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
