One Portland. For Everyone.
Hardesty Calls for Peaceful Civil Discourse
November 2, 2022
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Campaign Manager
joseph@joannforportland.com | 503-395-4345
Hardesty Calls for Peaceful Political Discourse
Portland, OR - Commissioner Hardesty reiterates her call for adherence to the principles of non-violent political action.
“Our city, state, and country are seeing an increasing uptick in political violence since the 2016 election. I have dedicated my life to addressing injustices using non-violent direct action. As an African American and the first Black woman on Portland’s City Council, I have experienced political violence directly throughout my lifetime. As a child of the civil rights movement, I’ve witnessed brutality first hand. I’ve had people make threats at my office and my home. We had a Trump supporter try to sneak a gun into a meeting. My staff has had to deal with the N-word and other hate speech more times than I can count. It saddens me to hear that anyone feels unsafe in their home or their workplace.
I want to extend a clear message to Portlanders. We can make ourselves heard and create real change peacefully. I have seen us do it in the past. Please use our cherished rights to free speech and the power of your vote to support or oppose the candidates and issues you care about. We are one community, and when one of us is threatened or attacked, we all suffer. “
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Gonzalez Ties to Right Wing Groups
“I am grateful to parents and community leaders in Portland for speaking up about the clear ties my opponent Mr. Rene Gonzalez has with right-wing groups in Oregon. I agree that it is shameful that he has sacrificed the safety and well-being of our children for his political agenda. Conservative groups that pushed for “don’t say gay” legislation, anti-abortion measures, and denying kids knowledge about race and culture in schools, do not represent Portland’s values.” - Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty.
Parents called attention to Rene Gonzalez’s acknowledgment last week on OPB Think Out Loud that he sacrificed transgender and LGBQ+ kids, Black and Indigenous kids, and other kids of color to support his ED300 agenda. Rene Gonzalez founded ED300, and the organization created a PAC to endorse school board members in 2021.
Research conducted by two Portland Public School parents showed Gonzalez and his group pushed to elect school board members, also supported by groups who are anti-LGBTQ, against teaching an accurate history of race in classrooms and comprehensive sex education.
Seventeen of the 28 candidates ED 300 endorsed were also endorsed by right-wing organizations, which require people running for office to meet criteria outlined by these conservative groups to earn their support.
Parent’s Rights in Education: Oregon affiliate advocated against LGBTQ students in Newberg and challenges the inclusion of affirming transgender identities in school districts across the state. Florida affiliate pushed for “don’t say gay” legislation to prohibit the word and related topics in schools. Oppose the Comprehensive Human Sexuality Education curriculum in Oregon schools, calling the approach "an 'indoctrination' that undermines traditional family life."
Oregon Family Council: Opposed marriage equality for all loving and committed couples in Oregon.
Oregon Right to Life: Opposed to comprehensive, medically accurate sex education and abortion.
Parents expressed deep concern stating that Gonzalez acknowledged that he failed to fight for their kids and has continued to double down on his decision to push for school board candidates who threaten the safety and wellbeing of students, especially LGBTQ+ kids and kids of color.
Rashelle Chase Miller, an early childhood educator and founder of PDX Mxm Bloc:
“In all my years working in early childhood education, I've seen kids perform best when they have a safe space where they can bring their full identities to school and be respected and validated for who they are. The seventeen school board candidates Rene supported would hurt kids, period.”
Se-ah-dom Edmo, Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce, and Yakama said:
“This is about Rene Gonzalez’s lack of judgment and his willingness to trade our children’s future for his personal political agenda and aspirations. His actions show us all that he will not fight for every child and every family.”
Jeana Frazzini, former executive director of Basic Rights Oregon said:
“Rene Gonzalez demonstrated complete disregard for our kids and their safety just to push his own political agenda. And for that, he will never get a pass. This is a bottom line issue for me as a parent and LGBTQ advocate.”
Marcus Mundy, executive director for Building Power for Communities of Color said:
“We need to create a world where all our kids are valued and respected, but when given the chance Rene Gonzalez did not fight for our kids. Instead, he chose his own narrow agenda over LGBTQ kids, kids of color, kids who deserve to know about our history of race in this country.”
