Activists are aiming to put the Portland water wars back on the ballot—this time with the goal of wresting control of the water and sewer bureaus from City Hall.



A coalition of water activists and utility ratepayers say they'll officially announce Thursday morning what has been expected for months: They are collecting signatures for a May 2014 ballot initiative to create a "Portland Public Water District," according to an email sent from activist Floy Jones to her group Friends of the Reservoirs.



WW has previously reported that a people's utility district campaign—which would take utility decisions out of Portland city commissioners' control—is being organized by lobbyist and Alaska Seaplanes President Kent Craford.

