Ninety-nine years ago, Portland had the foresight to establish and effect the framework for a citizens’ city – an urban marvel – to be managed by one educated, trained and experienced in day-to-day municipal management. He or she is guided by councilors – men and women with successful careers in the varied and diverse fields of public service, the law, education, engineering, small or corporate business, the arts, even homemaking.

That wisdom of nearly a century ago steered clear of partisan bias and special interests – ensuring, first of all, a sensible, modern community of the people, planting the seeds of what soon became the model of a secure and well-run city.

Portland’s current council-manager structure represents the feelings and concerns of their fellow citizens – people whose love of their city and issues they know so well.

Join us in holding the line for another century of being what we are. Vote “no” on Question 2 in November.

Philip J. Dawson
City Council, 1993-2003
mayor, 1995-’96
Portland