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).
Portland, young and old
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Photos
Among my conversations last night were talks with two Republicans. One was a woman in her eighties. She said she supported issues over party and was open to supporting me.
Another voter and I talked for almost an hour. He was clearly a prominent and active member of the community. We engaged in animated conversations regarding city call responsiveness, immigration, crime and civil rights. He was a real straight talker. We had real differences. But we also found a common respect in our arguments and in our listening to one another. He mentioned he would consider voting for me and we talked about getting together again. We both parted ways with smiles on our faces.
I was delighted to meet young voters at the Deering Oaks farmer's market, and even persuaded one or two of them to hold up my sign for the camera! Here's Sarah Davis, whose many talents include playing the cello.
This morning, I attended the Portland Farmers Market at Deering Oaks, gathering signatures from Portland voters for my nomination. I got support on the spot from a number of people, especially younger voters excited about the prospect of my vision for a Portland on the Rise. One invited me to a Fair Food Farm Tour on July 30th at 200 Anderson St. in Portland. I plan to be there!
I also attended the 150th Commemoration of Sgt. Alonzo P. Stinson, the first Portlander to give his life in the Civil War. He was killed in July 1861, at the Battle of Bull Run, Virginia. It was the first major battle of the Civil War and a rout of the Northern Union Army. The ceremony took place at 11:30AM in front of Stinson’s granite monument in Portland’s Eastern Cemetery.
I had the opportunity to see Nick, another of the mayoral candidates. In the tradition of positive campaigning, we signed each other's nomination papers.
Notes from the campaign trail
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail
In talking with elderly Republican and Democratic voters, I am finding surprising support for my desire “to get things done.” One started our conversations by telling me that “all your guys are clowns” and ended by saying, “I like what you say and you are not a clown.”
Another older Republican voter was impressed by my sense of the nation and how I was able to come from a poor environment to where I am today. “I do not care where you came from, I am amazed at what you have been able to do with your life.”
A moderate Democrat said those people are wasting money money hiring this new mayor and picking a city manager from out of town. I explained that sometimes we have to go outside, like our departing police chief and and now is the time to go inside. And savings can be made up with someone on the outside with 40 years of experience, who knows how to find them. “That is just what we need!” he said. “Good luck to you!”
One former Portland city executive, a Republican, asked how I have been able to do what I have done in the relatively short time I have been in Portland. I explained that I chose to come to Portland. It is my life, I have no higher ambition, and my accomplishment comes from 40 years of experience. After hearing the details on that, she said, “you are just the kind of person we need. Thanks for stopping by.”
A Green party member and his Democratic partner were both impressed by my desire to change our car culture and create a sustainable green economy, as well as my involvement in civil rights and support for gay marriage. “You look like the right kind of guy.”
A staunch Republican talked with me for 20 minutes. He described himself as anti-government, anti-George Bush (father and son), libertarian, and said “greed is good.” He added: “I have nothing against gay marriage, but we are giving them tax benefits, and we should leave it to religion.” I said: “We are simply allowing them to get the same benefits straight folk have, and that when you get married you need a city — not a church — license.” I added that “greedy people in politics, business and life can be destructive. The bottom line is, as a leading Founding Father reminds us, none of us are angels and we need a government to govern us and then govern itself. That’s why our government is inherently inefficient. But, you know what? It is the best government in the world!”
He agreed and said “I like you because you listened to me. Some people do not like to hear what I have to say.” I emphasized that “I will always be there to listen, not always agree, but listen.” “It is a long ways away,” he concluded. “But I like what I hear from you.” I told him: “You might even endorse me,” and gave him my business card.
Campaign Kickoff Speech
Filed under: Campaign Trail, Videos
Farewell, Chief Craig
Filed under: Photos, Portland Issues
As an advisor to the police force, I got to know Chief Craig and his officers.
I serve as an advisor to Portland Police Chief James Craig on community affairs. I congratulated him this week on his new opportunity in Ohio.
I also urge that the city manager appoint, and the council approve, an officer from inside the department as Craig’s successor. I have seen the work Craig has done and the people who work with him, and there are candidates well-positioned to succeed Chief Craig.
Portland is a relatively safe city, and we are fortunate to have many excellent people working on its police force. While Chief Craig’s tenure has been short, he leaves behind a department well positioned to move forward
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Carmona for Mayor
P.O. Box 15111
Portland, ME 04112-
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