Commentary: Election mailer represents ‘business as usual’ tactics when Portland needs change
People First Charter has spoken on behalf of her and others without their consent and sowed discontent, Shamika ‘Shay’ Stewart-Bouley says.
By Shamika Shay Stewart-BouleySpecial to the Press Herald
Share
Running for the District 1 seat on the Charter Commission has been a learning experience for me as a first-time candidate. I entered the race knowing that there was a lot I didn’t know, and knowing that I would look to those more knowledgeable than myself to help guide my campaign.
Related
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamika “Shay” Stewart-Bouley is a candidate for the District 1 seat on the Charter Commission, creator of Black Girl in Maine and executive director of Community Change Inc.
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.
Share
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.
Share
The election of a commission to review Portland’s City Charter might be a low-key affair under more normal circumstances. Not this year.
Related
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.
Share
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.
Related
Candidates for charter commission represent diversity of Portland pressherald.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from pressherald.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.