Who are these people?
Neighborhood leaders summon police, act like bystanders
The president and the treasurer of the Old Town Community Association, Jessie Burke and her husband, Jonathan Cohen, asked the Portland Police to protect their demonstration against Portland Free Store, an organization handing out food, clothes and supplies to homeless individuals last week.
An independent videographer known as “John the lefty” asked them what they were protesting. After some deflection, they referred to blocking traffic and failure to get a permit from the city.
At no time did Burke and Cohen say they represented the Old Town Community Association. Burke, in fact, said she was acting on behalf of the Portland Bureau of Transportation.
Burke has another role. She is president of the District 4 Coalition of neighborhood associations, whose executive director, Darlene Urban Garrett, was also at the demonstration.
What do you think of people holding such positions taking public action incognito?
I am leery of programs like the Portland Free Store, which as I understand is not a good neighbor. But opposing something negative does not give one carte blanche. Representatives have duties to the people who elect them.
It’s so inspiring to see people like Burke and Cohen working to save their neighborhood from those enabling cruel street camping. Keep it up you two!