Rich Allen Announces Mayoral Candidacy A Statement From Councilor Allen Of Troutdale

Rich Allen, Troutdale City Councilor
Rich Allen, Troutdale City Councilor

I read a flyer the other day for one of the regional candidates. It talked about values we could all agree with. Then it dawned on me that the person pictured on the flyer was working with the very people that have violated everything I believe in, and that my fellow service people have died for—a republic that represents the people with liberty and justice for all. These aren’t dead words. They actually mean something, and soldiers have been willing to give their lives for the ideals our nation has been founded on.

All too often politicians hire campaign managers and implement polls to find out what we want to hear, then once in office they cater to the people that can help them win the next election. At least twice I have endorsed people that later proved that they couldn’t live up to their campaign promises. It was just too tempting for them to support benefactors instead of us. If you feel like you aren’t represented, you are right. The average person doesn’t attend meetings, or know who is representing them. Certainly there is nothing a good spin can’t take care of. Politicians know it takes money to win an election, and the best contributors are people who make money from their decisions, or the people who have a special interest they want to impose on us. Hence, the folly of our system.

As mayor, my calls for transparency and fairness will not be ignored. Reprisals against people who speak during public comments will not be tolerated. Public business will occur in public meetings. Risks will be properly vetted. Opportunities will be evaluated with actual numbers, complete with pros and cons. Remember, it’s the public’s money, and it needs to be handled responsibly and sparingly.

I have seen districts work well in rural areas where people are more conservative and the people running them are well known by those in the community. Otherwise, I would caution you about districts. They are a way to gain extra tax money under another layer of government where your voice gets drowned out. Sure, you can build some nice-to-have items, but then rents and taxes go up and soon people have to work longer hours or more jobs just to make ends meet. They may also be forced to move out of the area and commute. You just have to question whether the costs of the quality of life for so many is actually worth it.

Troutdale has long been a beautiful, affordable, and peaceful place to live. A place to raise a family, live, and retire, surrounded by friends in a vibrant community. I implore you to take the time to find out the truth, or attend council meetings from time to time. An informed public can surely keep many a politician honest. If you are still confused and don’t know who to believe, just follow the money and you’ll see the motivation behind attacks on good people. Yes, there are good people in politics, too. People who are willing to take abuse in order to represent your best interests, when there is nothing to be gained for themselves. We just need more good people to step up. If good people stay out of politics, then the policies we must live under are made by those who remain.

For the reasons I’ve set forth here, I hereby announce that I will seek the office of Mayor of Troutdale in the upcoming election, and welcome your support.

(Unless otherwise noted, the opinions expressed are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Northwest Connection.)

 

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Comments to: Rich Allen Announces Mayoral Candidacy A Statement From Councilor Allen Of Troutdale
  • September 25, 2016

    Rich, as a concerned and involved citizen, I commend you for having the courage to say what needs to be said.

    I think it’s patently true that any form of representative government, such as our democracy, cannot work properly if voters are not well-informed and engaged. It’s often challenging to distill truth from spin, especially given the power of moneyed interests to disproportionately present the stances that benefit them. We all have a responsibility to look after both our individual and our community-wide interests, by making an effort to inform ourselves. There are many well-informed citizens who are happy to share their perspective and their facts; they’re worth seeking out. At bottom, there’s much truth in what you’ve suggested: follow the money.

    Having done quite a bit of community service through our local Chamber and in conjunction with our City, I am well aware of the unstinting, quiet leadership that you’ve provided as a City Councilor. This clearly hasn’t been for your personal benefit (which is non-existent, other than in the form of personal satisfaction). I think that as Mayor, you will make a world of difference in ensuring that Troutdale remains a City that is focused on the needs and interests of its citizens. Troutdale is lucky to have you!

    Respectfully,

    Claude Cruz, Ph.D.

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