Ted Wheeler

Ted Wheeler
53rd Mayor of Portland, Oregon
Assumed office
January 1, 2017
Preceded by Charlie Hales
28th Treasurer of Oregon
In office
March 11, 2010 – January 1, 2017
Governor Ted Kulongoski
John Kitzhaber
Kate Brown
Preceded by Ben Westlund
Succeeded by Tobias Read
Chair of the County Commission of Multnomah County
In office
2007–2010
Preceded by Diane Linn
Succeeded by Jeff Cogen
Personal details
Born Edward Tevis Wheeler
(1962-08-31) August 31, 1962
Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s) Katrina Maley
Education Stanford University (BA)
Columbia University (MBA)
Harvard University (MPP)
Signature
Website Government website

Edward Tevis Wheeler (born August 31, 1962) is an American politician from Oregon and the current mayor of Portland, Oregon. He previously served as Oregon State Treasurer.

Wheeler was appointed Treasurer on March 9, 2010, to replace Ben Westlund, who died in office, and was subsequently elected to a full term in 2012. He is a member of the Democratic Party.[1]

In 2015, Wheeler entered the race for mayor of Portland and won the primary vote in May 2016 with greater than 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff election in November. He was sworn in on December 30, 2016, for a term that officially began on January 1, 2017.[2][3]

During his first State of the City speech, Wheeler said he was focused on "helping to create a clear direction for the future of our community,"[4] and during an interview summing up his first six months in office, Wheeler said, "I see myself very much as a transitional mayor" because he has been primarily been dealing with issues relating to population growth.[5]

Early life and education

A sixth-generation Oregonian, Wheeler was born in Portland, Oregon, where he attended Portland Public Schools, including graduation from Lincoln High School.[6] He received a bachelor's degree in Economics from Stanford University in 1985. He also earned an MBA from Columbia University and a masters in public policy from Harvard University.[7] Wheeler worked for several financial services companies, including the Bank of America and Copper Mountain Trust.[1]

Political career

In 2006, Wheeler defeated incumbent Multnomah County chair Diane Linn to become chairman of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners,[8] taking office in January 2007.

Multnomah County Commissioner

Shortly after his election as Chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, Wheeler worked with his colleagues to balance a county budget that had called for $22.3 million in cuts in 2009.[9] Wheeler also fought to preserve social safety net programs [10] and to protect vulnerable Oregonians from predatory financial tactics by eliminating hidden fees from state-issued debit cards [11]

Following the loss of nearly $16 million in Oregon Common School Fund and Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund investments, Wheeler co-filed a class-action lawsuit with Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to recover the money after firms misled investors.[12]

Building, preserving and updating public space and infrastructure was also a critical focus during Wheeler's time as County Commissioner. Wheeler led efforts to construct new libraries in Kenton [13] and Troutdale[14] and also establish the new East County Courthouse construction project.[15] In addition, Wheeler fought hard to fund the crumbling Sellwood Bridge.[16]

Further, Wheeler led the county in becoming the first municipality in Oregon to Ban the Box, which reduces employment discrimination for residents with a criminal record.[17]

State Treasurer

Wheeler in 2012
Wheeler at the 2010 Pendleton Round-Up parade

On March 7, 2010, incumbent Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund died of lung cancer. Two days later, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed Wheeler to fill Westlund's seat. Wheeler defeated fellow Democrat Rick Metsger in the Democratic primary election on May 18, 2010,[18] and subsequently defeated Republican Chris Telfer, Progressive Walt Brown and Michael Marsh of the Constitution Party in a special election in November that determined that Wheeler would complete the rest of Westlund's term, which was set to expire in 2013.[19] He won election to a second full term in 2012.

As Oregon Treasurer, Wheeler has practiced aggressive financial management, achieving more than $172 million in cash flow savings since 2013. Wheeler also promoted environmental stewardship as State Treasurer, committing to doubling Oregon's investments in renewable energy resources by January 2020, and double them again by 2030, while also pledging not to pursue new investments in coal.[20] In addition, Wheeler also promoted the use of ESG (Environmental Social Governance) for all state investments to improve long-term performance, while also urging the Securities and Exchange Commission to institute tougher reviews of carbon asset risk disclosures from 45 major corporations.[21]

Wheeler also was the chair of the Oregon Retirement Savings Task Force, working to help all Portland residents save for retirement[22] and also grew Oregon's pension fund to more than $72 billion today, one of the five strongest state pension funds in the United States.[23]

Portland mayoral campaign

Ted Wheeler's campaign logo

Wheeler launched a run for Mayor on October 14, 2015.[23][24]

Wheeler has campaigned on addressing income inequality and ensuring government accountability. During his announcement speech, Wheeler promised to build a government that worked "for every person."[25]

Taking care of those in need. Taking responsibility for protecting our environment. Taking action right now to close the gap between our wealthiest and poorest residents by providing economic opportunity for lower-income and middle-income families. Equal access to our government for every person. Understanding that every dollar we spend came from a taxpayer and we need show our respect for how hard that taxpayer worked to earn those dollars by spending them wisely. These are the authentic values of Portland. And these are my values.

