Pardon me for being a bit fiery in my last post. I was angry about what happened, and the reason was not because an opponent did something wrong. Otherwise, I would not have shaken his hand afterward, thinking everything was done.
The reason was simple:
Accountability.
I am not going to go any further into what happened because the information is public and it is in your hands. Beyond that, there is nothing more I can do.
I was also a little fiery because of my experience with the Portland Mercury. I explained how my nerve damage from beriberi changed my career and my life. They ultimately felt that the details were too difficult to write about and classified it simply as a nerve damage diagnosis.
I have written publicly about my disability, and I know the Mercury has researched many other candidates in considerable detail. So, I was disappointed that my experience was reduced to a brief note.
The Portland Mercury has every right to support whoever it chooses. That is part of having an independent newspaper. Speaking as someone who used to read the Mercury, I would offer one piece of advice: make sure you put the same effort into understanding each candidate before showing your preferences. Otherwise, it can come across as though someone is being treated differently because of their disability.
For me, accountability has been a constant theme.
I have had to be accountable for navigating my disability. I have been accountable for finances and budgets. I have spent years doing committee and volunteer work where the expectation was not simply to have an opinion, but to research problems, make recommendations, and follow through.
I know I can always be better. But when I look at this election, I also see that I have made myself unusually open to inspection. My record, my finances, and my work are there for people to examine.
And now, as this election continues, we have seen issues arise involving candidate after candidate.
That brings me back to the basics.
Accountability matters.
My campaign finances are publicly available on this website. I have tried to keep my campaign transparent and have stayed away from taking money from large groups on every side. The donations I have received have largely been from people helping cover the basic costs of running an election.
I believe voters should be able to look at the record, look at the finances, look at the work, and make their own judgment. They should not feel locked into a choice for three people that may not reflect their values from top to bottom.
For me, accountability is not just something to talk about during an election. It is something I have had to practice throughout my life.
It has been difficult. I know I can always improve. But I have tried to make accountability something people can actually see and inspect, rather than simply something I say.
And even if you do not agree with me as your first choice, I understand that voters have choices to make. Any support you would give is appreciated.
Back to work.
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