District 1 City Council candidate Terrence Hayes recently shared a personal story that shapes his views on public safety. In a message to supporters, Hayes reflected on the loss of his cousin Quanice in a fatal police encounter, stating, “A few years back, my cousin Quanice was killed by police.” He noted that this event has driven his commitment to public safety, emphasizing, “If we can create a few more moments before action, Quanice and so many others might still be alive.”
Hayes’s campaign focuses on improving communication between communities and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents. He says he advocates for a balanced approach to public safety, suggesting that the values of “protecting the community and valuing the people tasked with protecting it can coexist.” His platform has earned him endorsements from the Portland Police Association and City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez.