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

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.