Portland Mercury endorsement, 4/26/07

ZONE 1—SW Portland - VOTE ADKINS

In SW Portland, Ruth Adkins—founder of the Neighborhood Schools Alliance activist group—has led an outspoken campaign against the "railroading" of parents, teachers, and community members by the school board's often opaque process.

Adkins contends that hearing from everybody is just as important as getting things done, and her opponent, Douglas Morgan, is viewed as siding too often with the superintendent, Vicki Phillips, behind closed doors. Adkins is more likely to stand up to Phillips, she says.

Adkins also has the support of Portland's public process monarchs, Commissioner Randy Leonard and former city council candidate Amanda Fritz. The Mercury feels Adkins would bring a more balanced and much needed new approach to the school board.