Back in the Saddle

Sorry for being gone. For those who do not know, I had some family issues that kept me from focusing on my campaign as much as I had hoped. All I will say on that is this: sometimes people say one thing and disappoint you doing another.

However, I got back in the saddle because in this city, that’s just what you do. You might have even seen me out at a few recent events. Being the civics guy in a group of politicians is like being the only Skittle in a bag of M&Ms. I recently volunteered at the Vista Bridge Festival with Goose Hollow, and I will also be at the upcoming Timbers game. Right now, we are working on getting me cleared to help with the large flag on the center field, so fingers crossed!

I also participated in the Sellwood-Moreland forum, where I spoke alongside nine other candidates. As the night went on, I noticed a real shift in where people stand compared to the start of the election season. A lot more candidates are now agreeing with points I raised before they even entered the race. For instance, half of them are now willing to help TriMet grow again. That is a great start, and I’m glad so many people agree with me.

When it comes to upzoning, our current permit timeline is simply unacceptable waiting 101 business days for approval in commercial buildings 94 for residential is just too long. Being the first candidate to bring data like that to the table shows that while I may not have the most money, I am the one identifying the problems before they spiral into bigger issues.

Lately, some campaign staff from other teams have commented that this is the timeframe where trailing candidates usually drop out. I am not dropping out. I still have a lot of work to do. Considering how far we’ve come and how many people are now following the “Anderson track” on key issues, it would be a disservice to our supporters to step aside. Even in a worst-case scenario where I do not win, keeping these issues front and center ensures they get lateraled to whichever candidate takes office.

I ask for your vote, and I ask for your conversations.

If you are tired of political cloistering, if you feel unheard, or think you aren’t even allowed to speak your piece because you are busy working or watching your kids instead of sitting at City Hall—reach out to me. You can email me at tjandersonfordistrict4@gmail.com, or just spot me out in the community. With my big vest and camo-print cane, I am not hard to find. There is still work to be done, and if we believe this city can change, then it can.