Stop Portland City Council from Ignoring Neighborhood Associations

Keep neighbored associations and stop the identity politics!!

One of our worst Mayors. And FIsh right behind him.

Democracy matters. Neighborhood Associations are an important way for people to make their voices heard by representatives who often fail to hear the needs and voices of their constituents. I personally feel our representatives are already very out of touch with the individual needs of each unique neighborhood in their districts. If Neighborhood Associations are no longer recognized this will take away our ability to have our voices heard. Is this still a democracy? Or does the city now do as many of us already suspect, and not care about what the people who live here want but rather what they themselves find most profitable for them and their cronies?

Changing Portland city code 3.96 is not a good idea. Neighborhood associations serve a valuable function.

We desperately need to maintain some avenue of representation against a City Council that often works to change the nature of our established neighborhoods, and not in a good way.

Reducing access and involvement of volunteers in NAs is not going to increase access and involvement of other citizens. You need to be all inclusive. There’s plenty of room in the city hall for all of us!

The neighborhood association program has historically been an important force for local activism. Let's commit to strengthening & improving the existing system, rather than attempting to dismantle it.

"LESS democracy rather than more? The representation of people living in a geographical area is the entire reason the American Revolution happened. If people who live in an area do not participate in their NA, should we then un-recognize the institution set up for their voice? Based on that logic, we should abolish Oregon as a state because not everyone votes. Then just let the president make all the decisions. Really? That is the code change's logic. It's purpose is obviously to disenfranchise a population which DOES participate in government and replace it with some smaller group which does not want to be bothered by the opinions of those they consider less enlightened. I would not expect that from an American city on the west coast. The deep south of course, but not the Pacific Northwest

Neighborhoods. need more voice, not less. It’s taken a long time to get what voice we have. Strengthen it, don’t delete it.

LESS democracy rather than more? The representation of people living in a geographical area is the entire reason the American Revolution happened. If people who live in an area do not participate in their NA, should we then un-recognize the institution set up for their voice? Based on that logic, we should abolish Oregon as a state because not everyone votes. then just let the president make all decisions. Really? That is the code change's logic. It is obviously to disenfranchise a population who does participate and be replace by some smaller elite group which does not want to be bothered by the people who live there. Odd logic. Richard Mohle 1629 NE 146th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97230

Portland

Tell Portland City Council to stop selling our city out and to start listening to and start representing Portland citizens!

The best thing about Portland is its unique neighborhoods. I see this as a huge risk of losing them.

I love our Neighborhood Association! They work for the good of the neighborhood so we don't have to spend countless hours battling the City of Portland! They have helped make Portland the great city that it is.

Portland

My thoughts have already been published by the Oregonian and aired on OPB Think out Loud. If there is no intent to remove NAs as a structural part of Portland, then why is the advocate SuKree working wo had to advocate for it. And how would we possibly know all of the special interest groups that she wants to make a part of the city framework when they already have a way to involve in civics through the local NA where they live.

I have lived in several cities in several states, but not one, other than Portland, has offered the neighborhood association system. This system makes me feel connected to the city by offering meetings where my voice can be heard, community events where I can meet neighbors, and newsletters keeping me informed about my neighborhood. Please don't end this treasure.

NA are essential for Portland and the decisions being made for Portland. It is a big city with its of NA needs to be heard.

The City Council does not need to gut our NAs in order to include other groups in City business. NAs provide a very valuable service to the people of Portland because most people live in Neighborhoods and can participate in NAs no matter their ethnicity, color, economic level, etc. NAs are an excellent way for many people to participate in having a Voice in City/County government. So, City Council, do NOT take away the power of NAs, which your current proposal would do, no matter what Council member Eudaly says.

Neighborhood associations are one of the things that make Portland such a livable city. Please don't take this away from us.