Diary: Portland, Oregon Voter Owned Elections

Oregon Progressive Party recognizes that excessive money in politics has caused our system to become corrupted to its very core. We are fortunate here in Portland, Oregon to have a possible alternative to big money controlling who has access to our political leaders. The City Council on their own passed an ordinance in 2005 on a 4-1 vote to allow everyday citizens to run for local office and receive enough money to run a real campaign; called voter owned elections. We now have some data to ask the citizens of Portland if this is something they want to continue. This approach is democracy at its best, lead and make a decision but allow the people to decide the ordinance's fate. We must support, nurture, and keep the process going. Why?

Suppose you could create a system that puts all people on the same level to run for office? Suppose you could design a system that when you ask to see your representative you know that you are as important to that politician as a multimillionaire; would you vote for that? That is the very basis of Voter Owned Elections. This is not a plan that allows you to wake up one day and say, "Think I will run for Mayor this year." You have to work harder than you have ever worked before, but it can be done. Just the first requirement is a tough one:

"You must collect $5 contributions from at least 1,000 registered voters to demonstrate their broad community support. Candidates who participate agree not to raise or spend any money beyond the limited public financing they receive." There are more but that is the big one.

More info: http://yesforportland.org

I love this idea and will form a group within Individuals For Justice to support the passage of Measure 26-108; I am asking you to join me and celebrate on November 2 when Portland sets the stage for real finance reform. Unfortunately, we have little time, come and work on this issue and I will guarantee you will laugh at least once during the meetings and will be on a winning side on November 2 when the ballots are in. Lots of fun and work to do, we are at election day +35---this is an honorable fight!

In support:
League of Women Voters of Portland;Common Cause Oregon;AFSCME;Oregon League of Conservation Voters
Oregon Progressive Party
Individuals For Justice
And many, many more!

Against:
Portland Business Alliance
Corporate Media
Chamber of Commerce etc, etc, and etc.

Very important days to remember
Oct. 12, 2010 - Voter Registration Deadline.
Oct. 15, 2010 - Ballots mailed.
Nov. 2, 2010 - General Election Day

For Justice,
Joe Walsh-Lone Vet
Individuals For Justice
Veterans Against Torture
Proud member of the Oregon Progressive Party