TO: Portland Neighborhood AssociationsPlease distribute.
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Portland’s own ‘Incumbency Protection Act” euphemistcally called “Voter Owned Elections” (Voter Pwned Elections is more like it) is being ginned up by none other than Portland’s progressive political machine, The Neighborhood Associations. And they’re using the NA’s email system to do it.
Let’s face it, you knew the Neighborhood Associations have always been a rubber stamp for nearly everything the city council or city staff touts. The only time they make news is when they disagree with the city which is seldom. However this is beyond the pale. 
The Linnton Neighborhood Association is asking other NA’s to distribute the campaign literature in favor of Voter Pwned Elections. Hmmm, who’s in charge of this NA, anyway? Glad you asked. See that graphic to the left there? Brian Hoop is the guy in charge of the Linnton Neighborhood Association. And, what ho! He also has a job with the CITY OF PORTLAND OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD INVOLVEMENT! Yeah, that’s his profile for his JOB WITH THE CITY OF PORTLAND. The City of Portland officials in cahoots with the guy who runs the neighborhood associations is using the city’s email system of the Neighborhood Associations to lobby for passage of a measure that will force taxpayers to fund the campaigns of people running for office—in other words the people who asked Hoop to do this!
This job for Hoop must be the easiest gig he’s ever had. It’s an activist’s nirvana. Look at all the far left causes he involves himself with (sometimes on the city’s dime) here here here here.
The history of VOE idea is dark. In 2006, then councilman Erik Sten got the council to vote in a tax increase for (he didn’t call it this, of course) for Portland taxpayers that would require them to PAY FOR the campaigns of anyone wanting to run for a city gig. He then deigned to let the voters actually vote on it FOUR YEARS LATER. After rips off, unethical dealings, laughable candidates taking the money and running, it’s four years later and time for the vote. You have to understand, however, they weren’t really going to allow this, of course. The council never actually put in language REQUIRING a vote. Dave Lister, a columnist for the Zero, finally got some traction when he shamed the council into letting the plebes vote here, and here.
No one should be asked to keep their politics on the sidelines just because of the job you have, but when you use your job to tout political issues and use your job and the taxpayers resources to campaign for that political issue, you’ve got, in short, an ethics problem.
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From: Brian Hoop <brian.g.hoop@gmail.com>Date: August 8, 2010 12:22:49 AM PDTSubject: Five Things You Should Know About Voter-Owned ElectionsTO: Portland Neighborhood AssociationsPlease distribute.As an engaged citizen and Oregonian, you understand the importance of having elections that are fair, open and accountable to everyday folks. You understand that people should always come before corporations and special interests. That’s why we want you to vote YES on 26-108 to keep Voter-Owned Elections in Portland.Please join the Linnton Neighborhood Association which has endorsed measure 26-108 on the November ballot to keep Voter-Owned Elections in Portland. Join us Saturday, August 14th at the campaign kick-off. Let us know if you would like a speaker to come to your September or October meeting or if you would like a story for your newsletter on this issue. Neighborhood Associations may take positions on ballot measures and referendums.Save the Date: August 14th!Who: You and dozens of other awesome, democracy lovin’ folks.What: Voter-Owned Elections Campaign Kick-Off and Action Day.When: Saturday August 14th @ 10:00am.Where: Dawson Park(N Stanton and N Williams across from Legacy Emmanuel Hospital).Why: Because elections should be about everyday people. Period.Do you have questions or want to RSVP? Email us…Sign-up for email updates from the campaign: