Multnomah county needs more than a new name on its front door. We need an actual plan to get people with serious addiction and mental health issues off the streets, implemented by a leader who’s driven to DO something, not just BE something. 

Right now, the money and time we are wasting is measured in people’s lives. 

So - as much as I hate the idea of running for office in a political system that is as broken as the county government  -  I am announcing my candidacy for Multnomah County Chair. 

I hope my presence in this race helps make the next five months about thoughtful, rigorous engagement about what should happen to improve our community. If each of the candidates has a plan that goes through a process of vetting and debate, then any one of us will be prepared to lead. And no matter who becomes our next Chair, the people of Multnomah County will win.  

Because at the end of the day, with ranked-choice voting, we don’t have to run against each other. We should all be running for Multnomah County.

This election needs to be about more than money and ego. It needs to be about our community, not the politician who has the most money and endorsements from special interests.

I look forward to reading the other candidates’ plans and making the case for mine.