We Asked All 15 Mayoral Candidates To Introduce Themselves To You. Eight Nine Of Them Took Us Up On It.

Kenneth Huey

is less than two months away, and you've got a mayor to vote for, Portland.

By now, you should be at least somewhat familiar with the players in the race. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler has been making headlines ever since he emerged as a strong challenger to Mayor Charlie Hales last fall, and has been pegged by many as one of the frontrunners now that Hales is out. Multnomah County Commissioner Jules Bailey is sweeping up potentially valuable endorsements, though self-imposed $250 contribution limits mean he won't have Wheeler's cash flow. PSU employee Sarah Iannarone has turned heads in several debate appearances, and gotten press for her close relationship with first lady Nancy Hales.

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But, as we've pointed out, there are a lot of other people vying to be mayor. The mayoral primary slated for May 17 has 15 candidates. Some of them run all the time—doing little more than paying $50 dollars and filling out some paperwork. Some of them are newbies. And if any one of them secures more than 50 percent of the vote in May, they'll hold Portland's highest elected position come January.

Now, with the ballot set, we figured it was time to let all of them give you a brief sales pitch. So the Mercury asked each of the city's mayoral candidates a simple question: Who are you and what's the main reason you're running for mayor?

Some of them got to the point. Most of them went longer than we'd have liked. Some simply didn't answer. But here are the responses we received, minimally edited (mostly) and listed in alphabetical order by last name. You can click on candidates' names to see the paperwork they filed with the city, which includes more background information, and we've also got links to their campaign committee, if they formed one. Enjoy!

DAVID "THE ACK" ACKERMAN, dishwasher

Greetings:

My photo site has some personal history about me theack9.com. I am working on a facebook for my run. I was born and raised in portland. I am concern about high rent and parking. I used to work at the O till pay and hour cuts. Now dishwasher. I was a victim of high rent. I was smart enough to buy an RV and live in the outer area now. Hope my spelling was not too bad but a brutal day ty



JULES BAILEY, Multnomah county commissioner

Campaign committee

Jules Bailey

I’m Jules Bailey, and I want to be your Mayor. I’m a Multnomah County Commissioner and former legislator. I’m a dad and a husband. I’m an economist and a lifelong Portlander. I’m the son of parents that wanted to serve their community even when we struggled to pay the bills. But most of all, I am someone who believes that by working together, we can make Portland a place where everyone can thrive.

Together we must meet the challenges of housing affordability and homelessness head on. We must support our local small businesses, and improve neighborhood safety. And we must make Portland a place where every Portlander who works hard and does their best has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

I’m running for Mayor because I love this city, and I know we are at a turning point. Many working families are struggling just to get by. It's more important than ever that their voices are heard. That’s one reason I am limiting my contributions to $250 per person per election. People and families should decide elections, not big special interests.

I’m not just asking for your vote. I’m asking you to bring your talents and gifts to our community. Let’s show we are committed to one another and to making this city work for us all.

PATTY BURKETT, "consummate self-indulgent student of multiple disciplines"

I am a Portland native. I attended 1st grade at Sumner Grade School in the Parkrose District, then completed my matriculation 2nd - 8th grades at Mt Tabor Grade School. I am very proud to be a Washington High School graduate; child of the ‘60s. My younger sister, Bonnie and I were very involved, in church, multiple arts and social service programs. A unique time in history to be sure.

I am a US Army Veteran and was a UCMJ Special and General Courts-Martial Courts Clerk @ Fort Hood, Texas. My male family members have historically served, primarily during wartime, in the military. I am very fortunate to have been in military service; and, as a result of my training, I learned a lot. I am extremely grateful to have met many exceptional commission and non commission service members even unto today.

I have been a primary candidate for Multnomah County Commissioner District 3 2012 (I had NO CLUE! Lol!) and a primary candidate for Multnomah County Chair and Chair-Interim 2014 (Whoa! Eye-opener! Fun!) Each opportunity to seek office has provided me many intriguing insights to instantly recognize; which are by far the most important teaser aspects of seeking any elected position. I recommend everyone try this at least once. Beneficial to the hilt!

