Dear John,

Earlier this week, the Press Herald reported that one of the candidates for mayor was endorsed by several City Councilors. And just this morning, the other candidate responded by holding a press conference announcing his endorsements. Sound familiar? It is.

We've been here before. In fact: the Press Herald ran a near-identical story four years ago, when many of the same sitting councilors endorsed the current mayor.

I think Portlanders are ready for real change. Voters want a mayor who understands their priorities and needs, not one chosen by other elected officials. We need Portland-proven leadership and a fresh perspective on the Council. Can you help my campaign by making a donation today?

When I ran for an at-large school board seat in 2007, it was an unsettled time. I entered with a $2 million school budget deficit, leadership resignations, shaken public trust and a burgeoning recession. For six years, I served as part of a team that believed collaboration was far more important than any individual gains and that pragmatic problem solving moves the needle, not politics. We regained trust, balanced the budget, and set Portland Public Schools on a path of well-being and growth.

I am running because I believe our city needs a steady hand and a truly fresh perspective. Please join me. Let's do this differently.

Please consider making a contribution today. Our next fundraising period ends next week and I need your help to run strong through to Election Day, November 5th.

Thank you.

For the love of Portland,