— Ted Wheeler

In October 2015, former Mayors of Portland Vera Katz, Tom Potter, and Sam Adams endorsed Wheeler for the office.[26][27] Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis endorsed Wheeler, as did State Representatives Lew Frederick and Tobias Read and former State Senators Ron Cease, Jane Cease, and Avel Gordly, as well as 2012 mayoral candidate Eileen Brady.[28][29]

Wheeler has also been endorsed by several groups including Basic Rights Oregon, the Portland Business Alliance, and the Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council.[29]

On May 17, Wheeler garnered more than 50% of the vote in the primary election, winning the race and avoiding a runoff in November.[30][31]

Ted Wheeler speaks to supporters at a campaign event

Mayoral tenure

Wheeler was sworn in on December 30, 2016, for a term that officially began on January 1, 2017.[3] One of his first actions was to make initial assignments of city departments (known as bureaus) to the five commissioners, of which the mayor is one. He assigned to himself the Portland Police Bureau, the Portland Development Commission, and the Portland Housing Bureau,[32] among others. He has stated that he intends to revisit the initial assignments during the annual budget process in April and may change some assignments.[33]

In July 2018, The Oregonian reported that half of the arrests in Portland were of people who are homeless. Wheeler, who oversaw the police department, said he saw this as "a problem" and would influence his budgeting decisions.[34] In September 2018, Portland residents, declaring Wheeler's approach to addressing the growth of homeless encampments insufficient, petitioned his office and other local agencies to take stronger action to address the issue.[35]

Political positions

Abortion

Wheeler is pro-choice and advocates for access to reproductive healthcare. Ted and Katrina Wheeler were honorary chairs for Planned Parenthood's 50th Anniversary Gala.[36] Wheeler has actively donated and raised funds for Planned Parenthood.[37]

Education

As Treasurer, Wheeler relaunched the Oregon College Savings Program, which reached a record $2.3 billion in January 2015. The 529 savings plan allows money saved for college to grow tax free, and gives the donor a deduction on their taxable income.[38] As Mayor of Portland, Ted Wheeler supported dissolving ACCESS Academy, an alternative program for gifted children not served by their neighborhood school due to disabilities or other challenges that prevented their learning.[39]

Environmental issues

Ted Wheeler is a proponent of increasing Oregon's investments in renewable energy funds. He commissioned a study to determine whether or not Oregon can replace fossil fuel companies in its fixed income portfolio. Wheeler does not support new coal investments.[40] He supported the City of Portland's ban on expanding fossil fuel infrastructure.[41]

Freedom of speech

Wheeler has stated that "hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment."[42][43]

Gun control

Ted Wheeler with Jennifer Williamson at the Portland Orange Walk for victims of gun violence at Peninsula Park

Wheeler advocates for increased gun control, and supports requiring rigorous background checks for people aspiring to own guns.[44] On March 14, 2018 he released a letter in support of the student walkout against gun violence.[45] On Friday, April 20, Ted Wheeler told hundreds of students outside Portland city hall that he's going to work on a ban of assault-style weapons in the city of Portland.[46]

LGBT rights

Ted Wheeler & family at PRISM Pride Parade

Wheeler and his wife Katrina are involved with Basic Rights Oregon, with Wheeler winning their Fighting Spirit Award in 2008 following his executive order in 2007 which enacted full healthcare benefits for transgender workers, and has been endorsed by that organization.[47] He supports same-sex marriage and signed and supported the 2013 Oregon United for Marriage initiative, which advocated for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Oregon.[48]

Public safety

Wheeler supports abolition of a provision in the Portland Police Association's contract that has been coined the "48 hour rule." The provision gives officers who have employed deadly force a 48-hour buffer before they are required to answer questions.[49]

Wheeler has order the Portland Police Bureau to 'stand down' in the wake of the Police shooting and killing of Patrick Kimmons, a 27-year-old black man. This has allowed activists groups like antifa and Black Lives Matter to riot and control parts of Portland's downtown business district.[50]

A video posted by journalist Andy C. Ngo showed protesters, including members of Antifa and Black Lives Matter, blocking an intersection and attempting to direct traffic at while officers on motorcycle watched from a block away. At one point, the activists chased down and attacked 74-year-old Kent Houser after he made a right turn against their wishes, pounding on his silver Lexus and breaking a window. The car sustained thousands of dollars in damage, he told the Oregonian.