[Several long paragraphs about how she watched this YouTube video about the gold standard, has been researching ever since, and how she has "many more extremely important documents and forms to share with anyone..."]

Death and Taxes! There is nothing else. BTY: I am a Cannabis enthusiast!

SEAN DAVIS, community college English instructor

Campaign committee

Sean Davis

I'm Sean Davis. I spent about 7 years in the regular army where I was stationed in Hawaii, New York and Germany as a military police officer. I was deployed to Haiti during their revolution in 1995. I got out but reenlisted in the Oregon National Guard the day after 9/11. I was sent to Iraq with Bravo Company 2/162. Four friends of mine died there and I was critically injured in an ambush. I came home with a Purple Heart and when I healed up enough I was sent to help out down in Hurricane Katrina.

I left the military and had a hard time finding my footing in the world again. It was art that saved my life. I paint and write. I decided I wanted to teach so I used my VA benefits to go to school and five years later I had my masters. I teach at Mt. Hood Community College and Clackamas Community College now.

I never had any political aspirations, but I've been building our community here in NE Portland. I took over as the post commander of American Legion Post 134 on Alberta street. We've been doing some good here. We started a food drive that feeds the homeless and families in need. We clothe homeless veterans. We've found jobs for people. We've also started a literary movement. We have anywhere from 10-20 readings with local writers every month. I also fight wildland fires during the summer. The people of my community asked me to run for mayor, and I did.

I believe that political office isn't a privilege for the rich; it's a responsibility for fortunate citizens. I understand the political fight I have in front of me, but I've beaten worse odds. I've been reaching out to community organizers, union heads, and politicians. So far everyone has been very supportive. There's a lot to learn, but luckily I catch on quickly. The other candidates have money and know the system, but I have something they don't. I'm so very pretty.

DEBORAH HARRIS , business specialist

Deborah Harris Jonathan Maus/bikeportland.org

I am Deborah Harris making my claim as Mayor for the city of Portland in this critical season needing change.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas, Master of Public Administration from Portland State University, a wealth of experience managing facilities of a multi-million dollar corporation, and currently a Business Specialist supporting economic stability to improve and enhance the quality of life for Oregonians and communities.

Election after election, mayor after mayor, promises after promises to address and heal the critical issues that affect our city in general and each of our communities in specific, we again find promises deferred. As mayor, I will open a plethora of possible outcomes to remove these issues from the “city’s layaway plan. “ Being a new face in the mayoral race with less exposure as the referred to “top contenders,” I remain encouraged and confident that the voters will identify Deborah Harris as that sincere voice for all of the people, all of the communities and all of the existing and emerging issues that impact the livability of our city.

I strongly believe “we are better working together.” I am motivated to rebuild relationships among constituents, officials, and entities whom we have empowered, invested, and entrusted in positions to do what is ethical, what is fair, and what is right on behalf of all of the people, the city and communities that we love. To remedy homelessness, roll-out affordable housing within communities of choice, rebuild and sustain approaches to infrastructures, cultivate strategies to social justice, socially and environmentally conscious in responding to climate change, reducing unemployment and enhancing the economy, extinguish gang violence to preserve Portland’s future and more, change may be inevitable. Nontraditional choices can open the floodgate to resolutions on issues, complex interest and necessities that are community specific and cultivate higher values and principles for our city’s new season.

UPDATE: Sarah Iannarone submitted a response since we first posted this.

SARAH IANNARONE, assistant program director, First Stop Portland

Campaign committee

Sarah Iannarone

I am running for mayor to ensure that as Portland grows, our community retains the values, character, and livability that have made our city an attractive place to visit, invest, and live. This will be impossible unless we include everyone.

Portland is a city poised for global greatness. If we're not intentional about the place we're going to be, it's likely we'll be dragged along by forces beyond our control. To get us through the growing pains, we need a mayor with a vision of what is on the other side. It's going to take someone with with intelligence, creativity, and courage to ensure we stay Portland.

My expertise as a sustainable development consultant, my practical know-how as a small business owner, my experience working on long-range and strategic planning for Portland's zoning and economic development, and my community connections make me the ideal person to serve as Portland's mayor at this time. We need a mayor we can be proud of to call our own—someone we can just as easily see planting trees with neighbors on Sunday afternoon and discussing our role in the global marketplace at City Hall on Monday morning.

