Candidates Elaborate on What Sets Them Apart

We parse through candidates’ answers to a City Club of Portland survey.

Maja Viklands Harris Avatar

In a candidate survey circulated by City Club of Portland, candidates answered the question of what sets them apart from other contenders. 

District 1

Below are the responses from District 1’s frontrunners. In this district, which has the fewest candidates, we defined frontrunners as those who have qualified for public campaign financing and secured significant support from organizations and elected officials.

Please note that all candidates did not return the questionnaire.


Candace Avalos (Climate and Community Safety Advocate)

As a first-generation “Blacktina” with roots in Black American and Guatemalan immigrant communities, my experiences growing up in a multiracial family and working in advocacy have made me a leader who understands the issues facing all Portlanders. I’m running to bring a much-needed voice that reflects our city’s diversity and values. What sets me apart is my track record of bridging gaps and creating equitable policies. From my time as an educator mentoring students, to my role as Executive Director of an environmental justice nonprofit, and my service on many boards and commissions, I have a deep understanding of the challenges our city faces. Over 150 organizations, elected officials, and individuals have endorsed my campaign.

Timur Ender, Candace Avalos, and Steph Routh

Jamie Dunphy (Music Advocate and Former City Hall Staffer)

I have a unique combination of deep lived experience in this community, and a proven track record of getting meaningful results out of complicated government systems. Portland cannot afford to have the new City Council learn on the job. I have been in public service for more than 20 years, including more than ten years working for two of our region’s best elected officials. I spent five years working for US Sen. Jeff Merkley, focused on housing, education, and Social Security, and five years as Senior Policy Director for Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. I am intimately familiar with Portland’s unique and dysfunctional system of government, and how to advance complicated and nuanced public policy to deliver real results for Portlanders.

Timur Ender (Attorney, Transit and Biking Advocate)

I am one of the few candidates in this race who:

  • who has experience aligning infrastructure funding to meet the needs of East Portland.
  • has managed scope, schedule, budget, and risk for multimillion dollar budgets and stood up major city programs such as fixed speed safety cameras, bike share, and the fixing our streets program.
  • in a district of 100 languages represented, speaks a language other than English at home (Turkish).
  • is a parent of three young kids, including a child in the foster care system.
  • is the first in my family to be born in the U.S..
  • is a resident in a neighborhood with high rates of gun violence (Hazelwood).
  • has served as a volunteer legal aid attorney for families fleeing gender-based and political violence.

Terrence Hayes (Small Business Owner and Public Safety Advocate)

I am different from the other people running in District 1 because I am willing to have hard conversations and speak harsh truths that aren’t popular with everybody. Portland is on an upward trajectory again, but we will stagger if we don’t have someone like me championing both the Black community’s true needs as well as the true needs of East Portlanders. We have to truly understand why this district has felt left out so long, and it’s not because we don’t have enough bike lanes. People in East Portland want to feel safe, and they want their kids to be able to afford to live here when they grow up. That’s why my campaign slogan is ‘clean, safe and affordable’ because that’s what all Portlanders want.

Steph Routh (Sustainability, Transit and Biking Advocate)

I understand what it has felt like to be a small business owner and manage a business impacted by COVID. With my former business, the Portland Underground Grad School, we leased an event space in January 2020 and had to pivot in a way that fundamentally changed our operations. While I was interim executive director at the Community Cycling Center, our bike shop was broken into and the back door destroyed. Additionally, I have a 20-year track record of bringing diverse stakeholders together through my work on housing and transportation. As a commissioner and former chair on the Planning & Sustainability Commission, I have developed a deep knowledge of housing and land use policy, which is a unique expertise among my colleague candidates.


District 2

Below are the responses from District 2’s frontrunners. In this district, where 17 candidates have qualified for public campaign financing, we defined frontrunners as those who have secured meaningful support from organizations and elected officials, and who have raised at least $20,000 in contributions not including the public match.

Please note that all candidates did not return the questionnaire.


James Armstrong (Small Business Owner)

I’ve proven myself as a leader in our community by growing three successful small businesses within my district, all of which continue to thrive and expand. I led Alberta Main Street and co-founded the St. Johns Safety & Livability Committee. As an advocate for local businesses, I understand the nuances of operating in our current environment. I also understand the importance of responsible city spending and, as a forensic accountant, I have the expertise to analyze complex financial issues and investigate the misuse of public funds. My experience positions me to tackle our city’s challenges and deliver real results for our residents.

