PORTLAND, Oregon — Elected leaders within Portland's new form of government are beginning to emerge after Tuesday's historic election. By Wednesday night, the Oregonian had called winners for two seats on Portland's new, 12-person city council: Steve Novick for District 3 and Olivia Clark for District 4.
"I really appreciate (voters') confidence in my ability to take on this task," said Clark, a retired policy director for TriMet.
Clark said she hopes Portland's new form of government — including four council districts with three seats each — can restore the community's confidence in the city's ability to deliver. She described how the city might look when they succeed.
"I think you will quit seeing that sort of vitriol between the city and the county," said Clark. "You'll see more housing on the continuum of housing, for homelessness as well as all different income levels ... I hope we see the city of Portland become more user-friendly for everyone."
Steve Novick is no stranger to Portland government, having served on city council from 2013 to 2017. He's grateful for the chance to come back under new circumstances.
"I think this system is going to be good for Portland," said Novick, who explained why he chose to return. "I did think it would be useful to have somebody with not just the experience of getting things done at city hall, but the humility that comes with experience."
Looking back, Novick said he's most proud of two achievements during his first tenure at city hall: spearheading Portland's voter-approved gas tax to help fund road improvements, and placing a fence around Portland's Vista Bridge, where for years, people had died by suicide.
"One of my most prized possessions is, I have a scroll that was signed by a bunch of people who were friends and family members of somebody who had jumped off the bridge," shared Novick. "It said, 'You could not save our friend, but we know you'll save future lives.'"
Looking forward, Novick said he's ready to tackle current issues like homelessness, public safety and climate change as part of a team of 12.
"There's going to be some growing pains," said Novick, "but I think 10 years from now we're going to look back and we're going to know that this was the right decision."
Ten city council seats remain to be called. The next round of votes will be released at 6 p.m. on Thursday and may shed light on more projected city council winners.