Make a Temporary Profile Picture
For Jo Ann’s birthday this weekend, we’re asking supporters to make a temporary profile picture on social media. How?
Click the links below to access the frames. Once the site is open on your computer or mobile device, you can upload your photo with the frame, save it to your device, and use it for any of your social media sites.
https://twb.nz/re-electjoann1
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https://twb.nz/makinghistory-jh4pdx
WW: Mr. Gonzalez supported extreme candidates
Today we learned more about Rene Gonzalez and his efforts to elect candidates with ties to right-wing organizations. Mr. Gonzalez founded a group called ED300 that, by his own admission, was a predominately White movement that left out communities of color. Here is an excerpt published in today:
Last year, ED300 endorsed a slate of school board candidates across the state. More than half were also endorsed by Oregon Right to Life, Oregon Moms Union or Oregon Family Council—groups fundamentally at odds with reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, progressive sex education in schools, or all three.
Gonzalez says he and other ED300 leaders focused solely on which candidates wanted to reopen schools.
“I wasn’t doing the calculus that I was running for City Council,” Gonzalez says. “I was completely focused on how to get kids back into school safely. We didn’t get caught up in broader things.”
Whether ED300 successfully pressured Portland Public Schools into reopening of classrooms faster is a matter of debate. But it clearly propelled Gonzalez into politics. (He considered running for Multnomah County chair but felt he lacked the requisite experience.)
- Willamette Week (October 12, 2022)
Mr. Gonzalez recently downplayed the extreme views of candidates he backed in our recent City Club debate. Portlanders deserve the truth about Mr. Gonzalez.
Leading labor unions: Rene Gonzalez is not on the side of working people
Leaders highlight Gonzalez’s anti-union background, failure to advocate for working people
Portland, Ore. — Ahead of Labor Day and in recognition of working people, the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT), Service Employees International Union Local 49 and Local 503, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) issued statements on the backgrounds of two candidates running for Portland City council.
Statements come following recent reports that show inflation and rising prices are among top issues for voters this election cycle. According to labor leaders, highlighting where candidates stand on worker rights and protections is key to electing champions for working people and building a stronger future for all.
Rene Gonzalez was one of the Portland City Council candidates analyzed by some of these organizations. Pointing to details uncovered, labor leaders expressed strong concerns about his background, including what the organizations consider to be key failures for working people:
Rejected proposals to protect frontline workers in Portland schools
Failed to protect workers experiencing retaliation
Opposed union members running and serving on local school boards
Zero track record championing better wages, benefits, job security, and working conditions
Labor leaders noted that November marks a critical election for workers as inflation continues to outpace wage gains and reaffirmed their support for Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty.
Commissioner Hardesty is endorsed by a growing list of prominent local unions and the Oregon Working Families Party, including the state's largest union, SEIU 503 and 49 who represent over 85,000 workers, and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, the state’s largest private sector union. Endorsing unions represent workers from diverse industries who live and work in the City of Portland. Major highlights in Jo Ann’s 30-year history of championing labor and all workers include:
Supporting the right to organize and collective bargaining
Protecting workers from stolen wages from wage theft
Speaking out against worker retaliation
Showing up at union picket lines to support workers
100% voting record from the Oregon AFL-CIO as a State Representative
Continued to be a champion for working people as a non-profit executive and in her first term as City Commissioner
Labor leaders issued the following statements:
Renato Quintero, SEIU 49, Vice President of Property Services Division: “Our members appreciate the tenacity, hard work, and commitment of Commissioner Hardesty. She is someone we can count on when it comes to the tough fights faced by Portland’s low-wage janitors, security officers, and hospital workers. From her years of championing fair city contracting policies, speaking publicly in support of workers in tough contract negotiations, and walking picket lines with us, we know we can count on Commissioner Hardesty to side with working people.”
Angela Bonilla, President of the Portland Association of Teachers and Instructional Specialist at Scott Elementary School: “Many candidates will issue statements on Labor Day claiming to support workers, but in the race for City Commissioner, Jo Ann Hardesty is the only leader voters can trust to fight for working people and center the voices of those most impacted by issues that affect our communities. We’re alarmed that someone like Rene Gonzalez, with no teaching, public health, or public administration experience, discounted the concerns of teachers during a time when our voices needed to be heard.”
