Mary Jo Markle's blog

Welcoming increased transparency in the city, community organizations were the first to sign up as lobbying entities on Monday, April 3.  Five organizations - City Club of Portland, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, the League of Women's Voters, Money in Politics Research Action Project, and ROSE Community Development - turned in their registration to the City Auditor, urging all organizations and businesses who lobby the city to register and comply with the city's regulation, which took effect on April 1.

So far, 13 businesses and organizations have registered with the city (10 more groups are waiting for the approval from the Auditor's office).

For the next six months, Sam will study how the new system works.  In October 2006, he will approach Council with ways to fine tune it. We want you to be involved in the evaluation of the system.  Let us know what you like about it and how it can be improved.

Read Sam's commentary featured in the Portland Tribune.

Read coverage in the Mercury.

On April 1, the city's requirements for disclosing lobbing activity go into effect. The city ordinance requires groups, business, and organizations that lobby city officials to register with the city and report their lobbying efforts.  The first six months will be a trial period (see cover ordinance).  During this time, let us know your thoughts about the requirements - what you like about them and how they may be improved.

Here are the answers to five questions that will help navigate Portland's lobbying rules: 

1. What is “lobbying”?

“Lobbying” is attempting to influence the official action of City officials.

2.  Does my organization or business (“entity”) have to register?

Collectively, if an organization’s or business’s representatives lobby for more than 16 hours in a calendar quarter, the organization has to register. *However, for the six month pilot phase of the project (ending in October 2006), every organization or business that lobbies is encouraged to register.

3. Am I a representative or lobbyist for my organization or business?

It is up to the representative to designate their lobbyists.  However, if an individual claims to speak on behalf of an organization or business, that individual should be designated by the organization or business as a lobbyist.

4. How does my organization register as a lobbying entity?

Go to www.portlandonline.com/auditor/lobbyist. The site offers detailed instructions about how to register as well as the ability to file online.

5.  What does a registered lobbying group have to report?

Every quarter, an organization or business will report who they lobbied, the subject of the lobbying and an estimate of how much was spent to lobby. Reports will also be filed at www.portland.com/auditor/lobbyist.

On Wednesday, March 8, Council unanimously approved forming a committee to establish confidence levels for city project cost estimates.  The committee will determine the steps involved for a city project manager to attain a high level of confidence for a cost estimate as opposed to a low level of confidence.

In light of a number of city projects whose costs have varied from inception to completion, such as the tram and the City Hall remodel a couple years ago, Sam believes it is necessary to create a common understanding for cost estimates.

Do you agree?

Read the resolution.

Take a look a sample confidence spectrum.

Media:

• The Oregonian: City Council moves to build in assurances in project estimates
• News4Neighbors: Council to consider confidence levels on cost figures
• OPB: Portland Seeks Statements of Confidence

Meet Maryann Olson.  In order to pay for orthopedic shoes, she took out a $100 loan from a pay day lender.  To make her payments, Maryann had to take out a series other loans.  The spiral of debt continued until Maryann owed high interest loans to six different pay day lenders. Now, Maryann's entire paycheck goes to making rent and paying off her loans.

Maryann as well as a number of others offered their experiences as testimony at a City Council session Wednesday evening.  The conclusion of session: unanimous Council approval for an ordinance that imposes regulations on pay day lenders.  The ordinance requires pay day lenders to:

• obtain a $1500 permit
• allow for an opportunity to cancel a loan (by close of business the following day)
• require borrowers to pay 25 percent of their loan principal before renewing a loan

The Oregon Food Bank and ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) testified at the Council session as well as Commissioners from Troutdale and Gresham.  Both those municipalities indicated that they will pass similar ordinances.

The Council session raised a number of questions about exorbitant interest rates (which are uncapped and regulated by the state legislature) and the need for short term, immediate loans. We'd like to hear your thoughts on these issues.

Read the cover ordinance

Newspaper articles:

• Payday lenders face stiffer rules
• No more blank checks for Portland's payday lenders
• In my opinion: The payday loan industry
• On payday loans, lawmakers roll over
• Portland may tighten up on payday loan stores
• Loans that come easy can go bad fast

City Council formed a reform team that will discuss how to amend the Fire and Police Disability and Retirement Fund.  Council staff, FPD&R Board members, city police and fire unions, citizen representative of the independent review committee members, and a member of the City Club of Portland are all participating in the discussions. The amendments will be referred to the voters in November 2006. The group is expected to complete their discussions by April 1. 

