Meet Bob Weinstein
Candidate for Portland City Council, District 4
What about bob?
After being elected in 1991 to the Ketchikan City Council and serving two 3 year terms, I was elected Mayor four times. During my 18 years in elected office, we expanded and diversified our economy, expanded renewable power generation, and improved public safety.
I was born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, where I attended public school. After getting a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Massachusetts, I received a master's degree in special education and did post-graduate work in school administration at the University of Oregon.
I headed north to Ketchikan, Alaska, after being offered a job as a special education teacher traveling by floatplane to remote communities throughout the Southeast Alaska rainforest. I later became superintendent of the school district. I learned how to fix problems and build lean and effective budgets.
I became an Alaska-based staffer for U.S. Senator Mark Begich, helping constituents and working on regional issues such as those involving the Tongass National Forest.
LEADERSHIP
Elected to two terms on the Ketchikan, Alaska City Council, followed by four terms as Mayor.
Superintendent of a regional Southeast Alaska school district.
Chaired an Educational Funding Task Force appointed by the Alaska Governor. Our report led to approval by the Alaska Legislature of a substantial increase in school funding.
Appointed by two Governors to serve on and later chair the Alaska Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
Chair of Four Dam Pool Power Agency, which operated four hydroelectric plants in Alaska that were sustainable and fish-safe.
Fighting for Portland
I moved to Portland in 2018 after many years of visiting my daughter, who was attending college and working here. I quickly engaged in local affairs. My first involvement with city government was advocating for pedestrian safety, especially for persons with disabilities and seniors, during PBOT’s implementation of the e-scooter program.
I later joined efforts to preserve neighborhood associations in city code and participated in the debate on the revised city charter. Since its passage in 2022, my focus has shifted to ensuring its effective implementation and addressing excessive costs. My increased engagement in Portland politics as a citizen has heightened concerns about livability for all citizens, particularly for young people just starting out in their careers, people working in service industries, and seniors. I am running for the Portland City Council to find new solutions to our city's growing problems.
Support a course correction in Portland
This program provides a 9-1 match for Portland residents up to a $20 donation, so that the first $20 from you turns into $200.