Leal Sundet, International Longshore Warehouse Union Local 8, Secretary-Treasurer: “Jo Ann Hardesty has always made herself available to listen to our concerns. She doesn’t just support the working class, she lives working class. She knows firsthand what it is like to be disenfranchised by the elite City power brokers. Local 8 and its members look forward to continuing to work with her on tough issues from a working-class perspective.”
Hardesty Tops Primary
HARDESTY TOPS PRIMARY
CONSERVATIVE AND DARK MONEY OPPONENTS TRAIL BADLY
MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Campaign Manager
joseph@joannforportland.com | 503-395-4345
PORTLAND, OR -- After Tuesday’s Primary Election, it appears likely that Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty will head to a runoff election in November. She is currently leading the eleven candidates with almost 40% of the vote, nearly 15% ahead of her more conservative opponents including one who is backed by hundreds of thousands of dollars in outside spending.
Hardesty, elected in 2018 with over 62% support, was the first candidate to qualify and max out the Portland Small Donor Election in 2022. She led a strong grassroots campaign that engaged thousands of Portlanders for the future of our city.
Commissioner Hardesty ran on her record of substantive, impactful changes that drew widespread praise, including Portland Street Response, police accountability, and urgently addressing the housing crisis. Her proven accomplishments earned endorsements from hundreds of everyday Portlanders, leading organizations, newspapers, and elected officials including SEIU, The Willamette Week, and US Senator Jeff Merkley.
On Tuesday evening, after election polls closed at 8 PM, Hardesty addressed supporters and volunteers at the Redwood Cafe off 82nd Avenue. Hardesty pointed toward her campaign’s early, disciplined and successful community organizing and expressed gratitude to the over 350 volunteers who made personal contact with thousands of Portland voters.
“I am proud of our collective effort that went above and beyond,” Hardesty said, adding, “we have accomplished so much for Portland over the last three years, fulfilling our promises to create Portland Street Response, hold police accountable, and bring more access and equity to how we work as a city. We took on the status quo and wealthy power brokers and made real changes.”
“We are the only campaign who raised more than 1,800 contributions and reached out to over 145,000 voters through direct door-to-door, phone calls and texts. No other campaign can say they’ve done what we have in this election.”
Hardesty said, “We must all work together towards that future we envision for Portland. We can make this city a place where everyone is able to thrive, not just survive.”
Pausing my fundraising
Dear Portlanders,
I cannot remember a time when I was not pro-choice. As a youth, I listened to the conversations of older women who told horror stories about botched back-alley abortions. I was raised to believe “my body, my choice”. Now 50 years later we are on the perilous edge with news that our constitutional right to abortion may be ended by the U.S. Supreme Court. In response, I am pausing my campaign fundraising today and urging my supporters and other political campaigns to redirect donations to abortion providers and advocates.
We have a right to be angry. While Oregon has been a strongly pro-choice state, it was not until recently that we addressed disparities in access for immigrants and low-income communities. We have also seen anti-choice actions being taken by electeds and candidates who publicly state they are pro-choice when asked. Even on our own city council.
This moment demands action. I got involved in the Oregon Reproductive Health Equity Act after watching men attempting to prevent access to reproductive health care for the poor and people of color. I have worked to train the next generation of pro-choice activists, and this is our time to fight. I urge you to redirect your support to:
Health Clinics | keepourclinics.org/donate
NW Abortion Access Fund | nwaafund.org
Pro-Choice Oregon (formerly NARAL) | prochoiceoregon.org
Forward Together | forwardtogether.org
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon | ppaoregon.org
In the next 24 hours, I’ve directed my campaign to update our donation page and will redirect new donors to give to these groups I’ve highlighted. We will continue this through the weekend and then re-evaluate.
Sincerely,
Jo Ann
Unequivocal Champion for Choice
Minutes after I saw the headline that a leaked Supreme Court decision looks set to overturn Roe v Wade, Commissioner Hardesty reached out, both of us devastated by the news.