Even so, Wheeler insisted that “motorists should feel completely safe coming into downtown Portland.”[51]

Personal life

Ted Wheeler at Arch Cape's Polar Plunge on New Year's Day

Wheeler lives in Southwest Portland with his wife and daughter. An Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman,[52] he summited Mount Everest in 2002.[53] He has snowshoed to the North Pole and competed in Ironman triathlons. Wheeler started his first day in office by commuting to City Hall via bicycle.[54]

Electoral history

Oregon Treasurer Special Democratic Primary Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ted Wheeler (inc.) 216,214 64.91
Democratic Rick Metsger 114,597 34.40
Democratic Write-ins 2,273 0.68
Oregon Treasurer Special Election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ted Wheeler (inc.) 721,795 52.94
Republican Chris Telfer 571,105 41.89
Progressive Walter "Walt" Brown 38,316 2.81
Constitution Michael Marsh 30,489 2.24
Write-ins Write-ins 1,738 0.13
Oregon Treasurer Election, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Ted Wheeler (inc.) 955,213 57.84
Republican Tom Cox 609,989 36.93
Progressive Cameron Whitten 38,762 2.35
Libertarian John Mahler 30,002 1.82
Constitution Michael Paul Marsh 15,415 0.93
Write-ins Write-ins 2,181 0.13
Portland, Oregon Mayoral Primary Election, 2016[55]
Party Candidate Votes %
Nonpartisan Ted Wheeler 105,562 54.67
Nonpartisan Jules Bailey 31,955 16.55
Nonpartisan Sarah Iannarone 22,831 11.82
Nonpartisan Bruce Broussard 7,465 3.69
Nonpartisan Sean Davis 5,217 2.70
Nonpartisan David Schor 5,083 2.63
Nonpartisan Jessie Sponberg 3,235 1.68
Nonpartisan Bim Ditson 2,467 1.28
Nonpartisan Patty Burkett 2,346 1.22
Nonpartisan David Ackerman 2,255 1.17
Nonpartisan Deborah Harris 1,636 0.85
Nonpartisan Lew Humble 748 0.39
Nonpartisan Trevor Manning 480 0.25
Nonpartisan Steven J. Entwisle Sr. 405 0.21
Nonpartisan Eric Calhoun 358 0.19
Nonpartisan Write-ins 1,040 0.54

