"In an email newsletter last week, Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan came out against the ballot measure that would create a new, increased levy to help fund the city's parks system. In the newsletter, Ryan-who oversaw Portland's parks bureau for a period of time prior to the city's government transition-said he supports the city's parks. Still, he made the "hard decision" to vote "no" on the levy."
"The levy has received widespread support from organizations across the city, including from groups typically at odds with one another when it comes to lobbying interests. The Portland Democratic Socialists of America chapter supports the measure, as does the Portland Metro Chamber. None of Ryan's 11 fellow councilors have come out against the measure, and several have endorsed it, canvassing for the levy on the weekends."
Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan opposed Measure 26-260, a proposed five-year parks levy that would raise the current rate by 75 percent, and voted no despite having earlier supported referring the measure to the ballot. Ryan said parks need a shakeup and that a no vote would prompt reforms. The levy has broad backing from diverse organizations, including groups across typical political divides, and many council colleagues have endorsed and canvassed for it. Critics cited potential legal and ethical issues about an elected official advocating from official channels and questioned whether staff involvement might trigger public employee restrictions.
Read at Portland Mercury
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