This week's question from the Portland Mercury:

From the collapse of Bear Stearns nationally, to news that home values locally are now dipping, it's no secret that the economy's in bad shape. What would — or could — you do as a city commissioner to protect homeowners from foreclosures, keep citizens employed, and generally strengthen Portland's economy, both in the short and long term?

With the downturn in the national economy, now more than ever we need Portland's City Council to spend taxpayers' money wisely, by prioritizing the provision of basic services in all 95 neighborhoods and using the clout of Portland's $3billion budget to support our local economy.

If elected, I will:

1. Ensure that Portland's economic development projects are directly and measurably tied to creating family wage jobs for Portland residents, retaining and growing the employment base, and taking advantage of Portland’s unique benefits.

Portland has a qualified workforce; an excellent public transportation system; a strong sector of technology, creative services, sustainability and green entrepreneurship; and a very desirable, livable city. New and current businesses should be able to thrive here. The City Council must hold economic development projects accountable for results, particularly when tax subsidies are provided. Where evaluation studies indicate programs are not effective at job creation or retention, I will call for them to be eliminated or modified immediately.

2. Continue to support general fund allocations to economic development projects and community development small grants, and increase direct participation by all City Council members in attracting and retaining businesses, in a coordinated and informed way.

Small business and neighborhood/community grants must be matched with cash, volunteer time and in-kind donations, so they multiply the investment of taxpayer dollars. Larger tax incentives must be considered in open, transparent public processes. I will work with both small business owners and employers with large payrolls - we need both in Portland.

3. Grow and invest in our housing stock to serve middle-income, working families.

My experience of seven years' service on the Portland Planning Commission makes me uniquely qualified to watch out for housing affordability impacts in the zoning changes and implementation actions of the Portland Plan - a complete revision of the Comprehensive Plan which is due to be adopted during the next four years. Portland has lots of high income housing, and a growing emphasis on low income and special needs housing. We are at risk of completely pricing out working families, which will discourage businesses from locating or expanding here.

4. Invest in and build our preK-12 educational system, our workforce training programs, and our higher education system.

A thriving economy requires excellent education, at every level. Good schools are necessary for a healthy city, and the Council shares responsibility with other elected officials for providing support for education in all areas of Portland. After 17 years' active parent-involvement in Portland Public Schools, with three kids in college next year including one heading for teacher training at Lewis & Clark's graduate school, I am acutely aware of the strengths and needs of our schools and colleges. I will renew and expand the "Schools, Families, Neighborhoods" pilot program, which helps families with kids in public schools. I will promote apprenticeship programs. I will work with the School Boards and leaders in Higher Education to increase partnerships that benefit students, the educational network, and the citizens of Portland.

5. Increase investment in infrastructure that is needed to keep up with the global economy and encourage job growth here.

Businesses need paved streets, good transit, safe pedestrian and bicycle access, and parking. Projects that strengthen our transportation system, improve our neighborhoods, provide basic services and enhance our livability also have the benefit of creating local jobs, as well as attracting more jobs to our city.

6. Continue ongoing efforts to streamline, simplify and reduce regulatory obstacles that get in the way of businesses choosing Portland, expanding here, or staying in business here.

Too often, businesses, and particularly small businesses, are hindered by complicated and conflicting sets of regulations from a number of different bureaus. Though progress has been made, there is room for improvement.

7. Target efforts aimed at keeping at-risk homeowners and renters in their homes, such as education programs and emergency assistance funds, and emphasize services to seniors, people with disabilities, and those with low incomes. I will coordinate more efficiently with Multnomah County and community non-profit organizations providing these services.

I wiil emphasize consistent enforcement of laws that maintain quality neighborhoods and the value of housing, such as nuisance ordinances, graffiti abatement, and drug house reclamation. I will support community service programs providing assistance to seniors and people with disabilities, enabling them to stay in their homes. I will push for routine inspection of rental housing, changing from the current complaint-based system.

8. Require that local businesses be given priority in City contracts and expenditures. Corporations from out of the area winning City contracts should be required to buy their products, services, and labor locally wherever possible.

I will push for a comprehensive overhall of contract standards. I will promote the "Think Local, Buy Local" campaign in City Hall and in neighborhoods.

9. Reform the City contract bidding process to assess the true cost of bids, including additional factors such as whether corporations provide health care coverage to their employees, past safety and performance records, environmental impacts, etc.

I will use the buying-power of the City of Portland's $3billion budget to provide more good jobs for Portlanders.

10. Amend City code so that contracts are no longer allowed to run 25% over budget before being re-authorized by the Council.

I will ask for more performance audits of City contracts, and make sure that recommendations in previous ones are addressed and implemented. Government agencies and companies contracting with them must be held accountable for getting jobs done on time and on budget. The worsening forecasts call for us all to focus on improving our local economy.