John J. Goldsmith — Candidate for City Council, District 4
Endorsed 350PDX CJ platform? No
Will you support PCEF? Yes
Candidate statement:
My biggest concern is the CEI HUB and the ‘Sacrifice Zone’ that I live in. The 6 mile NW Zone and its polluting companies exploit resources, extract massive profits, while citizens experience a decrease in our quality of life. Our local air, soil and water is very contaminated from nearly 200 years of environmental pollution. In 2024, I decided to run for public office for the first time, primarily due to the pressing environmental concerns and the impending Cascadia Subduction earthquake that many of us are not prepared for. The corporate villain, Zenith Energy, was a main talking point in 2024. Since then I continue to bring public awareness regarding the Texan company’s repeated lies and violations since 2018. Today, at City Hall, I provided public testimony against the current franchise agreement attempts with Zenith and I-Squared private equity. Councilors Green and Morrillo, continue to push against the unbridled polluters. I am dismayed with Mayor Wilson’s proposal for the two companies, and as a transportation CEO, this elected leader is leaving Portlanders behind while he uplifts the corporate profiteers.
Secondly, preserving, landmarking and improving the Lloyd Center Mall and Ice Rink is important for many reasons, but primarily as an essential public function as a cooling center for emergencies. If elected, I will vote “NO” on the Demolition Permit that will come to the council’s final vote in December 2026. Besides being a cultural and economic hub, the Lloyd Center underwent a massive energy efficiency renovation in 2018 at the tune of $50 million dollars. To send this improved site to landfill, while Oregon is experiencing the worst fire season in recorded history is a travesty. A cooling center that provides clean, filtered air, in over 1.5 miles of covered space in a transit rich area must not be overlooked. Similar to the I-Squared private equity firm, another firm, KKR, acquired the financially distressed mall with the sole desire to flatten it, and to develop it for a profit. I see this mall as a prime example of how we can utilize the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) to publicly acquire the “People’s Mall – America’s Kookiest Mall with an Ice Skating Rink”.
PCEF monies should not be used for the Moda Center renovation or to fund the police. Voters approved this tax for environmental repair, and I’ll defend the premise. I propose PCEF monies go toward transportation, specifically paying individuals for Trimet ridership. This national first is a solution that we need. Basically, pay riders to use buses, trains and light rail, for example, 50 cents per ride, 25 per bridge crossing, at a monthly cap pay out of $28. The PCEF money would alleviate poverty, an effect of environmental injustice, and take cars off our roads and faulty infrastructure. Lastly, I would advocate on behalf of the crows and have our tax dollars removed from the Clean and Safe budget line item for the falconry service that harasses, scares and intimidates our local population. I, full throatedly, supported the foie gras ban. I advocate for the banning of the consumption of squid and octopus, as they are sentient creatures and I would bring that to council for a vote.