As this unprecedented leak will undoubtedly lead to more confusion, the following must be absolutely clear: abortion remains legal and federal protections will remain standing until a final Supreme Court decision is issued. However, this draft is proof positive that five Supreme Court Justices are all too willing to throw out 40+ years of legal precedent that previously established the basic human right of choice.
All too willing to carelessly undermine national standards and federal protections of comprehensive health care for all those that can give birth.
All too willing to overturn the constitutional right to an abortion.
Let’s also be clear: the legal right to an abortion has never been enough for many who still struggle to access care. Without federal protections, abortion access is under threat everywhere, including Oregon.
During this troubling moment in history, it will now be up to local governments to protect our basic human rights. Thankfully, Jo Ann saw this coming and helped us prepare.
When new abortion bans first started gaining traction across the country a few years ago, Commissioner Hardesty led the effort to direct our City Attorney’s office to help fight these draconian laws where needed.
Then following the Texas abortion ban that we knew would increase demand on our local providers, she championed an effort led by Pro-Choice Oregon, Northwest Abortion Access Fund, & Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon to allocate funds to assist local providers, which was supported by 4 out of 5 members of Council.
It’s important to note that one member of Council has already turned their backs on the pro-choice movement. He framed these actions as performative and not an urgent matter. That same council member recently endorsed one of our opponents.
Following the news, Commissioner Hardesty spoke clearly, saying: “Here is my promise Portland: As long as I am on the Portland City Council, you will have a fierce and unequivocal champion for choice and reproductive health care. I will never waver, and I will continue to lead to protect our rights.”
Leading on reproductive rights locally is exactly what Commissioner Hardesty had the foresight to get done and it is exactly what Portland needs more than ever during these scary times. Please join me in voting for the only candidate in this race endorsed by Pro-Choice Oregon – our champion Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty.
Staying strong,
Christel Allen
Executive Director
Pro-Choice Oregon
Correction
In a communication earlier today regarding the attack on abortion rights, written by our campaign, we mistakenly included the following, attributed to Pro-Choice Oregon Executive Director Christel Allen:
“What’s on the line in this election is a Portland City Council that is potentially just 1 vote away from having an anti-choice majority if former NARAL board member Commissioner Hardesty is replaced by another man.”
This is incorrect and should have been omitted. We have apologized to Ms. Allen and issued a correction on our website to our supporters. We regret the error.
Power Brokers Plan to Spend $700,000 to Shape City Council
Last night the Oregonian broke a story that one of Jo Ann’s leading opponents will be backed by big corporations and conservative forces who will spend up to $700,000 to prop him up. Voters should be asking why a corporate candidate who is participating in Portland’s public finance program, designed to reduce the corruption of money in politics, is now accepting dark money from a few wealthy groups. Clearly his message isn't resonating given he is stuck in 3rd place in collecting small donations.
Democracy is stronger when we reject the control of wealthy special interests. Four years ago, 87% of Portlanders passed the Honest Elections measure that set $500 limits to protect our democracy from the corruption of money in politics. Recently the Willamette Week proclaimed this change was one of the Top 10 things to love about Portland.
We join the growing chorus calling on everyone in the Portland Small Donor Election program to publicly refuse outside money and tell their corporate backers to respect the will of the voters. Otherwise, we know the playbook will be about distracting voters from tackling our toughest challenges by swamping Portlanders with negative media that is about protecting the power of the status quo.
Help us fight back by giving $5 to Jo Ann’s campaign. If you’ve reached the $250 maximum, ask a friend if they would donate $5. If you haven’t yet volunteered, join #TeamJoAnn for an upcoming text bank or door knock. Your support means more than ever these final 5 weeks.
Staying Grounded
Jo Ann was elected in 2018 alongside the resistance to the damaging and dehumanizing Trump Administration. She promised transformative change, and she delivered with political courage and serious achievements. From Day 1, Jo Ann and her team worked long hours, nights and weekends. They went above and beyond, hosting forums in every corner of the city, meeting with business owners, and engaging new, diverse, and working class voices in city policy.
We knew her re-election would be tough. Jo Ann receives hate mail, and is swamped with racist, sexist, right-wing reactions to her every move. Every news reporter I've spoken to has acknowledged this terrible reality. As the first Black woman elected to council, we expected this. We all work hard to share the burden of tracking threats.
