In Portland, we have had a commission-style of government for many years. It's led to a standstill in decision-making and makes getting even simple things like banning gas-powered leaf blowers an uphill battle. So, the City asked a group of 20 people to come up with an alternative and after 2 years they voted 17-3 for 3 measures that will move us into the future. Many cities already have some of what we'll hopefully be approving this Fall.

I was hoping that groups like Portland United for Change and others who back the measure would be busy by now promoting it, but the other day I started searching around and I really wasn't seeing that much action, so I thought I'd get busy myself. Actually, a back and forth via FB messenger with someone who also wants to see this pass is what prompted me to get busy.

So, I did some social media posting and also posted that the YES campaign was looking for paid canvassers on Nextdoor.com. That post just happened to arrive at the very moment that a local reporter was looking for someone to interview. That evening the NO folks were getting together and she wanted some counterpoint. I wrote back that I didn't think I was the best person to speak about it; that she should contact the campaign, etc. But then I realized - hey, there's a deadline of NOW here and I should just go ahead and do it.

I'd been frustrated by reaching out to the campaign and not hearing back after a couple of different tries, so this led me to believe that the reporter was probably also having a similar experience. So, I did the interview. I spoke for about 15 minutes and that got whittled down to this piece which aired on our 11 pm news and also got turned into part of an article for one of our regular newspapers.

I heard back from a few people that they saw the piece - thanking me for standing up and saying something. I find that by doing this repeatedly I'm helping with this and other causes.

So, what do you want to change where you live? Here are some of the issues I've been working on for the past years. You're welcome to borrow any of these and I'm happy to encourage you. Lately, I've been thinking about this as "tuning my neighborhood" - or "tuning my City". And, you may have something else you'd like to change - if so, and you need ideas, or encouragement, reach out to me - I'm happy to be your sounding board!

It's a topsy-turvy world out there, but it really feels better when we're taking action to make things even just a little bit better. Try it out and see what you think. You may bump into a wall. It's OK. Put a band-aid on and try a different angle. Everyone wants to live in a better world, your helping to make things better is wanted and needed. Action, action, we want action!

And rest! Don't forget to rest. And eat well. And dance. And, I'll see you next month!

Lots of love,

Albert

PS - I'm searching for love :) - feel free to pass that to someone who you think would be a good fit!