I'm thrilled to be posting this first message on my rudimentary campaign web site! It's here because

... in the very first week since I filed forms indicating my intent to run and participate in Portland's Public Campaign Finance Fund system.

This blog is the chrysalis of a site that will change into a full campaign information center over the next few months. The Public Campaign Finance Fund and state election funding rules are such that I'm required to have the money banked in my campaign account before authorizing work that will be billed on completion, so my volunteers and I are collecting $5 contributions with a keen sense of urgency in order to save up the money required to build a full-service campaign site.

Note that I am not one of the "numerous candidates" who made initial mistakes with rules compliance, reported by Scott Moore in today's Portland Mercury. It's a difficult system to manage, being not only new but also complicated by the local and state rules not matching entirely. I know from navigating the first run successfully that there are many innocent pitfalls as well as the potential for fraud. I'm glad to see the Auditor has recognized other candidates' difficulties as the former. I am committed to making my campaign's use of the Public Campaign Finance Fund system as honorable and error-free as humanly possible.

As with my campaign in 2006, I'm not accepting "seed money" donations of up to $100. The system allows candidates to collect several thousand dollars in seed money donations, which can come from corporations as well as individuals, and don't have to be given by people who live in Portland.

My campaign will be built entirely on the donations of registered Portland voters giving exactly $5. And rather than taking contributions by mail, my volunteers are collecting them face-to-face in neighborhoods. It takes more time and effort to do it that way, but I believe it's worth the investment. Details coming here soon on how you can contribute and participate. Thank you for your patience, those who've emailed me offering to help.

You'll note there's no capacity for readers to comment on this site. Until I collect the 1000 donations of $5 needed to qualify for Public Campaign Financing, my time will be spent on that task, with very little left to respond on other issues. As your City Commissioner, I won't waste your time asking for your opinion if I don't plan to listen and respond to it. After 16 years as a citizen active in multiple issues all over Portland, I know you have better ways to fill your days. Once I'm a Certified Campaign Finance Fund candidate, I'll have staff to help me make sure all communication receives a prompt response. Until then, please e-mail me, and I'll appreciate your patience if I can't get back to you right away.

Please check back here daily. I'll be posting more information soon, on why I'm running and how you can be involved. In the meantime, see my non-campaign blog that I've been writing since December 2006. Use the "search" feature in the left sidebar of that site to check and see if I've commented on issues you care about.