But now in our final 40 days, conservative agitators from as far away as Europe are weighing in on things like Jo Ann's vacation time. To be clear, Jo Ann took her first vacation days of 2022 in March, and like all of us, deserves time off. We understand that elected officials are subject to scrutiny, and changemakers like Commissioner Hardesty even more so.
We refuse to be distracted from the solving the real problems facing our city. You should expect wealthy special interests and local media to continue to come for us. We encourage you to join us in staying grounded in our values and focused on what is most important - serving the people of Portland everyday.
Thank you for your support,
Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons
Campaign Manager
Debates
Register here for the Thursday, April 7th City Club of Portland Debate held virtually from Noon-1pm via Zoom. The stakes are more clear than ever - Jo Ann is the proven fighter who has delivered Portland Street Response and has the political courage to take on wealthy special interests. Tune in and tell your neighbors!
Three ways you can help:
Signup to Text bank or Phone bank. Our campaign offers 15 minute orientations, and then you can contact voters independently.
Doorknock with us, or on your block. We'll provide literature and provide some helpful coaching.
Amplify our social media @JH4PDX by following, commenting, and sharing our achievements and priorities with your networks.
Thank you for all you've done and I hope we connect on the campaign trail.
Dear Portlanders,
Dear Portlanders,
Earlier this week the Oregonian ran a follow-up on my $16,000 personal debt. I made an initial payment today, and have set up regular deductions from my wages to settle the matter. I should have done more when I did not see any notice. This is my mistake, and I take full responsibility. This was a personal failing and has no impact on my official responsibilities. I regret that it is taking away energy and focus from the good work we have done together for our city like Portland Street Response, which we expanded citywide this week.
On day one I fulfilled my campaign promise to hire an experienced finance director to ensure my office finances are impeccably managed and have their expertise in the bureaus I oversee. At the time we were the only commissioner's office with this position.
I have made it my priority as commissioner to elevate the voices of our communities and ensure we are included as the city makes decisions and policies that impact our lives. I am learning from this mistake and have faith that it will make me stronger. I will continue to be transparent, own my mistakes, and show up for Portland.
Like most Portlanders, I have worked my whole life. Living paycheck-to-paycheck for 60 years before becoming your commissioner was hard, and I often struggled to make ends meet. In that way, I'm no different than the vast majority of Portlanders. My life's passion and work is social justice and I have never earned much. I have a desire to serve, and the sacrifice is worth it, but it also means I ran up debts at times that I am consistently paying off.
In fact, this life experience is part of what inspired me to be a leader in building a better Portland, and it certainly informs my work on your behalf. The year I ran for office, I earned very little, put off major medical procedures, and had to use my credit cards to pay for my rent in East Portland and a monthly transit pass. Once I got elected and back to work as your city commissioner, I budgeted my salary to pay down my debts and cover medical expenses.
My reasons for running remain clear – fighting for working families and vulnerable communities in our policy-making; being honest about the problems we face; and creating solutions that are equitable, accountable, and transformative.
We have come so far with concrete systems change: creating Portland Street Response that is addressing the mental health crisis on our streets, establishing a truly independent Police Oversight Board, and reinvesting a 1% tax on billion-dollar corporations to invest in our green economy. I am proud of our progress and I am fiercely committed to protecting these community victories. By listening to the vision and voices of Portlanders, I know we can expand compassionate public safety and address the housing affordability crisis. I will continue to be the fighter you elected who stands up for people and helps those who don’t have a fair shot.
Your commissioner and neighbor,
Jo Ann
A New Answer To the Crisis On Our Streets
Today, I was proud to share the stage in announcing that Portland Street Response is officially expanding citywide with a new answer for mental health and addiction related 911 calls. We listened to the crisis on the streets, to affected businesses, and to our public safety officials to design and implement the first major change to Portland's first responder system in a 100 years. I am honored to have worked side-by-side with our community to successfully persuade City Council to join me in its creation and continue to demand it's expansion and full funding.
Together, with your support, we challenged the status quo and won! We are grateful to the strong coalition that has worked tirelessly to bring this into reality, and our Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau where the program is housed. We are aligned with our Police Bureau, which will benefit from being able to "refocus" on violent criminals and strengthen the city's ability to address the mental health crisis on our streets.
