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Portland mayoral candidates try to secure voters before Election Day

Candidates and volunteers got out and canvassed and mingled with voters this weekend, trying to pull in last-minute voters before Nov. 5.

PORTLAND, Ore. — This year's mayoral election has 19 candidates in the race, leaving voters with lots of choices for who they will rank on their ballots. 

In an effort to collect those votes still lingering, some candidates hit the city streets to talk with voters. With three of the candidates being current city commissioners, they are making an effort to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

“I've been the commissioner in charge of half of the city's budget, and 95% of the assets have consistently produced significant results. If you ever have to call 911, God forbid, and it takes less time today than it did a couple of years ago, but that's because of the commonsense reforms that I've brought into place," said Commissioner Mingus Mapps

Meanwhile, Commissioner Rene Gonzalez said he considers himself to be the standard bearer for safety and livability in the city. 

"I’ve not backed down from any of the hard fights, including banning outdoor drug use, stopping distribution of tents and tarps, while supporting the building of shelters and finding alternative responses that are improving 911 wait time, and are improving ambulance services in the region," said Gonzalez. 

Others, like Commissioner Carmen Rubio, said she's proud of the track record she has. 

“I am the only candidate in this race that has done most during my time in office to deliver meaningful changes and policies for Portlanders, far and above any of my other competitors in this race," she said.

 “I have the most endorsements in this race by trusted organizations, trusted elected leaders, community leaders, folks who actually believe in me, and that's based on 20 years of relationships and trust, because they know I deliver," she continued. 

When asked about her driving record that recently came into the spotlight, Rubio said that's in the past.

 "No one's sorrier than I am from that time, but I will also say at the same time those things were happening in the past, will not impact my ability to do everything to catalyze more housing, do permit reform or to make sure that we invest money in gun violence prevention."

Keith Wilson is one candidate that does not have as prominent a political history, and instead has held a career in the trucking industry. 

He said not to let his lack of political experience dissuade voters. 

“You’re right, I’m an outsider, but as far as knowing Portland, I was born and raised here, so I understand Portland through and through. I might be an outsider, but it doesn’t mean I lack experience," he said. “I’ve got a plan to end and shelter homelessness; I’ve created a green fleet."

When it comes to what they will do first if elected, the candidates had a range of responses.

"The first thing we’re going to do: address those vulnerable communities, which will allow us to restore public safety, and then bring back that livable, vital city and vibrant community that we all know and love," said Wilson. “This campaign is about our future, and I think if we elect the right mayor at this particular time, we can turn the chapter and really care for all Portlanders."

For Rubio, helping out people economically is a top priority: “I'm going to make sure that we get our economy back and vibing again, that we reinvigorate downtown and that we get more housing, affordable housing for everybody at every income level in the City of Portland.”

For others like Gonzalez, safety comes to mind.

“We want Portland to be one of the safest cities in America again — one that’s beautiful, healthy and where seniors and families can walk down the street," he said. “A thousand police officers and making Portland one of the safest cities in America again. Put that on the top of the list."

Similar to Wilson, tackling the homeless crisis was top priority for Mapps.

“It has to be addressing our homelessness crisis. You know, this is going to require coordination between the city, the county and the state," he said. 

“We have made progress in this space, but all you have to do is look outside your own window, any place in Portland, that you will see human beings living on the street. We got to do better. I want to create clear metrics and seamless systems that move people from the sidewalk into safe housing," he continued. 

Voters have until 8 p.m. on Nov. 5 to drop off their ballot

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