P.T. Barnum, the circus showman, understood the public was willing – even eager – to be conned, provided there was entertainment value. For those following Portland’s Charter Commission, it has been entertaining. We’ll see if the public will be conned.

Some Charter Commission members, new to politics, have been stepping on each other’s toes while learning to dance to their made-up tunes. How so? Rapacious increases, proposed by the commission’s Procedures Committee, in City Council compensation and increasing the number of paid board members on other committees. The commission’s Elections Committee advancing noncitizen voting in Portland elections, against state law. The Governance Committee of the commission blindsided when one member submitted her own City Hall leadership proposal, requiring a time extension. And in case the number of district seats is increased (another Elections Committee recommendation), watch for gerrymandering of voting districts as the current council progressives try holding on to their seats. What a circus! What a show!

This show of shows is entertaining, but will Portland be conned by the Charter Commission’s final report? If so, that ticket will come at a high cost to the taxpayer, as the Charter Commission isn’t concerned with or transparent about costs.

The saying “There’s no such thing as bad publicity” is often associated with Barnum. But there is such a thing as bad public policy, which seems to be on the way from these inept performers.

Robert Kahn
Portland