My grandparents fled dictatorial countries, so the importance of voting is ingrained in me. Unfortunately, I had also become resigned to voting for the least bad candidate – until I met Jake Viola, at-large candidate for Portland City Council.
A Mainer with immigrant roots like me, Jake grew up in a family of commercial fishermen and has firsthand awareness of working-class struggles in Portland. Jake has used his problem-solving and teamwork skills as a state government official, but he isn’t mired in the muck of Portland politics. He has the fresh perspective we need to make real change, including zero tolerance for encampments and dirty needles, lower property taxes, affordable housing and the protection of the working waterfront that is part of his family legacy.
I am enthusiastically voting for Jake, not just against the other candidates, and I hope others will, too.
Dawn LaRochelle
Portland
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