Press Releases

Smith Campaign Demonstrates his Commitment to 100% Citizen Access to City Government

Portland OR, April 21, 2008 – This week Portland City Council candidate Chris Smith reaffirms his long-time support for accessible city government by encourag­ing citizens to call his campaign and question the candidate directly.

City Auditor, Gary Blackmer, announced today that Portland City Council candidate, Chris Smith, has been certified to receive public financing through the city’s "voter owned elections" becoming the third candidate to qualify for public financing.

Surrounded by supporters, Chris Smith officially announced his bid for Portland City Council this morning at an Ankeny Plaza press conference. Standing next to his partner, Staci Paley, and the Skidmore Fountain, with its well-known inscription “Good citizens are the riches of a city,” Smith gave his first speech as a candidate for the seat currently held by Commissioner Sam Adams.

In his remarks, candidate Smith, who as an activist advocated the adoption of the Voter Owned Elections public campaign finance system stated that, “Our campaign will work to be an example of how Voter Owned Elections should be used: honestly, transparently, and as an invitation to participation by voters.”