-up. In our group, we had folks young and older carrying the banner and signs, a bicycle, a unicyclist juggling, Mrs. Portland International 2008 (Kyle Ziegler of Parkrose), and of course the zebra car. And I enjoyed walking with my friends, even more than riding on top of the VIP car. So if I'm elected, next year I will be back in the Gateway Fun-O-Rama parade, and I will be happy marching.

Oh, and second Update - those red shoes aren't so comfortable after being worn in 90 degree heat for 15 hours.

The Portland State Daily Vanguard has chosen to endorse Amanda Fritz for Portland City Council! In their 05/09/08 edition, Vanguard staff wrote:

City Council seat 1

Fritz is involved

"Amanda Fritz has been a watchdog of Portland politics for years, commenting on issues and improprieties through her blog. A nurse at OHSU, she is very aware of the problems with the city, such as the faltering public school system, and will come to the city council with fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Although Charles Lewis is a very knowledgeable, intelligent candidate, he represents stagnant Portland politics. Fritz is a refreshing alternative."

How delightful, that the 50 year-old mom is recognized by the Portland State newspaper as the candidate of refreshing change from politics-as-usual in Portland. Very astute, PSU students.

Over the last week of the campaign, I will be all over Portland at events. Please come to talk with me (and/or to show your support - call the office at 503-235-2295 to participate) at any of the following:

Meet-and-Greets

Sellwood: Wednesday, May 14, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., Lovecup Coffee Shop, 8235 SE 13th Avenue. Yes, that's today. Sorry for the late notice... stroll over if you catch this in time.

Old Town Chinatown: Friday May 16, Noon - 1 p.m., Monte Rossa Espresso, 327 NW 4th Ave

St Johns: Sunday May 18, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., St. Johns Booksellers, 8622 N. Lombard

Parade

Saturday, May 17, morning - Gateway Fun-O-Rama parade and 111th Square Fair - details here (pdf)

Street Fair

Saturday, May 17, afternoon - Alberta Street ART HOP

Town Hall at Expo Center

Saturday, May 17, 5 p.m., at the Greener Homes and Gardens Expo

Fundraiser Walk

National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI Walk. Sunday, May 18, 1 p.m. - a gentle 3 mile stroll along the Willamette River starting on the Eastbank Esplanade. Join me and other professionals, advocates, and clients involved in working on social service issues in Multnomah County.

Sign waving

The traditional end-of-campaign visibility work. Come join us, literally standing on street corners smiling for votes! Most campaigns hover around downtown. We've waved close-in, and also in St Johns in North Portland, Hillsdale, West Portland Park in deep SW, NE 122nd and Halsey in East Portland, NE MLK and Ainsworth at the intersection of the Woodlawn and King neighborhoods, NE Cully & Prescott, and NE Sandy/82nd in Central Northeast Neighbors' territory. Tonight we'll be in Sellwood, tomorrow SE Foster & 82nd, over the weekend...??? Call the office at 503-235-2295 to join the fun.

Amanda for Portland 2008 has been a citywide campaign from the moment I filed on October 4. Outreach and inclusion will continue through the count on May 20, and beyond. Join us!

I have earned endorsements from major newspapers, labor unions, business owners, elected officials, community leaders, workers, and hundreds of Portlanders. Last week, I also won the endorsement of the Multnomah County Republican Party, adding to my previously-announced endorsement by the Multnomah County Democrats.

Amanda Fritz is the only candidate for the Portland City Council to be endorsed by both the Republican and Democratic parties.

Is that surprising? What on earth could the leaders of the two main parties in Multnomah County have in common, with so much polarization at the national, state, and local levels? Why would both Democrats and Republicans endorse the same candidate for Portland City Council?

In fact, Portlanders of all parties – and none – care about spending taxpayers' money wisely, providing city services fairly and efficiently, and treating one another with respect. I will help Portlanders avoid traditional patterns of divisive political scheming pitting Eastside against Westside, business against workers, developers against neighborhoods, and City staff against the citizens they serve. As a Public Campaign Finance Fund candidate, I am in a unique position to focus on civic needs, creating a new way forward for Portland that transcends political labels.