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Mapes, Jeff (March 9, 2010). "Governor Ted Kulongoski names Ted Wheeler as next Oregon treasurer". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Wheeler sworn in as mayor during private event, will hold public inauguration next week". KATU. December 30, 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  3. 1 2 "Wheeler takes oath of office in private". Portland Tribune. December 30, 2016. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  4. ↑ TEGNA. "Full speech: Mayor Wheeler's State of the City Address". KGW. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  5. ↑ Skanner, The. "Mayor Ted Wheeler at Six Months". The Skanner News. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  6. ↑ "About Ted". TedWheeler.com. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  7. ↑ "Ted Wheeler". VoteSmart.org. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  8. ↑ Wilson, Kimberly A.C. (May 18, 2006). "Day after rout, new Multnomah County chairman back on trail". The Oregonian. p. D1.
  9. ↑ "Wheeler files for re-election".
  10. ↑ "Ted Wheeler Wants to Talk Urban Renewal Programs".
  11. ↑ "Controversial Fees for Unemployment Benefit Cards to End".
  12. ↑ "Oregon seeks to lead securities lawsuit against Bank of New York Mellon and recover $15.7 million in losses triggered by foreign currency trading scandal". Office of the Attorney General. February 14, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Public meeting scheduled on May 29 for siting of new Kenton Library".
  14. ↑ "County picks Cherry Park Market for new Troutdale libraryurl=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/04/county_picks_cherry_park_marke.html".
  15. ↑ "East County Courthouse celebrates grand opening on April 10". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22.
  16. ↑ "Wheeler Asks Portland to Help Pay for Sellwood Bridge". The Oregonian.
  17. ↑ "10 questions: Ted Wheeler vs. Jules Bailey on lower-income residents". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  18. ↑ "Kitzhaber, Dudley win primaries". Portland Business Journal. May 18, 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Oregon Secretary of State: That Trail's Gone Cold!".
  20. ↑ "Treasurer Wheeler Announces Steps to Increase Oregon's Investments in Renewable Energy".
  21. ↑ "Oregon Treasurer asks energy companies: How prepared are you for climate change". Archived from the original on 2015-12-22.
  22. ↑ "Oregon House approves state retirement savings plan". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  23. 1 2 "Record of Making Progress".
  24. ↑ "Priorities for Portland - Ted Wheeler for Portland Mayor". Ted Wheeler for Portland Mayor. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  25. ↑ "Ted Wheeler: I'm Running for Mayor in May".
  26. ↑ Redden, Jim (October 14, 2015). "Katz, Potter and Adams endorse Wheeler for Portland mayor". Portland Tribune. Portland, Oregon. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
  27. ↑ "Ted Wheeler Lands Endorsements".
  28. ↑ Schmidt, Brad (September 9, 2015). "Ted Wheeler's campaign kickoff pitches progressiveness". The Oregonian (Oregonlive.com). Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, Oregon. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  29. 1 2 "Endorsements – Ted Wheeler for Portland Mayor". Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  30. ↑ TEGNA. "Ted Wheeler elected next mayor of Portland". KGW. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  31. ↑ Staff, KOIN 6 News (2016-05-17). "Bailey concedes, Ted Wheeler to become Portland mayor". KOIN 6. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
  32. ↑ Templeton, Amelia (January 3, 2017s). "Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Dishes Out Bureau Assignment". OPB. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  33. ↑ Floum, Jessica (January 3, 2017s). "Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Dishes Out Bureau Assignment". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2017-01-04.
  34. ↑ https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2018/07/portland_mayor_ted_wheeler.html
  35. ↑ "Portland petition pushes city to do more to tackle homeless camps". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 2018-09-20.
  36. ↑ "Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette Golden Gala". www.byronbeck.com. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  37. ↑ "FY 2012-2013 Annual Report". Issuu. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  38. ↑ "Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler: State's college savings plan is popular and growing". The Register-Guard. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  39. ↑ http://www.opb.org/news/article/portland-kairos-charter-school-humboldt-ted-wheeler/
  40. ↑ "Oregon Treasurer Wheeler Announces Steps to Increase Oregon's Investments in Renewable Energy - Cascade Business News". Cascade Business News. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  41. ↑ "Historic Resolution: City of Portland Bans New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure — Audubon Society of Portland". audubonportland.org. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  42. ↑ Phillips, Kristine (30 May 2017). "'Hate speech is not protected by the First Amendment,' Portland mayor says. He's wrong". Washington Post. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  43. ↑ Volokh, Eugene (29 May 2017). "Portland mayor urges federal government to revoke permit for 'alt-right' demonstration, on the theory that 'hate speech is not protected'". Washington Post. Retrieved 2 June 2017.
  44. ↑ Wheeler, Ted (December 13, 2015). "Ted Wheeler Issues Statement on Gun Violence". Ted Wheeler for Mayor. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
  45. ↑ A Letter from Mayor Ted Wheeler to the Students of Portland, website for Portland government, accessed 15 March 2018
  46. ↑ , accessed 24 April 2018
  47. ↑ "EqualityPAC 2016 - Basic Rights Oregon". Basic Rights Oregon. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  48. ↑ "Oregon United for Marriage kicks off initiative campaign". Proud Queer (PQ Monthly – Daily Online). Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  49. ↑ "Portland Mayoral Candidates Differ on 48-Hour Rule for Cops". Willamette Week. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  50. ↑ https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2018/10/patriot_prayer_flash_march_cal.html
  51. ↑ https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/oct/14/ted-wheeler-portland-mayor-stands-decision-allow-a/
  52. ↑ "About Ted". Multnomah County, Oregon. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
  53. ↑ Fought, Tim (2010-03-09). "Ted Wheeler jumps to State Treasurer slot". Associated Press. KATU. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
  54. ↑ Maus, Jonathan (3 Jan 2017). "Portland's new mayor biked to work in freezing temps for his first day on the job". Portland: Pedaltown Media. Retrieved 4 January 2017. [Wheeler] rode his bike to work for his first day on the job
  55. ↑ "May 17, 2016 Primary Election Results - Multnomah County, Oregon: All Precincts, Multnomah, All Contests (Update 12)" (PDF). Multnomah County Elections Division. June 3, 2016. pp. 13–14. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
Political offices
Preceded by
Ben Westlund		 Treasurer of Oregon
2010–2017		 Succeeded by
Tobias Read
Preceded by
Charlie Hales		 Mayor of Portland
2017–present		 Incumbent
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