Michelle DePass (PPS Board Member and Sustainability Advocate)

I was born and raised in District 2. I attended local schools, including PSU (BS, Community Development, School of Urban Studies). I pursued an MBA in Sustainable Business at Bainbridge Graduate Institute, founded by Gifford Pinchot the 3rd in the Puget Sound. I am currently serving as Vice Chair of the Portland Public Schools Board of Education, so I have experience making decisions in a high stakes, collaborative, decision making model. I am an environmentalist who understands the role of government and that government is not a business. I know how to ski uphill, as evidenced in an Oregon Field Guide episode, and I was endorsed by Governor Kate Brown, and Jane Fonda.

Mariah Hudson (Neighborhood and Sustainability Advocate)

What sets me apart is my ability to operationalize our compassion and get things done with urgency, vision, and accountability. As a leader at OHSU, I coordinated across agencies to during the pandemic, showing that I can implement large-scale solutions in crisis. I’ve led grassroots efforts, like organizing to open shelters and fighting air pollution, while also serving as budget chair for the Portland Bureau of Transportation and PPS, where I focused on making public dollars work harder. I’m ready to lead with urgency to make Portland safer and more affordable, using my experience to deliver real, measurable results for our community.

Debbie Kitchin (Small Business Owner)

As a small business owner in the housing industry for 30 years, plus 18 years in the public sector as a regional economist, I have a unique combination of experience and perspective on how our city can improve. I’ve been part of the startup of a brand new government agency. I understand the importance of public-private partnerships for collaborating and solving problems. I bring years of leadership and collaboration to organizations ranging from the Energy Trust of Oregon to the Portland Metro Chamber to the SE Quadrant Stakeholder Advisory Committee for the City’s Comprehensive Plan. I served on the Charter Commission, so I understand our local reforms and how local governments operate throughout the country and world.

Mike Marshall (Recovery Advocate)

I am person in longterm recovery from addiction. I know what it takes to move people off the streets and into recovery. Additionally, I have a long history of tackling large challenges (democracy, marriage equality, addiction), identifying solutions and mobilizing broad coalitions to solve big problems. Our new city council will need folks like me, who understand the need for decisive consensus, to lead from behind and move rapidly to reverse the city’s fortunes. I’d be honored to have your #1 vote.

Tiffani Penson (City Hall Veteran and PCC Board Member)

I was raised and am rooted in Portland and still live in my family home. My father had a barbershop on what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. that became a place where community gathered to share stories while waiting for the perfect haircut. My mother retired early from Pacific Northwest Bell and became a realtor, helping families find their forever homes. They instilled in me both a commitment to community and a sense of urgency to get things done. I’ve been elected twice to the PCC Board and served on several community organization boards, achieving milestones that improve the lives of children and families. I will bring my lived, professional and volunteer experience to the City Council to achieve real results for all Portlanders.

Elana Pirtle-Guiney (left) and Tiffani Penson (right) speak at an event

Elana Pirtle-Guiney (Union Organizer and Former Kate Brown Staffer)

I’ve worked in advocacy and policy development, at the nexus of legislative and executive branches, for almost twenty years in Oregon. I started my career in organizing and advocacy with labor unions, building coalitions with nonprofits in our city. I worked for Gov Kitzhaber and Gov Brown as a Policy Advisor. I served as Gov Brown’s Legislative Director during Republican walkouts, budget cuts, COVID-19, and racial justice protests. I want Portland’s new Government to work – to create the culture change we voted for. I believe in Portland’s future – a future where we lead with equity, sustainability, and affordability, front of mind. I bring the experience to get to work on day one, but also a fresh perspective from outside City Hall.

Dan Ryan (Portland City Commissioner)

I have served through the most challenging four years of our city’s history and stood strong and calmly delivered common sense decisions and pragmatic action. My track record speaks for itself—leading initiatives like Safe Rest Villages, fixing our broken permitting system, advocating for balanced public safety reforms, and calling out misuse of funds. I don’t just talk about solutions—I implement them. With my deep connections in this community, I know how to get things done. Portland needs leaders focused on pragmatic solutions, transparency, and collaboration—not catering to special interests. This is my hometown, and I will keep fighting for her.

Bob Simril (Private Sector Executive and Community Advocate) 

What sets me apart is my enterprise mindset & private sector experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Tony Robbins. I would bring an enterprise mindset to create a more streamlined, accountable and effective city government. I specialize in solving large-scale problems through collaboration and accountability. In business, performance is non-negotiable—you either deliver or you’re out. I’ll bring that same drive to city government. Growing up in the projects outside Compton as a Black kid with a white mom taught me the power of persistence and communication across diverse communities. I’m uniquely positioned to connect with District 2’s wide range of social, economic, and racial diversity, listening and addressing their needs.

