Transparency and Accountability in Government

The biggest challenge for a person or a society is to move from where we are,

to where we have never been.

Click here for Multnomah County Democratic Party candidate forum

Portland City Commission, seat #3

Welcome to my campaign web site !!!

If you look on the left side << there are some pages where I've written my perspectives on some of the long term, ongoing issues the city faces.

If you look on the right >> there are blog posts, perspectives on some of the recent issues that have been in the forefront of our community.

Thank you for checking out who I am, what I stand for, and my own vision for our great city. 

I have spent all of my life working in community service and organizing, dealing with issues as diverse as community arts, historic preservation, diversity and fairness in law enforcement (six years LA and Long Beach Police Departments), and environmental justice.

I believe that I bring a fresh perspective to the issues that our city is dealing with, a perspective that is open, flexible, and transparent, and one that brings a wealth of diverse experiences, cultures and people whose lives I have touched, and whose lives have touched mine. 

As a Community Activist, I have worked for most of my life to make sure that government listens to the people that it serves.

In Portland I have served as Co-Chair of the Hayden Island Plan, and have been one of the primary organizers of island  residents to assert our interests with the Columbia River Crossings Project (CRC) with regard to Environmental and Economic Justice issues.  The CRC has attempted to do most of it's cost cutting by destroying basic quality of life on Hayden Island (Jantzen Beach), including removal of most of our neighborhood shopping, grocery store and pharmacy, gas station and restaurants.  Many of our residents are seniors who do not drive, and/or have limited mobility skills.  

I have also participated at many of the events surrounding the issues with the police department regarding excessive and lethal force (Aaron Campbell shooting, James Chasse death, etc.).  I am the leader who suggested that all of these incidents must be investigated by either the Attorney General (excessive force) or the FBI (lethal force).  These responses to police force should be part of policy and routine procedure.

Ed at City Hall hearings on Police Oversight hearings 3/18/10 

In addition, the Police Department clearly needs a new direction.  I have six years of consulting work with both Los Angeles and Long Beach PD regarding diversity, Conduct in the Community, and accountability issues.

My full resume is available on this web site, on a button to the left. 

A few community leaders offer these opinions about my skills:

"Ed is not afraid to stand his ground and fight for what is right for the people he represents. He does this with a compassionate heart and experience from years of public service and advocacy."  Erick Reddekopp, Co-Chair of the Hayden Island Livability Project

"Ed's greatest gift is his ability to get to the heart of the issues, and encourage dialogue so that people can get things done."  Pamela Ferguson, North Portland neighborhood activist

"I support Ed Garren because he is willing to take a hard look at the true Portland, with all our successes and failures.  He is not afraid to tackle the difficult or controversial issues and is forever a champion of people and communities without a voice or otherwise disenfranchised.  We need more unabashed leaders like Ed in this city, not just more of the same."

Jonathan Oster-Adjunct Professor of Law, Environmental Justice, Lewis and Clark Law School, and Clinical Professor of Law, Sustainability Law Clinic, Willamette University Law School

"Ed is the kind of considerate problem-solver that can deal with

controversial issues with a level head rather than be pushed around

by vested interests.  

Ed's commitment to the public process involves listening to all stakeholders - - - - .  

For those seeking a more progressive Portland from policing issues to transportation issues, Ed has the knowledge, clarity, and drive to deliver effective change which is why he has received our exclusive endorsement in this election." 

Seth Alan Woolley, Portland Metro Chapter, Pacific Green Party of Oregon

Thanks,  Ed Garren