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John Branam: Strong Values, Bold Leadership

[photo: American flag on wall]

LGBTQ Rights

It is not OK to hate people for being who they are. Because of this belief, I have supported LGBTQ rights as long as I can remember. In high school, I phone banked against the first anti-gay measure in Oregon. It was my first phone banking experience and got me hooked on politics. As an undergrad, I was a member of the Gay-Straight Student Alliance. In 1997, at the age of 22, I rode on the Tri-Cities to D.C. AIDS Ride and personally raised nearly $2,000 for the cause. At the University of Oregon School of Law, I took GBLT Law with Professor Dom Vetri and wrote a 30-page paper entitled “Discrimination Against Transgender People by Major Employers in Portland.” I have routinely attended Basic Rights Oregon events Additionally, I am a Federal Club Member of Human Rights Campaign and a member of the Portland Area Business Association. I also give my time to GBLT and GBLT-friendly candidates for office.

Simply, I believe in equality for all!

My campaign is defined by the values I will bring to City Hall: sustainability, equity, access, innovation and civility. We need sustainability for our businesses and environmental practices. Equity has been important in my own life. This is a “pay it forward” value that I can give to underrepresented minorities as city commissioner. Although many Portlanders are financially secure, there are others who struggle and need our support. We can provide affordable housing and job opportunities to help the less fortunate. For equity and equality to exist, access is key. Government services and attention need to be available to all Portland. Also, whether in transportation or civil rights, Portland leads the nation with innovative programs. I look forward to continuing and expanding this tradition. Underlying these values is civility. In recent city matters, i.e. the debate over renaming Interstate Avenue, there was unfortunate friction between neighbors. Such hostility is avoidable. As a city council member, I will lead by example and set up forums that ask for and respect all opinions.

We are moving in the right direction in Oregon by securing important policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. I support full legal recognition of same-sex relationships. The City of Portland has taken some commendable steps, like the Equal Benefit Ordinance, which requires certain companies that contract with the City extend benefits to same-sex partners, and continuing the Sexual Minority Roundtable with the police bureau. These are important steps toward our common goal. But we can do more. For example, though the administration of health services is the county’s responsibility, I will urge the City to help expand health services. In particular, reported syphilis infections among men in Multnomah County have continued to climb. Whatever help the City can provide to combat health issues such as this should be taken. Moreover, as a council member I will lobby in Salem for legislation that provides full marriage rights for all citizens.

I look forward to representing all Portlanders.

Read more of John's thoughts on these and other issues.

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