In another nice endorsement last week, the Portland State University Daily Vanguard called me "a refreshing alternative" to "stagnant Portland politics". I am glad that my Council seat is nonpartisan, and proud that both Democrats and Republicans know that I will help Portland prosper when voters elect me to the Commissioner #1 position.

Note: According to County Elections data, Portland has approximately 377,000 registered voters - Democratic: 50.8%; Republican: 20.1%; Non-Affiliated: 24.3%; Other: 4.8%.

Super-Volunteer Dennis Jaffe models the nifty Amanda Fritz bike flag. Photo by Robert Wilson.

Stop by our office at 3525 NE Broadway, and get one of these spiffy flags installed on your bike, while you wait, for the super-low price of FREE (with Public Campaign Financing).

This next week sure would be a good time to fly the colors as you ride :)

It has been a busy couple of weeks, and as I surface to take a gulp of air, I realize I haven't yet posted thanking Willamette Week for their endorsement. Very sweet. My younger son chided me for my answer in the interview to the question of, "Where would you get a tattoo and what would it be?", saying, "C'mon, Mom, you don't actually have to get a tattoo, just pretend, go along". Happily, apparently the response to that question wasn't a major determinant in the decision.

From the Willamette Week endorsement:

"Fritz has convinced us she may be the only candidate in this race who won’t carry a rubber stamp into the Council. More likely, she’ll bring a magnifying glass and a red pen.

Fritz trumps all her opponents when it comes to knowledge of the city budget and its programs. She obsesses over detail and can be tenacious. She will make bureaucrats lose sleep. We foresee Council meetings grinding to a halt while Fritz and Randy Leonard get testy over the finer points of item 382a on the weekly consent agenda. But that’s OK: Let the bureaucrats sweat a bit. City Hall isn’t a clubhouse."

Thank you, Willamette Week!

Photos by Debbie Kaye

A dog, ruby slippers, a bicycle and a zebra car - illustrating the parade theme of "There's no place like home" in Portland, Oregon.

Thank you to everyone who marched/rode/drove with me, and to all who waved, clapped, and shouted encouragement along the route. Good work, organizers and volunteers of the parade!

Do you or did you ever have a mother? Then Sunday afternoon's Meet-and-Greet is for you!

Stop by

Bill's Pizza Baron, 2604 SE 122nd Ave
from 3:30pm - 5pm this Sunday, May 11.

Bring Mom, or come by yourself, and chat with the only mother running for Portland City Commissioner Position 1. Let's talk about what kids, families, parents, and educators need from the Portland City Council. Or about anything else you want to ask or say.

Photo by Tristan

Tuesday morning, I was up early at 6 a.m. to take my daughter to an Advanced Placement (AP) exam at Rose City Park Elementary School, sadly closed as a neighborhood school and now being used for testing. So afterwards, I had a rare opportunity to stand outside Wilson High School waving to fellow parents - usually, I'm part of the stream of cars dropping off students. On Monday evening, I was in the campaign office, reviewing lists of volunteers and wondering who to ask to help hold the banner. Who should phone in but Ruth Adkins, fellow Wilson mom, Portland Public Schools Board member, and super-busy person. "Can you help me wave at morning commute tomorrow?", I asked. "Well, I'm helping with the PTA's Teacher Appreciation Week breakfast, but sure, I can leave for 15 minutes for that", she answered.

And so we did. The bag behind me on the grass holds groceries I picked up on the way back from Rose City Park, to donate to the events for the teachers - a week of appreciation gifts for Wilson staff, organized by a woman who just had surgery, and another whose husband is battling stomach cancer.

If you want to get things done, ask busy people to help.

Tune in to KBOO, 90.7 FM and on the Internet here, tonight at 6:35 p.m., to hear me talk live on the "Labor Radio" show about issues that matter to working people in Portland. Call in with questions, 503-231-8187.

