Who Has the Upper Hand in the Mayoral Forums?

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Friday, December 11, 2015

Brendan Murray, GoLocalPDX Contributor

On Wednesday, Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler, the presumptive favorite in the race to be the next Mayor of Portland, announced the first half-dozen events in a series of candidate forums on different issues facing the city. Experts are wondering who will have the upper hand when the candidates square off against each other.

“The people of Portland deserve a robust conversation about the issues and they’re going to get one,” Wheeler said in his announcement. “I welcome the chance to appear with the other candidates in the race to discuss our city’s future and encourage Portlanders to come participate in the dialogue. Portland is a community bursting with ideas and civically-engaged people. I want to get out and hear from voters from across the City, and work with them to take on the challenges we face. I am committed to being a transparent and accessible mayor, and we’ll be running a campaign that reflects that.”

Jules Bailey, the Multnomah County Commissioner who is expected to become Wheeler’s chief opponent after Bailey officially declares his candidacy after January 1, released a statement indicating that he would join Wheeler at the forums. 

“Jules is looking forward to receiving and accepting many invitations after he files. I believe there will be many more than 12 before the primary,” the statement read.

What to Expect

The forums will cover specific issues facing the city. The first six forums will discuss the topics of Portland’s cultural future, houselessness, the future of northwest Portland, affordable housing, diversity, and economic development. The first will be held on January 26th and more are scheduled through April.

Jim Moore, Director of the Tom McCall Center for Public Policy, told GoLocal that he thinks the forums will be compelling and influential in the race.

“What’s going to happen is we’re going to see the candidates try to differentiate themselves and their expertise, their personalities and their actual plans to solve these same problems,” Moore said. “It’s going to be fascinating because there’s agreement on what problems need to be solved, it’s just how you solve them.”

Rebecca Tweed, Political and Communications Director for State Street Solutions, told GoLocal that the candidate forums will be a coming out party for the two candidates.

“I think that because they are both newcomers to the campaign and neither are incumbents, they will need to build a better report with the voters,” Tweed said. “The challenge that Wheeler and Bailey will have is drawing very firm distinctions between the two of them.”

Jules Bailey

Bailey's Strengths

Tweed said that she thinks Bailey will excel in forums focusing the issue of Portland’s recently declared housing state of emergency.

“I think that Commissioner Bailey has an edge in affordable housing and homelessness,” Tweed said. “They’ve both been hot button issues in Portland and clearly important to voters. He’s been in those conversations as a leader in the community.”

Moore said he was not convinced that Bailey’s time in the County Commissioner’s Office would serve him well during the campaign.

“He’s been involved in those conversations but he hasn’t really been on the front lines,” Moore said. “I don’t think we have any idea as to which candidate will be better at which issue.” 

Wheeler Will Lean on Economics

Moore  said he expected Wheeler to harp on his experience as State Treasurer. She said Wheeler will use his credentials to show his expertise on economic issues.

“Wheeler will undoubtedly lean on his experience as Treasurer and as County Commissioner,” Moore said. “He will try to use that to highlight his strengths as opposed to Bailey’s.”

Tweed agreed. She said Wheeler would look to flex his economic muscle on nut only issues dealing with the business side of Portland.

“I think economic development is going to be right up his alley and in fact, he will probably try to frame a lot of the issues through economic development,” Tweed said. “I think his understanding of finances and business is going to be a big boost for him.”

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Related Slideshow: SLIDESHOW: Ted Wheeler Announces Portland Mayoral Candidacy on Rooftop of Revolution Hall

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