Our team has knocked on 931 doors and had 332 face-to-face conversations. I’ve personally knocked on about 300 of those doors and had more than 110 conversations with neighbors across Astoria. That’s a lot of hills, but we’re willing to do the work.
From the beginning, this campaign has been about putting in the work. Showing up. Listening. Asking people what they need from their city and taking their answers seriously. Here’s what we’re hearing:
Housing comes up more than anything else. People are worried about getting priced out of their own hometown. They want their children to have a future here. They want to know whether they’ll be able to stay when they retire. People who work in Astoria should have a chance to live in Astoria. We need homes that working families can afford and options that help older neighbors on fixed incomes stay in the community they helped build. A town needs people at every stage of life to be healthy.
Homelessness often comes up in the same conversation. People want answers, and they want to see something work. One voter told us my op-ed on homelessness had inspired them. That means a lot to me.
Infrastructure is very important to people here as well. All it takes to believe this is walking on Alameda Street. People can point to a slide, a pothole they drive around every morning, or a portion of a street that needs attention. When I say we need to “fix the foundation,” those are the everyday problems I’m talking about, along with the water, sewer, and stormwater systems beneath our feet. We need to maintain what we depend on and plan ahead for what needs replacing.
And people want a mayor they can still reach after the election. Someone who returns a call, hears a concern, and follows through. I intend to keep meeting with people if I’m lucky enough to get elected. I’ll be a mayor who Astorians will see and talk to outside of just the city council meetings. I’ll keep meeting with business owners, talking with community leaders, and volunteering after elected.
In fact during this week I met with Norma Hernandez at Consejo Españo, did another ride along with Kenny Hansen with Clatsop Community Care, met with Job Corps students at Congresswoman Bonamici’s townhall, hung out at the inside farmers market at Obelisk Brewery, and helped a candidate with an event at Xanadu. All while knocking on doors for our campaign.
To everyone who has opened a door, shared a concern, or walked these hills with us: thank you! You’re helping shape the work ahead. We’re 69 doors away from 1,000. I’ll be out there again tonight. We will hit one thousand doors knocked on.
Astoria is home. Let’s get to work.
And happy Halloween.
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