Stop Portland City Council from Ignoring Neighborhood Associations

Portland

Portland's NA's are an extension of democracy to ordinary citizens that Portland should be proud to maintain not rush to eliminate. Democracy is like navigating a raft in that the more people who get involved means that more people will get wet and gain greater appreciation of their democracy. Of course, getting aboard a streamlined sailing vessel means very few will get wet testing and tasting the involvement that democracy affords. Rather, that latter group has little say-so or CONTROL over which way the large vessel will go. PLEASE DO NOT diminish our democratic involvement in our local government.

Neighborhood Associations are the best way we have as individual citizens, to influence the daily onslaught of developers ruining the character of our city!

This is an outrage and an attack on democracy! Sounds like something Donald Trump would do, not a city council from a “progressive” city like Portland.

Neighborhood Associations are bedrock of democracy rooted in the Wards of London and the Magna Carta and the rights of the common citizens to band together and confront the Sovereign (in this case City Council who think we are all a bunch of peasants who must bow to their opinions and prejudices).

Why would you consider closing your ears to the very ones who can help keep every nook and cranny of Portland to the highest of standards, livable and beautifulfor all? Fear only builds walls. Don't be afraid of new ideas or voices from outside the political speak. Let's build bridges and find peace and restoration for all residents. It really can happen. There are brilliant thoughts that need to be heard. Don't let fear of new thought strangle you.

We NEED NA's do NOT CHANGE THE SYSTEM !! It is extremely important to have a voice with others not just a squeaky wheel .

By the people, for the people.

It seems like we should keep our neighbors involved in making decisions about our neighborhoods

I believe Neighborhood Associations are a vital part of our city and must be preserved.

Don't eliminate neighborhood associations. Support and listen to the neighbors in Porltand.

Don't eliminate neighborhood associations. Support and listen to the neighbors in Porltand.

Each city or township really should have a vote in policy.

Democracy depends upon each person's freedom to speak truth to power. Any attempt to abridge that freedom undermines the very foundations of America. Would Portland's reigning officials take the right to vote from those who can not or choose not to always vote?

All the more reason we should work towards a city manager form of government and decrease such ludicrous politics .

Get em!!!

Thank You!

I also believe in open meetings as a requirement of NA

Neighborhood Associations would help this city most if they would come together to help the citizens of Portland change our governmental structure to something appropriate for Portland's size and have DISTRICT elections of city council members!

As the past Chair of the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, I am appalled at the city's intent to reduce the influence of neighborhood associations.