A sunset. For the past three months, most dates I've been inside at a houseparty or forum all evening, entering in sunlight and leaving in the dark. Or, so involved in talking with Portlanders at doorsteps that I've only noticed the sun has set when the names on the voter lists become unreadable. That has been the signal for for me to come home and start work on emails, usually heading to bed around midnight before waking at seven to start another non-stop 17-hour day.

Please help produce results from all the hard work so many have dedicated to this campaign since October 4, 2007. See the Volunteer page on this site to review options taking five minutes, or a couple of hours. Or join the full court press (= citywide push) for the next two weeks, and help me as I stretch my days even longer.

Last fall, I spent time in coffee houses all over Portland, while collecting $5 donations to become the first candidate to qualify for Public Campaign Financing. Now, at the end of the campaign, I'm scheduling Meet-and-Greet events again, to give more Portlanders opportunities to ask questions and tell me your concerns.

This Sunday, 5/4/2008, I will be at the

Twin Paradox coffee shop in Sellwood,
8609 SE 17th, Portland 97202

from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Twin Paradox has really, really yummy cakes. And I will have spent the afternoon knocking on doors and meeting voters, so I'll be ready for a slice. Please join me.

Security problems on the MAX Light Rail system first surfaced twenty years ago, soon after it opened. Then, the Governor had to put State Police on MAX to stop gang affiliates and rowdy riders. TriMet improved train and bus communication systems, but fell short on effective policing and station/park&ride security. The region has opted three times since 1988 to expand MAX, without a complete security program.

Weekday MAX ridership has grown from 15,000 in 1988, to over 104,000 today, with total ridership up from 120,000 to 310,000. The TriMet system is a rolling city, three times larger than Gresham, which until November had only 36 sworn police officers. Eastside MAX in Portland hosts six of the system’s ten highest crime stations (2005-07): Lloyd Center, Hollywood, 82nd Ave, Gateway, 122nd, 162nd. Many of these stations are isolated from nearby 24-hour uses, and lack Closed Circuit TV systems and emergency phones. In November 2007, only one third of MAX’s 64 stations had CCTV.

What TriMet is Doing to Improve Security:

TriMet initiated a comprehensive security plan in December 2007. It included hiring more police officers and contracted security, a zero tolerance policy for those who break TriMet rules, more enforcement tools for police and security forces, adding more security cameras to MAX platforms, increasing lighting, fixing faulty Ticket Vending Machines, increasing fare inspections, and limiting the hours of Fareless Square. After I and others testified in January, proposed changes to Fareless Square were dropped. Over the next several months, TriMet promises a public process to evaluate the future of Fareless Square.

To date TriMet has:

1. Opened a Westside Precinct with Hillsboro, Beaverton and Washington Co. on March 12, with five officers patrolling between Hillsboro and Sunset Transit Center.

2. Opened an Eastside Precinct with Gresham on April 1, with six officers (ten by July 1). patrolling the transit system between Gateway Transit Center and Cleveland stations.

3. Partnered with the Portland Police Bureau to patrol the transit system between the Sunset and Gateway Transit Centers.

4. Hired more Tri-Met police officers, and has its contracted security spending more time riding the transit system.

5. Extended "Interdiction Command", so police can immediately remove rowdy or intimidating riders from the transit system for up to six hours. Police can take repeat juvenile offenders violating the TriMet code to juvenile detention for up to 36 hours, where officials work with the youths and their families to stop the activity.

6. Installed security cameras at more MAX platforms, bringing the total to 30 platforms with cameras.

7. Increased lighting levels in 1,800 lights, plus installed floodlights at NE 82nd and Gresham Central MAX stations, and improved sight lines at MAX platforms

8. Expanded its Rider Advocate program so that a community-based organization rides the system to prevent disruptive or illegal activity.

9. Increased fare inspections, while adding the option for riders to purchase fares at station concession stands and fixing faulty ticket machines.

Still needed:

TriMet and the region must complete the remaining MAX security fixes, before the I-205 MAX and Portland Mall stations open in 2009. The expanded MAX system will excel at moving people and building communities. To accomplish these goals, MAX trains and stations must be among the “safest places in town”.

