[READ ALL OF THE MERCURY’S 2020 ENDORSEMENTS HERE!—eds]
Metro Council District 5: Chris Smith
When current Metro Councilor Sam Chase announced he wouldn’t seek re-election this year, a slate of impressive candidates threw their hats into the ring for the District 5 seat, which represents North, Northwest, and Northeast Portland. We first endorsed Chris Smith for this position during the May primary; now that the race has narrowed down to two candidates, we still believe he’s the best pick for the job.
Metro Council’s main purpose is to oversee land use for Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. Because of this duty, the council has enormous influence over some of the most pressing issues in our region: A transportation system that’s struggling to support a growing and changing population; a housing crisis that’s failing our most vulnerable residents; and the all-encompassing threat of climate change. The economic fallout and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbates each of these issues, and we need leaders who have a consistent track record of planning expertise and progressive priorities. Chris Smith is such a leader.