Letter to the editor: People First Charter candidates will represent working people’s interests
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As a young person living in Portland, I love this city and struggle with how hard it is to live here. The cost of rent exceeds what most jobs are paying. I am glad rent control and the minimum-wage increase passed last fall, but these are small steps toward what is truly needed.
That is why I plan to vote for the candidates recently endorsed by People First Charter. People First understands the struggle so many working people are experiencing and I trust they have done their research on who will best represent us on the Charter Commission, just as they offered the ballot initiatives the city wanted last November.
Portland Charter Commission candidates in District 1 differ on strong mayor
Three candidates running to represent District 1 on the commission appear to have distinct approaches to the year-long process of reviewing and recommending any changes to the structure of city government.
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Three candidates running to represent District 1 on the Portland Charter Commission appear to have distinct approaches to the year-long process of reviewing and recommending any changes to the structure of city government.
Only one candidate, Shamika (Shay) Stewart-Bouley, is running on a detailed platform of potential changes, including investing more power in the elected mayor’s office. Karen Snyder and David Cowie, however, have concerns that such a move would make city government and services more partisan.
Meet the at-large candidates for Portland’s charter commission
Ten candidates are seeking four at-large seats on the Portland Charter Commission, which will review and recommend changes to the basic form of government in Maine s largest city.
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The election of a commission to review Portland’s City Charter might be a low-key affair under more normal circumstances. Not this year.
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A convergence of political forces, including impacts of the pandemic and demands for racial equity, has focused energy and attention on the new charter commission and the potential for historic reforms. It also has led to a profusion of lawn signs around town ahead of the June 8 election.
Portland Charter Commission candidates disclose fundraising totals
At-large candidate Marpheen Chann currently leads the pack of 23 candidates in fundraising, reporting over $10,000 raised, while several other candidates reported no financial activity.
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The 23 candidates seeking nine seats on Portland’s new charter commission were required to report campaign fundraising and spending activity last week.
Fundraising efforts vary widely, with a handful of candidates raising thousands of dollars apiece and others reporting no fundraising at all. Some candidates failed to file reports before the deadline.
Candidates reported spending their money on lawn signs, campaign literature and Facebook ads, among with things.
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