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Bob Weinstein's avatar

Eli Arnold knows first hand what he is talking about when it comes to law enforcement. He’s on the streets day in and day out.. He will be a great addition to the council representing all residents in District 4 along with Olivia Clark and Eric Zimmerman!

p.s. inability to enforce the camping ban law was just joined by the inability to enforce the city’s new ban on foie gras (councilors in favor admitted city had no real enforcement mechanism, and are hoping the county will enforce the city ban), and will soon be joined by the county’s proposed ban on needle distribution within 1,000 feet of schools (which will apparently rely on complaints rather active enforcement, which “may result in the issuance of a letter of education”).

Kara Colley's avatar

I still think that the county ordinance is a step in the right direction.

For the first time in the state of Oregon, it would lay out the rule that needles may not be distributed within 1,000 feet of a school. Right now, it is legal to distribute needles ANYWHERE.

So, yes, the enforcement mechanism should be strengthened, but at least it lays down the community standard that we don't want needles handed out next to schools.

Bob Weinstein's avatar

Well, maybe it will set the stage for action in the legislature next year.

Jessica Richman's avatar

Just to clarify: the proposed ordinance applies only to mobile distributions. Brick-and-mortar needle exchange programs will not be affected. That’s good news because such programs take in used needles/syringes/etc, keeping them from becoming litter in our parks and streets; and also offer people counseling and information to help them stop using. At least one such program also will test street drugs for fentanyl, reducing accidental overdoses.

Talia Giardini's avatar

And that is what harm reduction is all about! Distributing paraphernalia is not harm reduction and to think it is, despite evidence to the contrary, is delusional and dogmatic

Marc's avatar

If we want Portland to be safe and clean and honest, we need Eli Arnold and all that will support our values.

There are solutions but our current stewards are either incompetent or evil.

Eli Arnold's avatar

This doesn’t mean the law and enforcement effort has no value. It is reducing the number and size of camps and pushing people toward shelter. I believe we’ve already realized most of the potential progress with the framework we have.

rich ovenburg's avatar

This is what drives me crazy about Portland……either do a camping ban or not…but dont say you are and then don’t. It’s like saying you are helping drug addicts get off of drugs, by giving them pipes

Cbay's avatar

While I like Mr. Arnold’s stance on this issue, I’d like to learn more about his other ideas. One pressing issue is important, but there are many more we must consider.

Allan, keep these articles coming!

mechanic's avatar

If you want to know more about candidate Eli Arnold - check out his website https://www.eliforportland.com. You can also contact the candidate through his website to attend or even host an event where candidate Arnold will come and speak about his ideas, and participate in a Q/A. His campaign centers Affordability and Safety to create a Thriving Portland. Practical, real life experienced ideas that are grounded in solutions for All Portlanders.

mechanic's avatar

Candidate Eli Arnold makes so much sense, coming from the lived experience as a bike cop. On the street solutions based experience! https://www.eliforportland.com Read more about his campaign for an Affordable, Safe, and Thriving Portland. Candidate Arnold's ideas are framed by his experience, and his own initiative to bring services to the street in his professional duties. Candidate Arnold already works on solutions for ALL Portlanders. We need Candidate Arnold on our City Council - not only for our District 4, but for the enter City Council eco system. As a rank choice voting system, Eli Arnold deserves place #1.

JM Johnson's avatar

What is his proposed commitment to neighborhood associations and talking with them about issues that impact their daily lives?

And will he call for the city administrator to enhance management hiring and oversight and end expensive separation agreements? Hire senior executives at-will and end providing contracts with additional benefits and stipends? They are public employees and work for the people, not stockholders.

Thomas Dodson's avatar

People need to be in a shelter, a hospital, or jail. No camping on the street. Citations do little to punish people who violate the law. Repeal the 1989 Oregon law allowing needle distribution and drug paraphernalia distribution. Mandatory abstinence in secure facilities for six weeks for those who have near death overdoses on the streets or elsewhere.