I filed to run for Portland City Commissioner on October 4, 2007. The election ends on November 4, 2008. I marked the anniversaries today by:

* Volunteering with gardening workparties in Arbor Lodge (North) and Glenfair (outer Northeast).

Arbor Lodge Park is a Pesticides Free Park, located in North Portland. I've helped with weeding there before, but I'll be at the opening ceremonies for two new additions to the program soon, and it would feel disingenuous to show up for the publicity without having given any practical support recently. So I cleared grass from five tree wells there, before heading out to NE 153rd and Glisan to help with the courtyard garden cleanup at Glenfair Elementary. I learned about that project when visiting the Glenfair Neighborhood Association last week. Organized in partnership with the SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) program, it was heartwarming to see teachers and parents working side by side. And as usual, I learned a lot, while ripping up crab grass roots, pruning a runaway rose, and even finding a tiny strand of ivy to pull (bringing my total to 21 neighborhoods where I've pulled the horrible scourge). Teacher Christopher Pierce told me of research showing children who learn to read in their native language, learn to read English faster than those who are taught to read English before the language they speak at home. Something to think about when voting on those ballot measures.

* Knocking on doors in Lents (outer Southeast) and Eastmoreland (inner Southeast).

Many differences, just 50 blocks apart in neighborhoods off Woodstock Boulevard. Folks in Lents truly happy to see a candidate on their doorstep, those in Eastmoreland mostly resigned to answering yet another canvass knock - although several residents in both places recognized me and let me know they are enthusiastic supporters. Very encouraging. Many similarities in concerns voiced. Public safety. Streets and sidewalks. Equity, and helping the City Council get along so decisions focus on shared goals. Thank you, Wendy Foster and Roger Anthony for introducing me to your neighbors.

* Discussing important issues with neighbors at a houseparty in Madison South (Northeast).

Dawn (Tryon) Rasmussen is a wonderful community leader. Thoughtful, positive, energetic, and able to see both the big picture and the need to attend to details. It was no surprise that the neighbors and friends who attended her houseparty were similarly smart, engaged citizens. A good end to a long but productive day.

Tomorrow, Sunday 10/5/08, I'll be at a

Please stop by and chat if you are in the area. Later Sunday, I'll be at a houseparty in Laurelhurst then knocking on doors in Centennial.

What are you doing this Sunday, and the next day, and the next day? Please wear your Amanda Fritz for Portland City Council button, wherever you go!

The process of running for office feels a little like being pregnant. Trying my hardest to do everything right; doing my homework to prepare for events before and after the due date. And hoping, hoping everything turns out well on November 4.

I looked up which animal has a 13 month gestation period....

The zebra.