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What Is 99 N’ Counting?
Earlier this month, Washington Wizards Point Guard John Wall sat down with former Washington Wizards Forward Caron Butler to discuss a myriad of topics including politics. During their conversation, Wall expounded upon his thoughts about the importance of local elections.
“Our voice turns into votes, and our vote should go to a candidate that stands and fights for the issues that affects our communities and our culture. People don’t understand it’s not just our Presidential elections…it doesn’t start there, it all starts in your city, your state, where you’re at,” he said.
Often times, entertainment media personalities and outlets will echo Wall’s sentiments. However, our industry often does a poor job of covering those local elections and informing readers about the ins and outs of said elections. In an effort to not only educate others, but also ourselves we have launched the “99 And Counting” series. The goal of this series is not to sway voters in one direction or another, but rather inform readers about who’s running for resources and help them find resources they can use to learn more. Each day, we’ll take a look at a local election in the 100 days leading up to November 3, 2020. Today, we start with the congress race in New York’s 19th Congressional District.
What is Portland?
Portland is Oregon’s largest city with a population larger than half of a million. It is home to the Leach Botanical Garden, Wildwood Trail and the NBA’s Trailblazers. Over the years, the city has produced The Simpsons Creator Matt Groening and singer Courtney Love.
How Can I Register To Vote?
To register to vote for the first time or update your registration, visit the Multnomah County website.
When Is Election Day?
This year, election day is November 3, 2020.
What Are Candidates Running For?
The mayor of a major city is often responsible for overseeing the fire, police, education, housing and transportation departments.
Who’s Running?
Ted Wheeler
Party: Nonpartisan
Bio: “Four years ago, I declared my candidacy for mayor with an intent to make real, sustainable progress for all the people of Portland. I’ve focused on the crisis of homelessness, engagement with our neighborhoods and small businesses, improving equity and affordability and making city government more transparent and accountable. While we continue to face challenges, I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish. What makes it that much more rewarding is the fact that we did it together. In my first term, we took major steps to address some of Portland’s most pressing priorities. I’ve heard from you, Portland, and I agree that the issue of houselessness and the care of those experiencing life on the streets remains our number one issue. Although it can sometimes feel slow, real progress is being made,” his campaign writes.
Learn More: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Sarah Iannarone
Party: Nonpartisan
Bio: “My name is Sarah Iannarone (she/her). I’m a mother, civic leader, and educator running for Portland Mayor. I have worked for decades to make Portland the best it can be, running a successful small business, volunteering in my community, and using my urban planning expertise to shape a better future through local government action. Portlanders are committed to an equitable, sustainable future, but our city is falling short of our goals. We’re not seeing the solutions we were promised by the current mayor to homelessness, climate action, affordability, or inequality: on his watch, things keep getting worse. I’m offering a different approach. My priority in City Hall will be listening to the people of Portland, not big-money donors. We must harness our resources, empower our people, and organize our communities into a formidable force for change, but we can’t do it without leadership that believes in us,” her campaign writes.