Faced with a 1.6 billion dollar liability for one of the only pay as you go disability and pension systems in the county, this is a complex and important issue for the city. 

We want to hear your thoughts about the process and the potential outcome.

"We are getting screwed by City government!" 

"Why does downtown get its streets paved and we don't?" 

"We are being ignored."

During visits to neighborhood and business associations over the past 14 years, Sam repeatedly hears questions and concerns about equity in how the city distributes resources among neighborhoods.  As a City Commissioner now, he wants to do something about it.  "People have a right to know," says Sam.

In order to provide more information to the neighborhoods about city projects, Sam asked his two bureaus, the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Portland Office of Transportation, to chart their capital improvement projects on a map and break down the costs of these projects along the established neighborhood lines.   

"This allows us to have a conversation about why and where projects happen or don't," says Sam.  Once these pilot efforts are perfected, he will proposed more bureaus provide this information.

Related documents

• Draft map of BE S's budget
• Draft map of Pot's budget

In an effort to strengthen the connection between city government and the city’s business districts, Sam launched the pilot phase of a liaison program within his city bureaus on September 21, 2005. 

Eleven business districts were assigned an employee each from the Bureau of Environmental Services and the Portland Office of Transportation. 

The liaisons provide "one-stop shopping" for business district members by providing information about city issues or by directing questions and concerns through city channels. They also represent the business district's interests within their bureaus.  The city-community liaison program will expand to other business districts in the early months of 2006.

"They look out for us, they answer our questions, these new liaisons are great," said Yola McGant, Chair Foster Business Association.

Related Documents

• City-community liaison description
• Matrix of business district associations involved in pilot program

Community Partners

• Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations

Media Mentions

• Adams creates liaisons for businesses, Business Journal of Portland, September 20, 2005

Web blogs

• Sam Starts Community-City Liaison program, September 27, 2005

After years of receiving complaints from citizens about dumpsters on city sidewalks, Michael Mills, the City's Ombudsman, approached Sam and Commissioner Dan Saltzman about forming a task force to evaluate the issue. 

On September 29, 2005, Council passed a resolution establishing the task force of public and private interests.  The task force will look at potential solutions for removing dumpsters from the public right-of-way within two years of its report to Council.

Related Documents

• Council resolution
• Ombudsman's report on sidewalk dumpsters

Community Partners

• Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations
• Oregon Restaurant Association
• Portland Business Alliance
• Portland Solid Waste Advisory Committee
• Portland Building Owners and Managers Association
• Small Business Advisory Council
• Solid waste hauling industry
• Citizens
• City bureau representatives

Media Mentions

• City Council Watch, Ryan Frank, The Oregonian, September 29, 2005
• Dumpster Dodging (editorial), The Oregonian, June 11, 2005
• Dumpster issue has Portland Ombudsman also holding his nose, Spencer Heinz, The Oregonian, May, 27, 2005

Web blogs

• Task force will explore options for sidewalk dumpsters, September 28, 2005

Concerned about the complaints he heard from subcontractors - especially woman and minority-owned firms - about city general contractors, Sam worked to enable the City Ombudsman to review contract disputes. 

On May 17, Council unanimously passed a resolution requiring all city contractors who hire subcontractors to have established contract dispute resolution processes.

The resolution passed by Council enables the Ombudsman to match the dispute to the established dispute resolution process and ensure that the process was followed.

Related Documents

• Council Resolution

The Portland Fire and Police Disability and Retirement (FPD&R) system costs have been a growing concern for Portland. The system has an unfunded liability of over $1.5 billion.  Sam co-sponsored a Council resolution that created a nine-person independent review committee to analyze the FPD&R system, explore potential options and make a recommendation to Council regarding the future of the system.  The committee released their report on December 20, 2005. 

