I read that Elana Pirtle-Guiney, one of three Portland city councilors representing District 2, was selected as the new city council president, (“Portland City Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney elected to powerful council president post,” Jan. 2). Congratulations.
I reside in District 2 and voted in the election. I have one question: who is Elana Pirtle-Guiney?
You see, because of our silly election process, I’m represented by someone I hadn’t heard of until after the election. So, I have no idea whether she has any understanding of my concerns as a resident of District 2.
I’m sure she’s quite concerned about homelessness and affordable housing, because everyone is; based on her resume she’s a good friend to organized labor.
But does she know anything about the permitting process, housing development subsidies or agency budgeting? The national movement away from home ownership? Emergency services? Who knows? Many of her constituents don’t, because she has never spoken to us.
I wish her luck.
Stephen Brooks, Portland
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Morocco
