Inside the Old Town Dispute: Neighborhood chair vs. Portland Free Store
What started as a clash at a neighborhood free store has become a wider debate over leadership, activism and public space in Old Town.
1. Start Here: The Full Investigation
Old Town neighborhood controversy »
Our latest report looks into the leadership of Old Town Community Association Chair Jessie Burke, the evolving conflict with local organizers, and what this fight reveals about community power in Portland.
🎥 2. What Happened at the Event: Video & Story
Who Are These People? »
This piece includes original video and reporting from the Portland Free Store event, where tensions flared between community organizers and neighborhood officials.
🗣️ 3. Jessie Burke Responds
Free Store Event: The Other Side »
In her own words, Jessie Burke offers a detailed rebuttal to the criticism she’s received, laying out her perspective on the confrontation and its context.
💬 4. Reader Comment: Who Is John "The Lefty" Hacker?
One reader challenges our portrayal of the event’s videographer, raising concerns about omitted background and broader political context:
“This person is John Hacker, who has been criminally convicted for acts of violence, which is central to understanding who is involved in these events and how they escalate… If the NW Examiner wants honest conversations about community power and accountability, why leave out such critical context?”
We believe local journalism is strongest when it reflects multiple sides. If you’ve got thoughts or experiences to share, hit reply—we welcome respectful, informed contributions.
If Portland doesn't figure out how to serve and protect "the rest of us", it's reputation will continue to suffer and conflicts with the "we'll do what we want groups" will continue to erode the city's livability.
“What started as a clash at a neighborhood free store has become a wider debate over leadership, activism and public space in Old Town.”
I disagree. It’s about whether we allow lawlessness (from homeless enabling activists) to flourish or if we embrace our social contract of following democratically created laws and regulations.