Related Documents

• 2005 Committee Report
• FPD citizen review committee Council resolution
• Appropriation from Adopted City budget

Media Mentions

• Panel urges overhaul of police-fire pension fund, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, December 5, 2005
• Switch could stabilize the FPD&R system, The Oregonian, October 17, 2005
• Disability report says Portland could save, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, October 15, 2005
• Disability fund does not recoup injury bills, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, October 9, 2005
• Advice to city rethink disability, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, September 20, 2005 
• Council showdown looms on disability system reform, Anna Griffin, The Oregonian, August 17, 2005
• Council unity starts to splinter, Anna Griffin, The Oregonian, August 16, 2005
• Potter is right on disability reform (editorial), The Oregonian, August 16, 2005
• Potter, others spurn Sten's fund reforms, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, August 10, 2005
• Sen puts forward fix for police,fire fund, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, August 5, 2005 
• More accountable system would save millions, Maxine Bernstein and Brent Walth, The Oregonian, July 4, 2005
• Disability fund closes doors on workers, Maxine Bernstein and Brent Walth, The Oregonian, July 4, 2005
• Flawed disability fund is a costly crutch for the city, Maxine Bernstein and Brent Walth, The Oregonian, July 3, 2005
• Citizens panel will study fire, police fund, Maxine Bernstein, The Oregonian, January 27, 2005

Web blogs

• How's the review of the Fire and Police Disability and Retirement system going?, September 21, 2005
• Sam votes against early FPD&R charter amendments, August 16, 2005
• What Sam said about FPD&R... , August 10, 2005
• BLOG: No more "at-fault" giveaways, June 16, 2005

Milestones

• Independent Review Committee established by Council Resolution - January 27, 2005
• Commissioner Leonard introduces Charter amendments to City Council - August 17, 2005
• Council Work Session on FPD&R - September 20, 2005
• Council Work Session on FPD&R - December 20, 2005

Due to a state law prohibiting citizen participation on Portland’s budget committee, the public has always lacked a direct role in shaping the city’s budget. Realizing the experience and expertise Portland citizens could offer the city’s budget process, Sam led the initiative to amend the appropriate State statute, this past Spring.  At a Council budget retreat this Fall, he convinced Council to include five citizens on the budget committee for a one year trial. The citizens selected will help set the priorities for the 2006-2007 fiscal year and will begin their work at the end of January, 2006.

Related Documents

• Council Citizen Budget Committee Resolution
• Citizen Budget Committee press release
• House Bill 3441
• Memo to Oregon Senate

Media Mentions

• Citizens glad to be part of process, Jennifer Anderson, The  Portland Tribune, March 25, 2005
• City Council solicits advice on budget cuts, Jennifer Anderson, The Portland Tribune, February 8, 2005

Weblogs

• HELP WANTED: Portland seeks citizens for city's Budget Committee, November 22, 2005
• Citizens Gain Seats at City Budget Making Table, November 9
• BLOG: Notes on Discussion of Jobs, Taxes, and Budget Reform at City Council Retreat, October 7, 2005
• Governor signs House Bill 3441, July 28, 2005
• Oregon Senate Approves a Bill to Expand the City's Budget Committee, June 17, 2005

Milestones

• Portland City Council adds five non-voting citizens to the city's budget committee - October 20, 2005
• Governor Ted Kulongoski signs HB 3441 - July 28, 2005
• Oregon Senate passes HB 3441 - July 17, 2005
• Oregon House of Representatives passed HB 3441 - April 26, 2005

For 12 years as a staffer and chief-of-staff in the Mayor's office, Sam witnessed instances where the public would have benefited from knowing what was happening behind the scenes. As a candidate, he pledged to disclose that lobbying to the public.  After a year of shaping the lobbying regulation draft through public input, Council passed Sam's ordinance on December 21, 2005. It requires city lobbying entities to register with the city and report what city officials they talked with, the subject discussed, the amount of money spent to lobby and when the lobbying occurred. The registration and reporting will begin on April 1, 2006.

Related Documents

• The new City Code
• The December 21 Council cover ordinance.