We have 7 weeks until the May 17th Primary Election, and need your support to protect and make permanent Portland Street response. I need your help. I hope you would consider an extra commitment to:
Signup to Text bank or Phone bank. Our campaign offers 15 minute orientations, and then you can contact voters independently throughout the week.
Doorknock with us, or on your block. We'll provide literature and provide some helpful coaching.
Host a virtual Meet & Greet with 10+ of your undecided or lukewarm supportive friends directly with Jo Ann for a 30 minute Zoom and Q&A.
Thank you for all you've done and I hope we connect on the campaign trail.
Jo Ann Hardesty
P.S. Here are several highlights from the pilot project:
22.5% reduction in police response to calls involving typically involving people experiencing homelessness - things like non-emergency welfare checks and "unwanted persons" calls.
Agreement in the new Police Union contract on expanding and integrating Portland Street Response.
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden is leading an effort for national funding to move forward similar models.
International Women’s Day
By Christel Allen, Pro-Choice Oregon
Today is International Women’s Day, and groups around the world are reflecting on the progress and barriers experienced by women, girls, and gender minorities. In the United States, the Supreme Court is poised to roll back reproductive rights and we know the struggle for gender equality is not over. In Oregon we are still fighting for equal pay, for bodily autonomy , and to be free from sexual harassment. As a woman, I know that many of us are tired of being discounted, dismissed, and disrespected.
Portlanders elected Jo Ann Hardesty to bring diverse voices into city hall, to create good public policy, and she has done just that. As the first Black woman elected to the City Commission, and despite the backlash, sexism and hate she has received, Jo Ann has gone above and beyond. She stands up for Portlanders, refusing to criminalize the poor and brings a lens of shared humanity to the complex problems we face in our community. She has listened deeply and worked tirelessly to create solutions like Portland Street Response, leading to some of the most transformative systems change in our city’s recent history.
While our reproductive rights are being threatened at the national level, Jo Ann has led a movement of local leaders who are fighting back. Local leaders are essential in shaping a culture of gender equality. This is not a time to be silent. We trust Jo Ann because she has been on the frontlines working for human dignity and for civil rights for decades. We need women like Jo Ann in leadership, we can count on Jo Ann, especially during this pivotal moment in our movement’s history.
Legislative Wins
The State Legislative short session is a wrap, and we're particularly grateful for our Portland state legislators who secured key accomplishments addressing community needs. Here are four wins that Commissioner Hardesty advocated for that will directly benefit Portlanders. Her experience at the legislature, expertise and decades of advocacy are needed to tackle the complex problems our city is experiencing.
Oregon's aging fuel storage housing millions of gallons of flammable materials poses a serious threat to our region. Addressing the significant risks to our Northwest Portland Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub along the Willamette River identified in the joint city-county study that Commissioner Hardesty was an early champion for, Senator Michael Dembrow led the Fuel Disaster legislation. Senate Bill 1567 passed with bipartisan support, requiring energy terminal owners to submit comprehensive seismic vulnerability assessments and risk mitigation plans.
Portland is experiencing a major spike in traffic deaths, and one key tool in reducing speeds and crashes is photo radar. Thanks to State Representative Jeff Reardon whose district includes East Portland, the legislature passed House Bill 4105 that gives cities like Portland the option of having a civilian traffic enforcement agent instead of only a sworn police officer to administer photo radar citations. This helps keep costs low and supports our police officers to do work they've been trained to do instead of sitting behind
Two major investments Commissioner Hardesty advocated for will help keep Portlanders cool and safer. The legislature passed Emergency Heat Relief, House Bill 1536 that eases barriers to renters accessing portable cooling devices during severe weather events, co-sponsored by Senator Kayse Jama. Representative Travis Nelson secured $15 million dollars towards a new North Portland Aquatic Center after the Columbia Pool closed indefinitely in August.
Pro-Active Climate Leadership
By Nick Caleb, Climate Activist
Jo Ann Hardesty has been the strongest and most effective ally in government in the struggle against the fossil fuel industry and the many threats posed by their dangerous infrastructure.