Nat West (Former Cider Entrepreneur and TriMet Driver)

My extensive experience as the founder of Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider connects me with the small business community – the heart and soul of Portland’s economy. Being a TriMet bus driver, gives me a unique perspective on the city’s unsafe roads. I pride myself on being a collaborator and working across differing views, including in this Council race, where I’m seen as the leading collaborative candidate city-wide. With the most small donations in his race and strong community involvement, my platform reflects the interests of everyday Portlanders, not wealthy elites or business lobbyists.


District 3

Below are the responses from District 3’s frontrunners. In this district, where 10 candidates have qualified for public campaign financing, we defined frontrunners as those who have secured meaningful support from organizations and elected officials, and who have raised at least $20,000 in contributions not including the public match.

Please note that all candidates did not return the questionnaire.


Rex Burkholder (Former Metro Councilor, Sustainability Advocate)

With over a decade of service on the Metro Council, I have the most experience in governing — setting priorities, shaping budgets, working collaboratively with diverse partners and the community. Accomplishments: I have 40 years of making positive change in this city, region, and state. Launching the bicycle revival in Portland, Oregon, and nationally; integrating sustainability into the region’s long range plan as a co-founder of the Coalition for a Livable Future; getting regional partners to include climate change and equity into the region’s transportation plans and funding decisions; Leading a statewide effort to successfully fund Outdoor School for all students. Skills: Collaboration, inclusion, inspiration, innovation

Jesse Cornett (Recovery Advocate)

What sets me apart from other candidates in my district is my deep and personal understanding of the key issues facing Portland. From my lived experience with housing instability and homelessness to my work at Oregon Recovers and as an advocate for addiction treatment, I bring firsthand insight into the challenges many Portlanders face. I’ve spent nearly two decades in public service, electoral politics, and policy, with a proven track record of securing funding and leading complex initiatives. My collaborative, results-oriented approach emphasizes practical solutions, and I’ve consistently prioritized budget transparency and accountability.

Daniel DeMelo (Fovernment Accountability Advocate)

I count: Everyone says we need more homeless services; I say we specifically need 3k new shelter beds. Everyone says we need to fix public safety; I say we specifically need to fill the 80 already-funded officer positions and improve 911 response times from 37%-in-compliance to over 95%. And I have an unprecedentedly diverse coalition: I’ve earned the support of our Portland Street Response EMTs, Firefighters, 911 operators, and Police Officers; business groups like United for Portland and Revitalize Portland; homebuilders like Multifamily NW and PMAR; progressive organizations like Progreso Latino, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Run for Something and 314 Action; and countless elected officials including Sam Adams, Dan Ryan and Dr. Sharon Meieran.

Tiffany Koyama Lane (Teacher and Union Organizer)

Early in the campaign I went to an event where city administrators from across the country shared their experiences of government transition. They were asked what kind of leaders succeed in this form of government and every one of them talked about city council members who were curious, open-minded, and collaborative. I am coming at this as a labor and community organizer and someone who works in a field where you literally have to work with everyone. You cannot turn anyone away from a public school. My work in my union has also given me a lot of experience with moving through conflict to find consensus. Making plans is one thing, but getting people to work together is another, and it requires a certain temperament and a lot of experience.

Tiffany Koyama Lane (left) and Angelita Morillo (right)

Angelita Morillo (Anti-Hunger and Houseless Community Advocate)

I am the best candidate because in a race with nearly 100 candidates running, I am one of only immigrants and women of color in a field that is over half white men. Additionally, I am one of the only candidates to have experienced unsheltered homelessness. I have never owned a car and am a lifelong transit user; I am a first-generation college student, and I am also one of the youngest candidates in the race despite having six years of experience in policy and government work. I have worked with state agencies, grassroots communities, and the state legislature to create policies that help working people. I know what it takes to work with people who aren’t like me while also holding ourselves accountable to the community we vowed to serve.

Steve Novick (Former City Commissioner)

As a former Commissioner, I have experience getting things done at City Hall, and the humility that comes with experience. I know I don’t have magic silver-bullet answers to the city’s biggest problems, but have the patience and commitment to identifying practical, realistic things we can do that will move the needle.


PORTLAND, October 24, 2024 — In a candidate survey circulated by City Club of Portland, candidates answered the question of what sets them apart from other contenders.

District 4

Below are the responses from District 4’s frontrunners. In this district, where 13 candidates have qualified for public campaign financing, we defined frontrunners as those who have secured meaningful support from organizations and elected officials, and who have raised at least $20,000 in contributions not including the public match.

Please note that all candidates did not return the questionnaire.