Community Partners

• Money in Politics Research Action Project
• League of Women's Voters
• OSPIRG
• Community Development Network
• Portland Police Association
• Portland Fire Fighters Association
• Laborers Local 483

Media Mentions

• Lobbyist plan pits Potter, Adams, Anna Griffin, The Oregonian, December 14, 2005
• Unhealthy Interests: Can City Hall Rein in Lobbyists?, Scott Moore,The Portland Mercury, November 24, 2005 
• When you get buy in, things get complex, Anna Griffin, The Oregonian, October 27, 2005
• Council Considers Registering Lobbyists, Rob Manning, OPB, September 14, 2005

• 
  

  Writing rules for lobbyists is tricky job Adams finds, Anna Griffin, The Oregonian, September 12, 2005

• THE L WORD: Sam Adams wants City Hall lobbyists to register. Simple, right? , Zach Dundas, The Willamette Week, August 3, 2005 

• Look Who's Talking: Backroom Deals See the Light of Day, Phil Busse, The Portland Mercury, July 7, 2005

• Lobbying should be registered (editorial), The Oregonian, January 15, 2005

• Idea shines light on lobbyists, Anna Griffin, The Oregonian, January 12, 2005

• Adams wants feedback, The Portland Tribune, January 14, 2005

• City Hall may look at registering lobbyists, Jennifer Anderson, The Portland Tribune, November 19, 2004

Weblogs

• Lobbying regulation will be heard again by Council, December 9, 2005
• Sam offers Council a proposal to register Portland's Lobbying Entities, September 12, 2005
• Lobby, Lobby, Who's In The Lobby? , BiX, Portland Communique, June 30, 2005
• Should City Hall Lobbyists Register & Report?, March 22, 2005
• Chilling Sunshine and the definition of "lobbying" , Chris Smith, Blue Oregon, March 20, 2005
• Draft Ordinance to Require Registration of Paid City Lobbyists, January 13, 2005

Milestones

• March 2, 2005 - Brought original ordinance to Council
• March 11, 2005 - Public Meeting
• May 13, 2005 - Public Meeting
• May 18, 2005 - Meeting with Mayor Potter
• June 8, 2005 - Meeting with Commissioner Leonard
• June 14, 2005 - Meeting with Commissioner Saltzman
• June 22, 2005 - Meeting with Commissioner Sten
• June 22, 2005 - Meeting with Auditor Blackmer
• June 30, 2005 - Public Meeting
• July 13, 2005 - Meeting with City Unions
• July 20, 2005 - Public Meeting
• September 1, 2005 - Public Meeting
• September 14, 2005 - Reintroduced to Council
• December 14, 2005 - Brought to Council a third time

On December 14, Commissioner Adams will reintroduce to Council an ordinance requiring city lobbying entities to register and report their activities.  The lobbying regulation, co-sponsored by Commissioner Saltzman and Commissioner Sten, has benefited from from over 10 months of public input. 

The disclosure required by the lobbying regulation asks business, groups and organizations that lobby the city to list the city officials they spoke with, the topics that were discussed, the dates of communication, and the amount of money spent to lobby. 

Testimony will be heard on December 14.  Come let Council know what you think and share your thoughts below.

The city is looking for citizens to assist in advising Council about city priorities and budget decisions.  Facing necessary cuts in next year's budget, citizens on the budget committee will be able to weigh in on how city money is spent.

Commissioner Adams led the effort to put 5 citizens on the budget committee last spring and after successfully shepherding changes in Oregon state statutes and garnering Council support, he is encouraging all those who can make the time commitment (at least 8 hours a week) and who have a strong financial background to apply.

"There are so many talented financial minds in this city.  Adding citizens to the budget committee will bring diversity of thought and experience as well as diminish gaps in expertise," said Adams.

Those interested in serving on the budget committee can find information on line or can contact Laurel Butman at 503-823-6806.

Read the press release.

Sam assured the crowd that attended the noontime screening of Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price in Sellwood's Moreland Theater, that he would do whatever he could to help stop a Wal-Mart from setting up shop in Sellwood.

"I'm with you every step of the way in this battle," said Adams.

Robert Greenwald, the maker of the film, was at the theater and introduced the movie to the crowd. Greenwald also made the movies Outfoxed and Unprecedented.

NASAW, Neighbors Against a Sellwood/Ardenwald Wal-Mart, arranged the movie screening. The group was formed in response to the proposed Wal-Mart store and serves to organize and educate the community about the potential development.

Sam wrote a letter to Scott Leo, Wal-Mart's CEO, in opposition to the proposed Sellwood store in June, 2005.  He has participated in community and labor efforts to raise awareness about the predatory practices of the Wal-Mart Corporation. Here are some of the reasons why Sam is opposed to Wal-Mart.

Take a look at Sam's talking points for the screening.

Read Steve Duin's article about the movie in the Oregonian.