Thanks Tim!
Filed under: Articles about Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Portland Issues
My Munjoy Hill neighbors are great people. Just look at this letter Tim Baehr wrote to the Press Herald:
Did the mayoral race get “serious” only after Ethan Strimling’s entry into the vast field of candidates? (“Greg Kesich: Portland mayoral race gets serious with Strimling’s entry,” July 27)
OK, Strimling has a high profile, for good or ill. And it’s hard to pay attention to a field of – what – 19? Oh – Strimling is bringing a sense of “drama” to the race, as if things won’t get dramatic enough as November rolls around and specific plans and promises of all the candidates emerge.
Right now, Strimling seems to have just one major plank in his platform: “(E)conomic development is the key to everything. Once you do that, all your other problems go away.” Really? All our problems?
I’ve been observing one candidate who has a broader approach. (Full disclosure: he lives downstairs from me.) Ralph Carmona has been walking the city, rain or (100-degree) shine, getting almost all the required nomination signatures himself and knocking on over 800 doors so far. I’ve seen him at the Wednesday farmer’s market listening to — not just talking to — people who disagreed with him. He may not win everyone over to his views, but they’ll know he listens.
With his academic background in political science, practical background in industry and political organizing, and personal background as someone who can truly bring people together, Ralph can lead already-great Portland to new heights in livability, economic development, education and national prominence.
Don’t take my word for it. Watch and listen. You’ll find that Ralph is the real deal.
Naturally, I’m flattered — but I’m also working hard to live up to the high standards needed to be worthy of such praise. If you think I’m doing a good job, why not write a letter to the editor yourself? And if you think there’s more I can be doing, or if you have questions about the issues or my campaign, I hope you’ll talk to me directly.
Wrong way on Walnut Street
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Photos, Portland Issues
Walnut Street, blocked to entering traffic
I stopped by the City Council meeting this past Monday to urge the members to reverse themselves on a policy that allowed for what I call a wrong-way, halfway policy on a Munjoy Hill street.
The policy declared that half (yes, HALF) of Walnut Street is one-way. This meant drivers were forced to avoid the street the street completely. This “experiment” was done due to a perceived safety concern involving local elementary school students walking on North Street at the top of Walnut Street. No incidents have ever occurred. The council went back to a two-way street in the face of reactions from residents and outright defiance of the ordinance.
This is my neighborhood, and I calculated that my wife and I would average an estimated 62 miles a month to detour around the street. I can’t see how it helps safety to increase the number of cars driving in front of the school and its numerous crosswalks — or forced go up a sharp-hill road of Cumberland.
I’ve also spent time talking about policy issues with the new Portland City Manager, Mark Rees, and Mike Bobinsky, Director of Public Services. The concern I shared with Mike related to a regional proposal I would be exploring as mayor to prevent a potential tripling of Portland sewer rates to pay for a $170 million Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement project. More on that later, and I will be back with survey examples of similar “wrong way” local policy decisions.
My own street level experience is a classic example of Portland voter neighborhood concerns. What angers people about City Hall is how decisions are made. They are not rooted in fact and often tied to endless anecdotal discussions about obvious problems. Tax dollars are spent on endless hours of staff time with councilors having nine different views. Public input is limited because of the time needed to investigate complex issues. I found a lot of this from attending numerous city hall meetings and talking with Portland voters.
But first things, first: I have spent much of my time introducing myself to voters. I have knocked on more than 800 doors so far and met a wide variety of thoughtful, caring voters. Hearing a fresh voice, with 40 years of political and public policy experience, resonates with them.
Of course, I have run into voters who are longtime friends of elected and former elected officials . Yet many of them, I have found, are looking for new energy and ideas from someone who can do what is needed for them and Portland. Many are touched by my story — a 60-year-old man joining up with his Mainer wife to choose Portland to live out his life and do good for this city. They are impressed by my accomplishments that have inevitably lead to my candidacy.
Having never run for office, I have a had a positive response from voters when I emphasize that my mayoral candidacy is not a steppingstone to some higher office. I am certainly not as known, especially as I walk the neighborhoods visited by the known political figures. But being an elected official can be a mixed blessing. While the media may not be rating me as a frontrunner, I have a feeling I’m going to surprise them — a feeling that comes from my interactions with the voters themselves. Here is a sampling of voter responses:
“I am so happy you stopped by!”
“Thanks for coming!”
“I was going to vote for this one candidate, but I really like what you said and I promise I will study this. Keep doing what you are doing and I am happy we talked.”
“I supported and am campaigning for this other candidate, but you are REALLY good. I am changing!”
“It is time for a change, I am with you!”
“Thanks for taking the time to meet with me, you are just what we need.”
I will be back next week with a survey of issues from voters concerned with wrong-way-half-way policies affecting their lives. I hope to see you in the neighborhood. Call or email me (ralphcarmona@gmail.com; cell: 420-1956).
Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill
Filed under: Campaign Trail, Photos
(Vana Carmona photo)
After attending church and spending several hours reaching out to voters, I joined my wife, Vana, who volunteered for at a garden site during The Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill tour.
A weekend in the life of a candidate
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Portland Issues
Thursday, I attended the Portland Democratic City Committee meeting to resign as vice chair in order to run for Mayor of Portland.
It’s been an honor to work with Jill Barkley and the other Portland Dems, and I look forward to participating as an active member. However, because there are eight Democrats in the race, Jill and I agreed that it would be best for me to step down in order to avoid the appearance of favoritism. Look for events and information from the City Committee aimed at supporting ALL of the Democrats in the race. May the best man or woman win!
Friday, I was interviewed by Mike Violette for his WGAN “Maine Points” slated to air on July 17. Later, I attended a EBNO (East Bay Neighborhood Organization) talent show to support EBNO’s efforts. Talked briefly with fellow candidates Jed and Markos.
Today, I am attending the training at the Maine People’s Alliance, the start of a full-bore effort to get a “peoples’ veto” onto the ballot to reverse a new law that bans voting day registration. It’s an important issue, as the new law has the effect of disenfranchising many poor, elderly, disabled and young people, who face barriers to getting to City Hall during working hours. It’s particularly important for Portland, because we have a significant population of students, older people and people with disabilities and language barriers. It’s important to me that EVERY Maine citizen who has the right to vote be allowed a chance to do so.
I will also be attending the march and celebration of the independence of South Sudan, which will include a march to the Portland Expo as well as dancing, food, speeches and music.
Tonight, I plan to attend a fundraiser performance on the labor movement at Lucid Stage. Harlan Baker, actor, activist and former legislator, will be performing “Jimmy Higgins: A Life in the Labor Movement,” which he has also performed in Wisconsin to benefit workers there. Proceeds from tonight’s show will benefit efforts to restore Maine’s labor mural.
Tomorrow I will join my wife Vana at a reception, following “The Hidden Gardens of Munjoy Hill” tour.
It’s a busy weekend, and I hope to meet you while I’m out!
Fourth of July, Eastern Promenade
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Photos, Portland Issues, Videos
Photos by Alejandro Albiar-Carmona
Walking and meeting with 4th of July voters was a way of sharing my “Portland of the Rise” message and how it is integral to the Declaration of Independence ideal of “pursuit of happiness.”
In my many conversations, voters I talked with indicated that they wanted change and a leadership for a “Portland on the Rise.” They expressed support for my desire to have Portland make greater changes and respond aggressively and decisively to the challenges we face.
Newly-naturalized citizens were especially moved by my immigrant sensibility and support for civil rights.
Sitting on their porch, younger voters wanted to know how I was going to bring jobs. One, in particular, lost his job as a school teacher; another wants to go into teaching. I emphasized that the greatest investment we can make is in a public school and that we need to increase local revenue to make those kinds of investments with proposals like the Thompson’s Point project — 1300 jobs and $26 million in revenue. They liked my research in public schooling and 20 years of higher education background.
I also met with one well-established Maine voter who, after listening to me, concluded she would support me because “You are respectful of tradition and respectful of people.”
Conservative and business-oriented voters like the idea that I was a Democrat who believed in revenue growth and that working with business means to a future Portland. Many folks had just arrived and not yet registered. I urged them to register ASAP, gave them my cell number and website (flyer) and shared my “Portland on the Rise” message.
I’m proud to say that a number of voters said: “you’ve got my vote!”
Many voters working, for the first time, to encourage July 4th visitors to recycle their waste, were interested in my 15 years of working as a leading executive for America’s 6th largest publicly-owned electricity utility. After hearing of my involvement on issues of global warming, recycling, renewable and efficient energy, they were very supportive.
One voter challenged me on how I would work with business and bring more revenue to Portland. He expressed support after hearing me say that I lobbied for the biggest bank in the world and am dismayed by its failure to add value to America in ways that lead to near global financial collapse. He was impressed that I know how business people engage in public policy and would be Portland’s chief lobbyist in Augusta and Washington DC.
Of those I talked with, only one mentioned another candidate in the race. For all others, it was the first time they met and talked with a mayoral candidate.
One lady and her husband said they were lifelong Democrats and were delighted to hear I was a 21-year-old McGovern delegate at the Democratic National Convention. They said they would support me. Another couple said it was time to get rid of the ceremonial mayor and elected a mayor with leadership. They said they would not vote for any established past or present elected official.
I’m proud to be part of this great nation and this great city. You’ll see me around town in the weeks to come, and I hope you’ll take a moment to share your vision for Portland with me.
And if you have a moment, take a look at Alejandro’s photos in this slide show:
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Carmona for Mayor
P.O. Box 15111
Portland, ME 04112-
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