October 21, 2013

The Portland Water Bureau is looking for your feedback on the final design plans for the visible features for Washington Park Reservoirs 3 and 4. 

Due to a federal mandate, Reservoir 3 will be replaced with a 15-million gallon underground reservoir, and Reservoir 4 will be updated to use as an overflow and storm water retention tank, including a de-chlorination facility.

The Water Bureau wants the public to weigh in on the more visible features of the reservoir sites. Click through the virtual “Open House” and tell us what you think. What should be done to the land on top of the new buried reservoir? Should we create reflecting pools? Should some of the land include sloping green spaces? 

Your comments will be shared with the project team and representatives on the Community Sounding Board. The Board is comprised of park users, neighborhood association representatives, and Portland Parks & Recreation staff; they will advise the PWB as the design is finalized.

The virtual open house will be available until October 24. Visit the PWB website to share your comments to help finalize the design.

October 22, 2013

Head out to the City of Portland Archives and Records Center (PARC) on October 24 to hear about two local artists working with a piece of our city’s history.

The Regional Arts & Culture Council commissioned Kaia Sand and Garrick Imatani for an artist-in-residence project with the PARC. Their work, The Watcher Files Project, shares several months of art, poetry, and research focusing on surveillance files the Portland Police Bureau gathered on activists in the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.

The the discussion of their progress in celebration of National Archives Month. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP as seating is limited.

To learn more about Kaia and Garrick’s project, visit their website at http://looseleafservices.us/

Don’t forget to join Nick tonight at 5 pm, in City Hall’s Council Chambers to commemorate 100 years of the Commission form of government in Portland.

Portland's commission form of government turns 100: What do you think of it?

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Commissioner Nick Fish hopes for 'spirited discussion' at event commemorating commission

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

October 22, 2013

Join us today at 5pm to commemorate 100 years of Portland’s Commission form of government.

Portland voters adopted this government system in 1913. Since then, Portlanders have voted eight times to keep in intact. Love it or hate it, Portland is one of the last cities in the country to have this unique government form.

Portland historian and scholar, Dr. Carl Abbott, will give us all a history lesson about pre-1913 City government and the transition to the Commission form of government. Current and former elected officials will share stories from their time with the City, and there will be historical exhibits and light refreshments on the first floor following the presentations.

Centennial Commemoration of the Commission Form of Government

Portland City Hall, Council Chambers

October 22, 5 – 7 pm

Free & open to the public

All-star cast of former Portland politicos touts commission form of government

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Portland's commission form of government turns 100: What do you think of it?

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Commissioner Nick Fish hopes for 'spirited discussion' at event commemorating commission

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

October 24, 2013

On Wednesday evening, Nick was proud to join Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade in hosting a commemoration of 100 years of Portland's Commission form of government.

Love it or hate it, Portland is the last city of our size to use a commission-style government. Since 1913, Portlanders have voted eight times to retain it.

Several current and former elected officials and City leaders shared stories of their time in City Hall.  One theme rang constant: Portland's Commission is only successful when leaders work together.

Special thanks to our City Archivist Diana Banning and her staff for bringing the event to life.

All-star cast of former Portland politicos touts commission form of government

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Portland's commission form of government turns 100: What do you think of it?

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Commissioner Nick Fish hopes for 'spirited discussion' at event commemorating commission

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

October 24, 2013

I believe strongly that the City of Portland needs an independent Chief Financial Officer who reports to the City Council. To that end, I have drafted and circulated proposed legislation.

Last year, I worked with Commissioner Fritz and my Council colleagues to create an independent budget office. This reform has significantly increased transparency in the City’s budgeting processes.

An independent CFO will strengthen transparency and accountability, provide the Council with strategic high-level advice, and protect the City’s long-term financial health.

Mayor Hales has now proposed that we undertake a broader review of the Office of Management and Finance, utilizing outside experts. I welcome this exercise, and expect that one of the options developed by the committee will be for an independent CFO to strengthen financial oversight.

Portland needs a sharpshooter at the till: Editorial

The Oregonian Editorial Board

Portland Mayor Charlie Hales calls for review of embattled Office of Management & Finance

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian