The real work is beginning
Filed under: Articles by Ralph Carmona, Campaign Trail, Portland Issues
I'm not the tallest candidate -- but I might well be the hardest-working. (Photo by Gordon Chibroski, Portland Press Herald)
Last week, at the Portland Club, all 15 mayoral candidates each had three minutes to speak before an audience of about 100 people. So much to say, I thought, so little time. Crunched for space, the media provided only a symbolic glimpse of what I said. So, below are my comments, with a few additional thoughts to spare on this website.
I spoke without notes or podium before a group of 100 folks at the Portland Club. I gave them three reasons why I should be the next Mayor of Portland.
And I did it through the words of a good neighbor and supporter who often says: “Ralph is my “3-S Man.”
The first “S”, she tells people, is for the SPIRIT to take on the character of issues. As an example, I gave my ability as the only candidate to reach out to Governor LePage and have a private meeting with him regarding civil rights and the impact of his proposed state cuts on Portland.
I could have also added that it is also because I have no scores to settle because I am not a part of the city hall power structure, have not spent my life running for office, and no intention to use the mayoral position as stepping stone to higher office.
The second “S” is for SMARTS. Not just academic (I have a doctorate) or street (dysfunctional family in a segregated Los Angeles community), but business, academic and political smarts to make the right decisions on issues. For example, I am the only mayoral candidate to publicly support the $33 million civic center bond renovation measure that will be on the November ballot. I emphasized that Portlanders have been struggling about the center for 15 years. We are on the verge of losing business, a possible ADA suit, and attendance decline and a leadership decision, of what I would do as mayor, was needed. I mentioned that two other candidates have followed my lead and that is a good thing.
I could have also mentioned my support for the Thompson’s Point project which, like the Civic Center renovation, exemplifies of my effort to act as mayor now and show that I am focused on increasing revenues — without property tax increases — to grow our economy and protect our public services.
The third “S” is for STAMINA. It is the stamina of a child who survived domestic violence and poverty to earn three college degrees. A 97-pound, four-foot, seven-inch high school kid, who dreamed of being a professional ballplayer, only to fail at qualifying to join the high school team.
In the face of failure, I quickly joined a newly high school swim team. But I had a problem: I did not know how to swim! After the laughter died down, I talked of how I learned all four strokes, competed in the individual events, and became a lifeguard.
It is the stamina of someone who has over 40 years – longer than some of the candidates have been alive – of public policy and political experience working for what was once the largest financial institution in the world and the sixth-largest municipal utility in the country. I was responsible for working at all levels of government, but emphasized that I worked with cities bigger and smaller than Portland.
I could have added over 20 years both as an adjunct professor and lecturer at campuses, like Smith College and USM, and civil rights leader at all levels of government.
When all is said and done, I concluded, none of the candidates are angels when it comes to the art of politics. But Portland will need a 3-S Mayor to lead with SPIRIT, SMARTS and STAMINA.
And I am your guy.
I will be the kind of mayor, I wanted to add, who that will have the prudence and temperament to focus and bring the city together on the right issues. A mayor who can get us on the side of angels.
Maine Points interview
Filed under: Articles about Ralph Carmona, Audio, Campaign Trail
WGAN’s Mike Violette interviewed me July 17 about my campaign, and he did a great job guiding a fun and informative conversation. Some of the things we talked about:
- The importance of people coming together from different perspectives to make progress
- The influence of the old Lloyd Bridges series “Sea Hunt” on my life
- Sustainable economic growth and business
- My journey to Portland (thanks to my wonderful wife Vana)
- Public safety and the choice of a new police chief
- My highest political ambition (which is to be mayor of Portland!)
- Growth and revenue from the talented people of Portland
- My support for the Thompson’s Point project as a growth engine for locally-owned businesses (not “trinkets and trash” culture)
- Portland’s graffiti ordinance
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:
It’s official!
Filed under: Campaign Trail, Photos
I took a break while attending a City Council workshop on the Thompson’s Point project, and filed my candidacy papers! Looking forward to the formal announcement tomorrow — and then the real work begins.
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Carmona for Mayor
P.O. Box 15111
Portland, ME 04112-
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