Portland mayoral candidates focus on inequality, uniting city in debate

Portland City Commissioners Mingus Mapps and Carmen Rubio, along with businessman and non-profit founder Keith Wilson, were the three candidates who spoke about what they plan to do to turn the city around on the eve of a new form of city government. 

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The economy, homelessness and inequality were some of the main topics discussed during a debate among three people running for Portland mayor Thursday night. 

Portland City Commissioners Mingus Mapps and Carmen Rubio, along with businessman and non-profit founder Keith Wilson, were the three candidates who spoke about what they plan to do to turn the city around on the eve of a new form of city government. 

The debate was held in the Lloyd District in Northeast Portland, hosted by The National Association of Minority Contractors and moderated by KOIN 6 News Political Director Ken Boddie. 

The debate centered around how the candidates would support businesses and organizations of color. When asked how they would work to unite people with a strategy for healing the city together, each candidate touched upon the idea of finding common ground among a diverse population.   

“As a person of color, to be a voice of other people of color and also to be a bridge. We live in a diverse community — remind Portlanders we are all one community although we might be different people,” Mapps said.

“You can sit and talk and cross and bridge the distance with someone else. You need someone that's going to bring people to the table and keep them to the table — keep them focused on getting results,” was Rubio’s response.

“We take action. We immediately work with our 12 councilors — that's going to be brand new. The first week we declare a public safety emergency and we start marshaling all of the assets and the community goodwill and the community and city together," said Wilson, who is the owner of a trucking company and the founder of the non-profit Shelter Portland. 

The Hilton Double Tree Lloyd Center Cascade Ballroom was packed with community leaders asking tough questions. 

Rosa Martinez, with the Portland-based trade association LatinoBuilt, prefaced her question by stating one out of six construction workers are Latino.

“Latino construction workers’ death rates are nearly 42% higher than non-Latino workers, how do you intend to address the issue of workplace safety?” she said.

All the candidates responded by saying they want accountability for safety standards in workplaces.

Those hosting the debate pointed to wanting to address disparities for businesses run by people of color.

“We want the path to be much clearer. If you can see it, you can be. We want young people to know we need you in these careers,” said NAMC-Oregon President and CEO Nate McCoy.

Portland City Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, dropped from the debate earlier this week. Two others, Durrell Kinsey Bey and Liv Osthus, have also filed notices they intend to run for mayor.