From campaign volunteer Cathy Petrecca:

I had a great chance to see what grass-roots politics looks like yesterday when parent volunteers from Ruth's campaign came over to my house to put together the 1,000 lawn signs that had just arrived from the printers. The children were running between raindrops in the yard, while the grownups put the signs together and talked politics in the garage. We talked about Ruth's campaign and about the challenges of getting out her message through a grassroots citywide campaign, and the new leadership that is needed on our School Board.

Then we discussed Superintendent Phillips' comments at a City Club forum several of us attended the previous day. Interestingly, Dr. Phillips stated that Portland Public Schools and the School Board have three areas in which they need to improve (this is a synopsis, not a direct quote):

1) Improve the process/communication about District decisions up front;

2) Find a healthy balance between the need for outcome and the process used, specifically getting the community more involved in the design side of new ideas; and

3) Creating partnerships between PPS and the community.

These are exactly the things Ruth has been saying for several years as a schools advocate, and the kinds of tasks at which she excels.

Portland is a shining example of a civic-minded community with an informed citizenry. Electing Ruth to the Board would definitely help PPS reconnect with the terrific community in which we all live.

Over the coming weeks, as the 1,000 "Ruth Adkins for School Board" lawn signs we assembled yesterday get distributed by volunteers across the city--from St. Johns, Arbor Lodge & Piedmont to Alameda & Rose City Park to Woodstock and Westmoreland, from John's Landing to Hillsdale and Ash Creek, and everywhere in between--I hope that Portland's citizens will find out more about Ruth and the strong leadership and community engagement she will bring to our School Board. Go Ruth!

-Cathy Petrecca, campaign volunteer & mother of two PPS students

P.S. To get your own (fully recylable and union-made) lawn sign, click on "Volunteer" and fill out the request form. If you would like multiple signs for your friends, family, and neighbors, we are happy to accommodate you! Of course, be sure that you are putting signs only on private property, with the owner's permission. Thanks!