by Eddy Morales, on 6/26/20 1:43 PM
Across the country people are calling for change to make it clear that Black Lives Matter. We are realizing unexpected and important shifts in leadership, policies, and laws. This is a time of opportunity for Gresham City Council.
Over the last two weeks, Gresham's mayor, city manager, chief of police, and a planning commissioner have resigned or retired. News and social media are buzzing with these stories—and with misinformation. Gresham residents deserve honest, transparent, and accountable leadership. I am committed to giving you the facts so you can make informed choices.
Gresham residents need stability restored quickly as well as a roadmap to a vibrant, welcoming, and united Gresham. I invite you to join me in this process. But first you may want to take a look at some recent headlines.
Gresham in the News
- Gresham City Manager retires
In the Oregonian
https://tinyurl.com/city-manager - Gresham mayor resigns, third city leader to do so this week
In the Oregonian
https://tinyurl.com/gresham-mayor-resigns - Gresham police chief wants her job back: 'I am not a racist'
In the Portland Tribune
https://tinyurl.com/police-chief-not-racist - Gresham deputy manager: 'dismal' treatment, subtle racism
In the Portland Tribune
https://tinyurl.com/deputy-manager-treatment - Gresham leaders resign; finger-pointing underway
On KOIN 6 News
https://tinyurl.com/finger-pointing - Gresham police chief returning to position, days after retiring
In KATU News
https://tinyurl.com/gresham-police-chief-returning - Gresham supervisor's 'All Lives Splatter' car decal probed
In the Portland Tribune
https://tinyurl.com/all-lives-splatter - After a wave of resignations, who is in charge in Gresham?
In the Oregonian
https://tinyurl.com/wave-of-resignations - Police chief outlasts long-time mayor in bitter Gresham power struggle
In the Oregonian
https://tinyurl.com/gresham-power-struggle
Keeping Gresham on Track
By showing up and working together, we can keep Gresham on track, and we can do it in a way that strengthens our community. Here are some of our opportunities.
- We can reimagine how Gresham addresses public safety.
- Our community can take action to support racial equity.
- We can work to address a looming budget crisis.
- We can have a qualified, in-house candidate step into the role of city manager.
We have a Special City Council Meeting (online) on Monday, June 29 [Get information here]. I anticipate we will select a mayor pro tem to serve until a new mayor can be elected in November. We have plenty of work ahead. It's a great time to start making your voice heard and be part of the solution.
To get involved, sign up below to receive news and action alerts about Gresham! I look forward to working with you.
