Earlier today, we speculated Portland teachers union President Gwen Sullivan was a wild card for entering the Portland mayoral race now that Mayor Charlie Hales has announced he won’t. Let’s upgrade that to the “Maybe In?” category.
Sullivan, the head of the 4,000-strong Portland Association of Teachers, is conspicuously not saying she won’t run for mayor. She tells the Mercury she’s waiting to hear if state Treasurer Ted Wheeler—the race’s lone credible candidate right now— is hitting the right notes before she makes a call.
“I haven’t really had an opportunity to talk to him about what his vision is,” Sullivan says. What she’ll be listening for: “Is this a candidate that has a common vision for where we’re going in our city or what most people care about in our city?”
Sullivan lists off a series of familiar topics when pressed for specifics: services for the homeless and mentally ill, housing affordability, a sensible minimum wage (which she thinks is probably more than $15 an hour).
“Whoever is going to be running for city council or mayor needs to really start looking at these issues,” says Sullivan, speaking from Washington, DC, where she’s attending a National Education Association conference (and might be meeting up with former Mayor Sam Adams). It’s possible she’ll be satisfied with what she hears from Wheeler when the two finally talk. The treasurer’s campaign has been quick to speak on all of the issues Sullivan has listed off—even if its often been more to criticize Hales’ handling of them than propose new policies.
Sullivan has been at the helm of the PAT since 2011, when she was appointed to serve out the term of departing President Rebecca Levison. She was serving as vice president at the time. The union represents Portland Public Schools teachers, and nearly went on strike for the first time in the district’s history early last year during a contract dispute.
Sullivan says she never thought of union leadership as a political position before she held the job. That’s changed. “I can’t tell you how many people have said ‘please run'” for mayor, she says.
Even if Sullivan opts against challenging Wheeler, its possible she’d have a hand in recruiting someone who does. Again, it all depends on whether Wheeler’s hitting the right notes.
“I am so committed to the people of Portland having candidates they can actually vote for,” she says.
That would by fun to see. As the advocate for over paid civil servants, she will also endorse the Police Union’s campaign to hire more over paid officers along with all the rest. Voters are already feeling the pinch and the recession has barely begun. Mike Scheckla has a farming background, and will lead Portlanders to become more self sufficient, like the rest of the State. Greenhouses in back yards, and solariums in apartments, for gardens to offset dollar shortages from deflation.
No thanks.
Gwen is a woman of strength and integrity. Delighted she’s giving thoughtful consideration to running.
Run Gwen Run!
Considering the truly woeful state of our schools…
Gwen, why don’t you tackle the severe problem of Portland Teacher Absenteeism – or our horrific Graduation rates… or our lack of student testing in comparison to other cities — all these issues you are responsible for now, and failing, before you think about trying to take care of a whole city?
You have, however, been great at getting teachers money.
I just wish something would show from it.