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

Hales seizes the high road, possibly too much so, in settling CFO question

The Oregonian Editorial Board

Commissioner Nick Fish drops push for CFO as Mayor Charlie Hales launches big review

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Big flush lasts three weeks at one Southwest Portland fire hydrant

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Bob Sallinger and Mike Houck visit The Oregonian editorial board

Len Reed in The Oregonian

Portland police chief objects to several proposals intended to strengthen police oversight

Maxine Bernstein in The Oregonian

Our Opinion: Public gets feet wet in water ballot fight

Editorial in The Portland Tribune

City Club report is swamped in tussle

Jim Redden in The Portland Tribune

In Other News

Dirk Vanderhart in The Portland Mercury

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

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

State Warns Water Campaign to Knock off the Nestle Talk

Aaron Mesh in Willamette Week

Million-Dollar Water Park

Aaron Mesh in Willamette Week

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

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

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

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

East Portland left with sparse patchwork of parks

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Portland's commission form of government turns 100

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Local squads identify as Portland teams

David Sarasohn in The Oregonian

October 25, 2013

Today, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) announced the winners of the 2013 Spirit of Portland Awards.

The Spirit of Portland recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated an outstanding dedication to positive change in our community.

Award winners are chosen from nominations submitted by fellow Portlanders by a selection committee of representatives from the Commissioners’ offices, the Office of Neighborhood Involvement, Neighborhood Associations and other diverse community organizations. The Mayor and each Commissioner also select special award winners to recognize specific works and achievements.

This year, Nick was proud to honor his friend Steve Weiss for his strong advocacy for older adults and people with disabilities in our community, and Portland Water Bureau employee Briggy Thomas—our “Bull Run Watershed Ambassador.”

Altogether 21 award winners were named including two awards given posthumously for outstanding life achievements to Lee Pearlman and Afifa Ahmed-Shafi.

Award winners will be recognized on Tuesday, November 12 at the East Portland Community Center. The award ceremony starts at 7 pm.

Congratulations to all the award winners!

To see the full list of recipients, visit ONI’s website.

October 29, 2013

Portland Water Bureau crews are responding to a water main break on West Burnside and SW 4th Avenue.

The 24-inch water main was about 100 years old, and ruptured early this morning.

The Bureau doesn't yet know what caused the break. We have about 2,500 miles of pipe in the city, and experience about 200 breaks per year. The colder weather and the age of the pipe may have played a role.

Traffic and TriMet buses are being diverted while crews work hard to repair the pipe and clear up the flooding.

Burnside Street water main break: Westbound lanes open; eastbound lanes remain closed

Noelle Crombie in The Oregonian