Bob Simril’s Vision for Portland: Efficiency, Transparency, Accountability and Results
In the crowded field for Portland’s City Council, Bob Simril stands out as the only candidate who has published a detailed policy statement outlining how he plans to lead the city into a new era. This statement is more than just a list of ideas; it's a comprehensive business plan that leverages Bob’s 35+ years of experience in solving complex problems across various industries.
What makes Bob’s policy statement a game changer?
1. A Operating Plan That is Focused on Portland’s Most Pressing Needs
This policy document evolved from talking to hundreds of people Bob has met on the campaign trail, as well as during his years of walking the city streets, listening to what’s on people’s minds. Bob is passionate about addressing the issues Portlanders say are the most urgent, from houselessness and addiction to public safety and infrastructure.
Additionally, this document recognizes that District 2s problems don’t end at the district’s boundary. Each of the 12 new city council members will be required to think beyond their own districts, working together to solve the challenges faced by our entire city.
With careful resource allocation and transparency, Bob believes the city can restore public trust, especially among those who feel the city’s leadership has not delivered adequate results. “Portlanders understand that we’re heavily taxed; their frustration lies in the lack of performance against those funds,” he says.
2. Delivering Greater Results with Fewer Resources
In the private sector, you reorganize every year, always expecting to do more with less. Portland doesn’t have the luxury of continuing to pay for initiatives that don’t return measurable results. Our budget is already set to face significant challenges in the coming year due to declining tax revenues as businesses and high-earners leave the city.
In this policy document, Bob emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility and prioritizing efficiency over expansion. “There is no more money,” he says plainly, noting that the solution is not to increase taxes but to optimize the $8 billion budget already in place.
His focus on budget accountability and transparency will ensure that every dollar spent brings tangible benefits to the community.
“We have 33 bureaus and 88 nonprofits that receive substantial funding, yet there is little accountability for performance,” he explains. His policy proposal includes key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of these entities, driving a new level of discipline in local government.
3. An Actionable Game Plan for Our New City Government
Many candidates promise change, but few have outlined specific, actionable strategies to make it happen. This document lays out a concrete roadmap for enacting real change, drawing on Bob’s extensive background navigating private sector bureaucracies and bringing diverse teams together.
This will be critical as the new city council learns how to work within the new governmental structure and best serve the people of Portland.
Bob also sees opportunities to leverage existing funds, like the Clean Energy Fund, to address environmental issues. He is particularly interested in using these resources to create cooling spaces, improve air quality in low-income housing, and support other environmentally-friendly initiatives that will directly benefit residents.
The Path Forward
As Portland approaches a new fiscal year and embraces a new government structure, Bob’s detailed policy statement provides a clear path forward. His business-oriented approach, commitment to transparency, and focus on efficiency make him a unique candidate in this race.
Bob’s policy statement is now available on his campaign website, where he outlines his vision in detail. By bringing his extensive experience and fresh perspective to city council, Bob aims to lead Portland into a future where resources are optimized, transparency is prioritized, and the city can do more with less.
Check out the full policy statement.