Jo Ann for Portland
Portland is overdue for a leader like Jo Ann Hardesty. Most recently the president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP, Hardesty has decades of experience both inside the halls of government and outside its marble steps, pointing out its flaws with protest signs and rallying cries.
While a win would make Hardesty the first elected woman of color in city hall (it’s about time!), Portlanders should look beyond the easy tokenization that may come with that title. Yes, Hardesty would be a powerful representative for both the African American community and women of color—but she would also be the vocal advocate for meaningful police accountability that’s desperately needed in city hall.