1. I will work with the City Council and other jurisdictions to commit the needed resources within TriMet, local, regional, state, and federal 2008-09 budgets, specifically for transit policing levels and station security.

2. I will press TriMet to complete the installation of CCTV and emergency phones at all stations by 2009.

3. I will work with TriMet and other jurisdictions to expand transit policing with unified staffing, coverage and presence, in cooperation with local police. Similar-sized transit agencies in other cities have many more police officers, and handle nearly all their own emergency response calls.

4. I will watch for opportunities in existing and future station area plans to add supportive round-the-clock activities and land uses. Portland should consider zoning and design principles in the Eastside MAX Station Area Transit-Oriented Development Study (60th-162nd), and for the Milwaukie MAX line.

5. I will facilitate public input and impact in TriMet's consideration of additional “state of the art” security systems, such as access control to station platforms and park and rides.

6. I will support funding for Rider Advocate programs, administered through neighborhood coalition/district offices.

Safety in our homes, on our streets, and on public transportation is important. For many of us, it’s one of the reasons we choose to live in Portland. I will make sure tax dollars are spent wisely, so that they make a direct and positive impact on basic needs like public safety.

To me, spending taxpayer money wisely and improving public safety on TriMet go hand-in-hand.

Andy Dworkin in the Oregonian's blog and in print last week wrote an interesting article about political candidates using babies in advertisements and public appearances. In the paper version, he wondered why I pictured my longtime friend Terri Preeg Riggsby's baby son, rather than my own seventeen year-old daughter, as the "parenthood" image in my campaign TV ad.

I mentioned this to my daughter. She laughed the short, sarcastic, mirthless laugh only produced by humans aged 13 - 19, and said, "Just wait til he has a teenager. Then he'll understand."

That's part of the answer. A parent can *make* a baby pose in a photograph - Terri and I had fun getting Caleb to smile for the camera. Few people can *make* a teenager do anything.

There are two other reasons I chose not to use photographs of my sons and daughter in my ads. One, this campaign is my task, not my daughter's. Her job, on the Monday we zoomed all over Portland taking photos for the ads, was to be in school, finishing up the classes she needs to graduate in June. Over the seventeen years I've been a parent in Portland Public Schools, Steve and I have kept our children out of school electively only once. That was to attend their grandparents' retirement ceremony in New York, back when they were in grade school. We have stressed firmly and repeatedly that their work is to be in school and do their assignments and extracurricular activities to the best of their abilities.

The other reason photographs of my children aren't in the cable ad, (did you catch it on ESPN during the NFL draft? NOW, my sons think I'm legit :) is that the producers wanted action shots, not posed group pictures. And our younger son, Maxwell, is in New Jersey at college. We took standard family portrait shots on Christmas Day, the last time our family of five was together in one place. Taking a photograph of "Amanda's family" or "Amanda's children" without Maxwell was unthinkable.

All this aside, I don't want anyone to think I lack proud-to-bustin' motherly championing of my children. I think they're super cute, and I know I will win many votes as "Luke's mom", "Maxwell's mom", and "Ali's mom". So here is a photograph of me 'n' the kids, taken on Christmas Day by Steve - my husband, their father.

See? Super cute.

Last night was Candidates Gone Wild, the campaign event where style openly trumps substance. Here are three phtographs, taken by my older son, Luke, illustrating why - on balance - I am glad I participated:

All six candidates for Position 1 were invited and played along gamely. Public Campaign Financing has changed the way political campaigns are handled by the media and civic engagement groups. More movement is needed, but this photograph portrays a good start.

The extra "candidate" pictured next to me, without the orange sash denoting those running for Position 1, is Adrian Chen, added as humor by the organizers. I didn't follow the logic in including someone who is not running in the cast, when in Position 2 and the Mayoral race many real candidates were not invited. As I've said often, more movement is needed, but having all six Position 1 candidates on stage, with equal opportunity to look foolish, was a step forward in democracy in Portland.

