|
THE EDUCATION OF VERA KATZ
Portland's mayor finally seems to be getting it. "There is never a time in the future in which we will work out our salvation. The challenge is in the moment, the time is always now." --James Baldwin, as quoted in Vera Katz's State of the City address last Friday
In earlier incarnations--first as legislator and later with added responsibilities as Speaker of the Oregon House--Vera Katz regularly earned this newspaper's admiration. We were drawn to her by qualities that give special value to politics: intelligence, toughness, wit and vision. When Katz ran for mayor six years ago, we endorsed her eagerly. We were equally excited when she won. For most of the intervening years, though, we have had to wonder. What became of the leader whose entry into public life was fueled by Bobby Kennedy's "We can do better"? Where was the relentless public vision that shaped the Oregon Education Act for the 21st Century? Where was concern for the less fortunate? Where was an awareness of the hard work and creativity needed to sustain Portland's momentum? Where, in short, was an agenda? Last Friday, we heard the first genuinely satisfying answers to those questions in the mayor's annual State of the City address, delivered to the Portland City Club. After hunkering down for more than a term, the mayor rose up to offer a vision of Portland worthy of the next millennium. With five bold initiatives, Katz set forth an agenda every bit as significant and compelling as that presented by Neil Goldschmidt nearly a quarter of a century ago. The difference is that, 25 years ago, Portland appeared to be on the verge of self-destruction. Today it seems a model city. Katz's speech appears on WW's Web site this week. It contains solid prescriptions for the next quarter century in five fundamental and interrelated areas--jobs, transportation, public safety, education and neighborhood livability. Achieving this agenda will take years of hard work, tremendous coordination with other governments in the region, and enhanced citizen engagement. What stood out last Friday was not just Katz's message, but her newfound attitude. No longer does the slogan she's helped to emblazon on so many city-owned vehicles--"The City That Works"--seem sufficient. Now, at long last, our mayor seems genuinely to understand the urgency of the words she spoke Friday, these in particular: "Over time, a city can deteriorate or continue to improve. But it can never stand still." For five years Vera Katz has seemed oblivious to this aspect of her job description. Now, she seems ready to embrace it. |
