Click on the image to access candidate information on state, regional, county, and local races!
If you live in Oregon, in 2020 your most important vote will NOT be for Trump or Biden.
At the state-level, Oregon Democrats are searching for a super majority to pass historic climate change legislation. Wilsonville House Districts 26 and 39 are key swing districts that will draw statewide attention.
At the region, Metro is growing in power with recent election wins to raise funds for affordable housing, parks, and homeless services. On the November ballot, a multi-billion transportation bond would give this agency further influence over regional land use and transportation issues.
At the county, Democrats have taken control in recent years, which has led Clackamas County into taking on issues like homelessness and affordable housing. But, the tides may be changing. In May elections, Chair Jim Bernard was unseated by conservative Tootie Smith. The political balance of the county will rely on this election.
In Wilsonville, successfully passed term limits in May unseated Mayor Tim Knapp. Candidates Ben West and Julie Fitzgerald represent different paths of status quo (Fitzgerald) and conservative-leaning change (West). Combining the mayoral race with four candidates vying for two spots on City Council, a majority of the Council is up for grabs this November!
Candidate Positions on Racial Gaps in Wilsonville’s Schools and Neighborhoods
City Council and Mayor
For Wilsonville’s races, I will be relying on candidate questionnaire developed by the Wilsonville Alliance for Inclusive Community. Responses are expected to be posted on the week of October 12.
state, regional, and county
For the other races, I developed the following questions that were communicated to all candidates. Responses are expected to be posted the week of October 19.
Education gap
Research shows that factors outside of the school building play a major role in student achievement. For example, as of last spring, there were 44 students in West Linn-Wilsonville School District experiencing homelessness and only 8 beds to immediately serve people -- of any age -- in all of Clackamas County (none of which exist in Wilsonville).
1. What will you do at the state to address the factors that lead to the K-12 education achievement gap by race in West Linn-Wilsonville School District?
Wealth gap
Combine the fact that only 9% of Wilsonville is middle income, with housing prices rising 40% in the last four years, and homeownership is a fleeting dream. Because homeownership is central to American culture, a complex system of government and private market factors make it the key to wealth building. Not surprisingly, household wealth in America has a historic and systemic 12:1 gap between white and Black families.
2. What will you do at the state to end the household income gap by race in Wilsonville?
Integration
The 2019 Housing Needs Analysis conducted for Clackamas County highlighted the unequal distribution of affordable housing in the region. At 449 subsidized homes, Wilsonville is between Oregon City (610) and Milwaukie (322). West Linn’s offering of 10 subsidized homes stands out as a low point.
3. What will you do at the state to combat segregation and ensure that neighborhoods and schools are racially and economically integrated?