The real question is whether ANY bridge over I-405 at NW Flanders, new OR recycled, is the # 1 priority pedestrian/bicycle project, most in need of funding citywide.

I don't believe it is.

* * * * * * * *

Mercury Blogtown a couple of weeks ago posted responses from candidates for Position 1, on whether the City should pay $5.5 million to make the old Sauvie Island Bridge a bike/pedestrian bridge over I-405 at NW Flanders. Three of my competitors endorsed relocating the old bridge, at a cost of $1.5 million more than building a new one.

My comments two weeks ago:

Portlanders care about livable neighborhoods, walking and biking, and recycling. I support those good values. I also care about spending taxpayers money wisely, and fairness in prioritizing that spending, and I believe Portlanders share those priorities, too.

The first core question I've heard from neighbors all over Portland, including some in NW, is whether spending an extra $1.5 million to reuse an old steel bridge is good use of public funds, compared with the cost of building a new concrete bridge half as wide. Mayor Potter noted the cost of the project can rise an additional $1.3 million before being re-approved by Council. If elected, I will work to change the City Code that currently allows overruns of 25% in City contracts. I will always ask the questions, "What is the true cost? Who pays, who benefits, and is that fair?"

I appreciate Commissioner Saltzman's insistence on putting the project out for bids. Given that the idea of reusing the bridge was posted on CommissionerSam.com in March 2006, the fact that the ordinance was filed as an "emergency" is ridiculous. I believe emergency ordinances are sometimes used to pressure compliance on votes. To facilitate better public process, I will ask other members of the Council to use the "emergency" designation only for true emergencies.

The Mercury, Oregonian, Tribune, BikePortland.com, and CommissionerSam.com have all covered the issue. These sources state that funding for the $5.5 million relocation would come from $2 million in River District Urban Renewal Area funds, $2 million in transportation Systems Development Charges, $1 million in federal funds, and $500,000 from either private donations or from all Portlanders as part of the Safe, Sound and Green streets proposal heading for the November ballot. What would those pots of money be spent on, if not this project?

* Which projects will drop off the list for funding in the River District, if this bridge project is done? Is it really the highest priority for pedestrian/bicycle facilities in the plan area?

* Is the $2 million from the River District existing funds, or part of the proposed $311 million extension of the Urban Renewal Area?

* Which neighborhoods will have to wait longer for their Systems Development Charge projects to be completed?

* Why is this bridge in this location more deserving of additional public funds, faster, than planned pedestrian/bike projects in other areas of the city, such as the promised bridge over I-5 in the neighborhood formerly known as Corbett-Terwilliger-Lair Hill, now South Portland?

How many jobs would be created in renovating and moving the old bridge versus building a new one and recycling the old steel? With the economy weakening, supporting more good jobs with benefits should be considered in every decision.

Global warming, pollution, and building green should also be part of the equation. What are the carbon impacts of the two methods of providing this bridge?

This ordinance asked for a vote on "Is this a good use of public money?", when the real question is, "Is this the best use of public money when compared with other ways it might be spent?"

Since the Council's vote on this matter, I have heard from neighbors in all parts of the city, even NW Portland, opposed to spending an additional $1.5 million to renovate and reuse the Sauvie Island bridge on NW Flanders. While those testifying at the hearing were predominantly in favor, most Portlanders are not able to take time off work to ask the Council to prioritize funding of basic services throughout the city. I will provide multiple ways for Portlanders in every neighborhood to give input, to facilitate engagement in our government.

More information is needed before deciding whether the bridge relocation proposal is the best use of transportation and urban renewal taxes, or not. If you elect me to the Portland City Council, I will make sure that important questions are asked and answered clearly, soon after a project is initiated.

* * * * * * * *

Since that post on Blogtown, I have learned more information. $3.5 million of the money to be used for the Flanders bridge will come out of pots that could otherwise be used for projects in other areas of the city.