DAVID SCHOR, assistant attorney general

Campaign committee

David Schor

My name is David Schor, and I’m running for Mayor of Portland because we need a Mayor who will squarely address the challenges facing this City, rather than pursuing band-aids and half-measures. Whether it’s resolving the housing emergency, promoting environmental stewardship, repairing police-community relations, or expanding city services to the whole of Portland, we need a mayor who will champion Portland’s values, and work for all Portlanders.

My highest priority is the housing emergency. Portland’s housing and homelessness crisis is only going to get worse unless we take a new approach. That’s why I have proposed that Portland invest in community-owned housing with rents based on household income and buildings managed by the tenants themselves on a not-for-profit basis. Affordable housing advocates have assessed the cost of creating sufficient affordable housing for our City to be around $1B, and I have proposed an income tax on the top 1% of earners in Portland to raise the necessary revenue. Other candidates may talk about their commitment to making Portland affordable, but none of them have proposed raising or spending the revenue necessary to solve the problem.

I’m a philosopher at heart, someone who enjoys thinking and debating in the service of solving problems. My thoughtful, patient, and deliberate approach serves me well in my profession as a lawyer. In my spare time I enjoy playing music, snowboarding, running, and sampling the food and drink of Portland’s amazing restaurants. I’m weird enough to do Portland justice, smart enough to understand the issues, and willing to stand up for the working class.

JESSIE SPONBERG, Occupy Portland activist/ homeless advocate

Campaign committee

Jessie Sponberg

My name is Jessie Sponberg and I played 3rd base for Shepler’s Refrigeration the year we beat Stark Street Pizza to win the Mt Tabor Little League championship.

I love the people of this city, and it makes my soul ache to see what is happening right under our noses at a rate too fast to stop it.

Portland is being bamboozled by big money interests and backroom deals. I am so tired of career politicians advancing their personal agendas at the expense of the community. I have proven, beyond my politics- with my actual body and actions, to be a tireless steward for those of us who can’t just write checks to make their problems go away.

I’m the kind of person who throws people at problems.I try not to make campaign promises but I have spent the last decade developing sincere relationships and a resume of using my available resources to offset the effects of poverty in our communities and I am planning on bringing that same successful approach to my new office.

Imagine a city that turns to engaged community leaders versus shadowy consultants and paid contractors.

and this isn’t just a pipe dream. I’m not just some huckster who has nothing better to do than run for office. I have a unique set of relationships with the people of this city, and we only need 51% to steal that gavel. do you think more than 51% of this city is scared? do you think more that 51% of this city go to bed hoping that someday this bullshit will change?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

TED WHEELER, Oregon state treasurer

Campaign committee

I’m running for Mayor of Portland because we need to make progress on our toughest challenges. From helping the homeless and creating new economic opportunities for all Portlanders, to protecting the environment and repairing our streets, we can move our city forward – every part of it.

I have shown I know how to make progress for Oregon families with innovative solutions and a transparent and problem-solving approach to governing. First as chairman of Multnomah County and now as state treasurer, I have demonstrated how we can make progress on tough issues like affordable housing, homelessness, economic security, taking care of vulnerable populations, and protecting taxpayer dollars so less is wasted and more is invested in protecting those in need.

My record shows I do more than talking about problems. I’ve solved them.

I have committed, within the first two years of his administration, to ensuring every person sleeping on Portland’s streets has the option to sleep inside. I have unveiled my “25-25 Jobs Strategy” which will invest in the people of Portland to support creation of 25,000 new jobs paying at least $25 an hour by 2025. And I’ve committed to increasing transparency and accountability both in my campaign and in City Hall.

Portland deserves a city government as productive as our people. That’s why I am running for mayor.

Candidates we didn't receive answers from:

BRUCE BROUSSARD, restaurant owner

ERIC ALEXANDER CALHOUN, home care worker

BIM DITSON, musician and jewelry maker

Campaign committee

STEVEN ENTWISLE

LEW HUMBLE, retired auto mechanic

TREVOR MANNING, Concordia University intern