Public testimony at TSCC hearing stresses concerns over public safety, budget transparency and the new form of government

Speakers at the TSCC annual budget hearing directed much of their public comment to concerns about the city’s budget process, public safety funding and the transition to Portland’s new form of government.

Alan Combs, a longtime Portland resident, urged TSCC to “call out poor practices and unacceptable behavior” and said the public process leading up to the budget “was rushed, lacked transparency, and failed to provide the public with meaningful opportunities to weigh in.” Michelle Miller, a neighbor organizer from the Stadium neighborhood, told commissioners the public was “told we'd only have 2 minutes to speak, and that was actually cut down to 90 seconds,” and said district town halls had been ‘‘managed with curated questions.’’

Several commenters disputed public statements about the police bureau budget. Tiana Tozer, a District 2 resident with a master’s degree in political science, asked city officials to produce the polling data she said councilors referenced and told commissioners, “When you lie to us, your constituents, you are insulting our intelligence.” Other speakers, including business owners and residents, warned that cuts to police would leave neighborhoods vulnerable. Loretta Guzman, owner of Bison Coffee House in District 2, described calling 911 after her nephew was shot and said she received a recording; she told commissioners the experience left her feeling unheard: “Lives are being lost.”

Multiple speakers framed their concerns around Portland’s recently adopted charter changes and the creation of a 12-member district council. Several commenters criticized a group of six councilors who they described as a “progressive caucus,” alleging decisions had been coordinated without adequate public notice and characterizing that coordination as effectively a quorum.

Public testimony also included calls for preserving parks funding and for stronger maintenance of infrastructure. Ernie Munch, a former transportation planner, warned that deferred maintenance can be difficult and costly to recover from and urged restoration of maintenance lines in the budget.

The comments entered into the meeting record, and TSCC commissioners said they would consider testimony as part of their conversation with city staff. The commission proceeded to hear city responses and then took its certification vote.