Jules Bailey is a Multnomah County commissioner and a former state representative. He earned dual master’s degrees in public policy and economics and in urban and regional planning. He is a former economist and small-business owner.
Bailey is running for mayor of Portland. Here are his responses to Street Roots' candidates pop quiz — a mix of short-answer, yes-or-no, and multiple-choice questions. (Read other candidates' responses.)
QUESTION 1
You only have $10 million to spend. The fire bureau says that without $5 million, call times for critical services will be hampered, potentially costing people’s lives. Social-service agencies need $5 million because rent increases mean they can’t place people into housing, creating a backlog of people waiting to get off the streets. Both the police and the parks bureaus need critical support for services totaling $7 million. What do you do? (150 words or less)
Fortunately, while there are always tough choices to be made, real public budgets aren’t this reductionist. I’ve been part of complex budgeting at both the state and county level, and I know first hand that good budgeting means diving into the details, measuring return on investment, and listening to the community about where their priorities are. One of my consistent themes is to fund programs based on evidence and results. When there are lots of voices asking for more funding in a limited budget, a clear focus on results and outcomes helps break through the noise. I’ll bring those same skills to the mayor’s office.
QUESTION 2
The Portland Police Bureau’s contract with the city says police officers involved in an incident using deadly force must receive 48 hours’ notice before being compelled to speak to bureau investigators. Average citizens, however, are questioned often immediately on the grounds of capturing the best memory of events. Yes or No: Would you abolish the 48-hour rule?
Not yet. We need to address this, but in a way that doesn’t jeopardize our ability to prosecute bad cops who have broken the law.
QUESTION 3
Yes or No: As mayor, will you end the practice of contracting for military and militarized equipment for use by our police bureau?
Yes.
QUESTION 4
Please place the following items in order of priority as mayor. Note with 1, 2 and 3.
• Increase parking
• Bike infrastructure
• Low or no-fare public transit
1. Low- or no-fare public transit
2. Bike infrastructure
3. Increase parking
QUESTION 5
Choose the item in each pairing that is more suited to you:
1. Uber or Radio Cab
2. Raincoat or Umbrella
3. Adidas or Nike
4. Maple Bacon Doughnut or Kale
1. (Trimet)
2. Raincoat
3. Nike
4. (Anything Blue Star)
QUESTION 6
Complete this sentence with the following options: I smoke marijuana ____________
a. For medicinal purposes only.
b. To decompress after a stressful day.
c. Recreationally. Hey, it’s legal.
d. Rarely.
e. Never.
e. Never.
QUESTION 7
Make one promise to the city’s people of color that you will deliver on as mayor. Street Roots will check on its status every year.
I will have a staff and management that reflects a committment to people of color and is representative of the community.
QUESTION 8
How will you ensure young people of color will succeed in Portland?
We need a pipeline for jobs for young people of color, which is why I have already started working with the Emerging Leaders Internship program and Commissioner Loretta Smith to make sure there are jobs and job training in key industries for young people of color.
QUESTION 9
In one sentence, state something you will do as mayor to ease the burden on Portland’s small businesses.
Streamline business assistance programs in a new Bureau of Small Business and Economic Empowerment.
QUESTION 10
Pair the issue with the sentiment. Use each sentiment only once:
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law
2. Public campaign finance option
3. Expanded light rail transit into Washington St.
4. PPB Horse Patrol
a. Great idea
b. Good idea
c. Needs work
d. Nope
1. Sit-lie sidewalk law – d. Nope
2. Public campaign finance – a. Great idea
3. Expanded light rail – c. Needs work
4. PPB Horse Patrol – b. Good idea
QUESTION 11
Portland is losing significant, large trees at a rapid pace to development. In 50 words or less, what will you do to save these legacy trees?
We need planning that incoporates trees and tree canopy as part of a resiliency strategy in extreme weather, and ensures tree canopy is something all Portlanders can enjoy, not just those in privileged neighborhoods.
QUESTION 12
Yes or No: Understanding we’re going to have street homelessness, do you support tent cities?
No.
QUESTION 13
Select a local artist – professional or amateur – to draw your favorite thing about Portland.