There is no one in government who has worked harder than Commissioner Hardesty to protect us from the fossil fuel industry and transition us to a clean energy economy. Unlike her predecessors, Hardesty did not shy away from the task of identifying the enormous risks -- oil train derailments, spills, explosions, earthquake vulnerability -- posed by fossil fuel terminals and oil trains and has done everything in her power to stop these unreasonably dangerous activities.
Her leadership is constant and enables us to keep winning important battles -- like rejecting land use authorizations for the Zenith oil trains and terminal -- that make Portlanders safer and reduce our collective impacts to climate change. We need to re-elect Jo Ann Hardesty to make sure that we continue this important progress and ensure Portlanders are safe.
Commissioner Hardesty stands strong with the community against risks from the fossil fuel industry and has done so since before she took office. She was the first commissioner to speak out against the Zenith oil terminal and their dangerous oil trains. She consistently supported neighborhood associations and coalitions who raised concerns and demanded action.
As Commissioner of the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management, she and her staff worked tirelessly to support community advocates who are seeking policy pathways to stop the fossil fuel industry from putting us at risk, including funding important studies, passing new local laws, and putting pressure on every level of government to do their part. Without her voice in city hall, we would not have made nearly as much progress as we have in the past four years, and it is vital to keep that voice on the Portland City Council, others will react when the heat is on, but Commissioner Hardesty is the proactive member.
Black Youth Leadership Fund
This week, Portland City Council moved forward with investing in the Black Youth Leadership Fund championed by the Mayor and Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. The program was envisioned with Black youth with aims to close the inequality gap in response to the Black Lives Matter protests for racial justice and police accountability.
“I couldn’t be prouder to bring this investment in Portland’s Black youth forward during this Black History Month.” said Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty. “The racial inequalities of today did not happen overnight and have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. To create a more equal and just Portland, we need to invest in the communities that have historically been disinvested in. These investments will provide hope and opportunities for our Black community that has always been left behind in Portland. That enriches our entire city.”
The Black United Fund will oversee the program, with community granting opportunities overseen by Black youth in partnership with the Oregon Community Foundation. Beyond the ongoing $950,000 provided by the City of Portland, the fund will now be able to receive private donations. Learn more here.
Hardesty First to Complete Small Donor Match
Portland, OR - Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty is the first candidate to complete Portland’s small donor matching program with a leading 920 Portland donors, nearly double her opponents. Her campaign has received a lower average contribution, signaling support from everyday Portlanders for her re-election. The City of Portland’s Small Donor Elections program empowers more Portlanders to be engaged in our political process and reduces the influence of money in politics by matching donations up to $20 from Portland residents 9-to-1, to a maximum of $200,000 in matching funds in return for accepting a maximum of $250 and zero PAC dollars.
“Facing wealthier opponents who are receiving larger donations, I am honored to have the support of everyday Portlanders and working families. Money in politics has led to generations of elected officials who are out of touch with our communities, and whose decisions have created the disparities and inequalities we experience today. I am proud to run a campaign where $5 matters. Our democracy is stronger when we reject the control of special interests and center the needs of working families in our political process.”
- Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty
Donation Breakdown for all City of Portland SDE qualified candidates as of February 24, 2022:
Source: Portland Small Donor Elections (SDE)
#ShowtheLove Final 100 Donor Drive
#TeamJoAnn is a people-powered campaign and we are grateful for the over 1,000 supporters who have invested in this important re-election fight. We are 100 new donors away from maxing the $200,000 match through the Small Donor Elections, a program that reduces the corruption of big money in politics and matches Portland residents 9-to-1 on the first $20 contribution.
We are reaching out to ask if you would participate in our “Show the Love” fundraising drive. Valentine's Day is around the corner and we want to generate heartfelt messages of appreciation for Commissioner Hardesty and reach 100 new donors over the next 10 days. This will allow our campaign to shift into deeper voter organizing. You can participate by:
Let us know you are participating by sharing a message on social media with the hashtag #ShowtheLove and #MaxtheMatch.
Personally asking 5 friends who are Portland residents if they would give $5 to $20, and educating them about the 9-to-1 match.
Donate securely online or via mail at: https://secure.c-esystems.com/joannhardesty/donation.aspx