My answer above looked mostly at:

new bridge on Flanders vs. relocated bridge on Flanders

But in fact, the match-up is:

any type of bridge on Flanders vs. priority pedestrian/bicycle improvement list, citywide

Citizens, city staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council devote significant time and effort in annual and long-term budget processes, identifying priority lists for funding transportation improvements, citywide. Is a bridge over I-405 at NW Flanders, either new or recycled, next in line for funding?

I believe Portlanders who live in areas with few sidewalks, bike lanes, or paved streets, deserve basic urban services first.

Verbatim conversation with my husband, Steve, earlier this week:

Me: "We have a rubber chicken, don't we?"

Steve: " A rubber chicken? Sure."

Me: "Can you find it for the rehearsal on Sunday?"

Steve: "Sure."

Me: "Thank you! I'll be home late as usual. Thanks for getting dinner for Ali again. Bye!"

Oddly, when Willamette Week/Candidates Gone Wild called to ask about spaying and neutering cats/dogs, "for the show", I don't remember being asked a question on how to increase the level of pet sterilization. I'm pretty sure the rubber chicken is not going to reproduce any time soon, though.

Over the past sixteen months of posting my AmandaFritz.com blog, I've sometimes lauded, sometimes slammed editorials in the Oregonian.

I know the subject of yesterday's better than anyone. I found it entirely accurate, both in its assessment of my skills and cautions about lessons learned. Thank you, Oregonian Editorial Board! Here it is, in its entirety:

Fritz for City Council

She has done her homework, immersed herself in service to the city, and would watchdog the city's dollars ~ Thursday, April 24, 2008

The race to replace City Commissioner Sam Adams on the Portland City Council suffers from a wealth of plausible candidates. It's such a crowded field, with six people running serious campaigns, that it's already flummoxed some debate organizers -- and it may stump a few Portland voters when the ballots start arriving soon.

But even in this intriguing race, one candidate stands out as the strongest, most polished and most prepared to be a city commissioner -- especially of a city heading into a recession. That candidate is Amanda Fritz, 49, a psychiatric nurse, former planning commissioner, neighborhood activist and longtime schools volunteer.

Fritz has promised to intensify scrutiny of city contracts and expenditures. She has an unusual breadth and depth of knowledge of issues facing both the entire city and its nearly 100 neighborhoods. Her acquaintance with planning, in particular, could be helpful as Portland takes the huge step of revising its comprehensive plan.

Fritz has a command of detail that could make her a formidable force on the council, both in framing fresh questions and in watchdogging the budget. Some of this expertise is already on display on her blog. In fact, since she lost her first try for a council seat in 2006, she has only strengthened her involvement in city issues.

It's true, of course, that a command of detail can work for or against a city, depending on whether a city commissioner becomes too enmeshed and enraptured by his or her own brilliant discovery of minutiae. As a former planning commissioner, though, Fritz has the advantage of having already made some mistakes along these lines. This could give her an invaluable head start in understanding what she needs to do to be effective at City Hall.

Fritz is running against:

Jeff Bissonnette, 41, a low-key consumer advocate from St. Johns with expertise on energy issues, thanks to his work with the Citizens' Utility Board; John Branam, 33, development director for the Portland Public Schools; Mike Fahey, 61, a salty former two-term legislator from North Portland; Charles Lewis, 36, fiery founder of the innovative nonprofit Ethos Music Center; and Chris Smith, 48, an expert on transit and transportation, known as "Citizen Smith" for his volunteer mastery of important city issues.

None of these five would be a pushover. The question for voters is: Who has the potential to be most effective right from the start in mustering votes at City Hall? Who could help close the gap between rich and poor Portland, without taking cheap shots at the city's urban renewal agency and its downtown?

There has never been any doubt that Fritz understood the small picture. As a longtime neighborhood activist from West Portland Park, she seemed in her last run for council too much in thrall to "neighborhood-think." Of the six running this time, though, it is Fritz who is the most articulate champion of Portland as a prosperous whole.

She's been acting almost as a shadow city commissioner. Voters should give Fritz the chance now to be the real thing.

(Emphasis added, as usual)