Olivia Clark (Legislative Veteran and Neighborhood Advocate)

I am the most experienced candidate running in District 4 with a record of success in Oregon’s local, regional and state governments. The Oregonian newspaper recognized this and endorsed my candidacy. Whether in housing, transportation, environmental protection or state-local relations, I have a portfolio of achievement that has benefited the people of Portland and Oregon. I am a coalition builder, a strong partner and work well across the aisle. I have chaired and led several large boards including the Oregon Providence Health System where I brought forward policies on quality and equity in care. I learned the value of hard work by working in my family’s small business and I am ready to apply all my skills at Portland city hall.

Mitch Green (Economist and Environmentalist)

I’m serious about creating a care economy for Portland and leading with compassion and skill. I can engage people across all generations, socioeconomic statuses, and viewpoints. As a PhD economist with more than a decade at Bonneville Power Administration, where I have worked to ensure we can keep the lights on for the entire region while being good stewards of public resources, I have the experience to help move my peers, make the economic case for public investments, and collaborate to get things done. I know how to evaluate with rigor the costs involved in budget tradeoffs, particularly for program areas that have high return on investment but lack representation.

Ben Hufford (Architect and Housing Production Advocate)

I’m a successful architect because I know how to build places where people want to be. My ability to solve challenging problems, make the most out of limited funds, and work with diverse viewpoints to achieve results on a timeline. I will bring the critical experience required to solve Portland’s urgent need for housing. And, to fix any of our problems we need to stop electing politicians who just want to BE something and start electing people who want to DO something. I have set aside my architecture practice to commit to making measurable progress for the city I love, not just generate more talk.

Chad Lykins (Chess Club Owner and Policy Expert)

I understand policy and taught leaders from all over the world how to be better policy makers. I have a breadth of perspective that we don’t always get in local politics. I know this district best because I’ve taught hundreds of families and knocked on thousands of doors in each and every neighborhood. I have the highest percentage of donations from Portlanders and from D4 residents. I hear people say they don’t have a voice in city hall. Whether it is citing homeless shelters, Alpenrose, traffic safety – I’ll be the councilor who listens. My campaign is strong enough to take the bullies who keep saying that our values are our problem. We’re showing that our values bring us together to accomplish great things.

Mitch Green (left) and Chad Lykins (right)

Tony Morse (Labor and Recovery Advocate)

As a person in long-term recovery with substantial legislative experience, I offer District 4 a unique combination of lived experience and professional experience to effectively lead in our new form of government. I’m endorsed by 28 elected officials, and nearly 30 organizations, including 21 unions, several business groups, and folks focused on improving housing affordability and public health. These organizations represent over 100,000 people, and our broad-based coalition includes Firefighters, Police Officers, Construction Workers, Small Business Owners, and Portlanders working hard to create a more livable city. My broad-based support shows I know how to form effective coalitions and can deliver results for Portland.

Stan Penkin (Neighborhoods and Arts Advocate)

I have a proven track record of building consensus among diverse groups, which is essential for effective governance. My endorsements from all four City Commissioners demonstrate my ability to work collaboratively across differing priorities and styles. I approach contentious issues with a calm, professional demeanor, allowing for productive dialogue and understanding. My seven years as President of the Pearl District Neighborhood Association exemplify my dedication to community engagement; my door was always open to constituents and fellow board members. I believe that listening to opposing views can lead to innovative solutions and improved outcomes for our city.

Bob Weinstein (Former Ketchikan, AK, Mayor)

1. Proven leadership: As a former school superintendent and four-term mayor, I have demonstrated effective leadership and a deep commitment to public service, which informs my approach to policy-making and governance. I have a proven track record of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to find common ground solutions using a pragmatic approach, not an ideological one.
2. 30 years of public budgeting experience.
3. Constituent work: In my 18 years of experience as an elected city official and 6 years as staff for U.S. Senator Mark Begich, I learned that constituents have many important reasons to contact their elected officials. And that they expect a response from their elected representatives.

Eric Zimmerman (Chief of Staff to County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards)

At a time when we need the County and the City working together on our most challenging problems, I am the only person who has worked in both governments and helped bring about some of our most successful partnerships. I helped initiate and open the large pod shelters known as TASS, our most successful shelters. I helped secure funding for Bybee Lakes when the County wanted to let 175 shelter beds close. I helped stop the foil and straw program for fentanyl users and I started the downtown recovery and clean up programs. My accomplishments in the district are unmatched and my experience has shown I can deliver on tough issues. I’m also one of the three candidates to be endorsed by the Oregonian. Labor, business, public safety all support me.

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