Jefferson Smith
From Portland Afoot
Jefferson Smith is an East Portland-based politician running for Portland mayor in 2012, opposing Charlie Hales. For details on his policy positions that matter to transit riders, see our low-car voter guide to the 2012 Portland mayoral election.
[edit] On transportation issues
See also our low-car voter guide to the 2012 Portland mayoral election.
After joining the legislature, Smith founded MAX Action, an East Portland group affiliated with the East Portland Action Plan, which seeks to enhance the Blue Line's role as a community resource through trash pickups, tabling and volunteer anti-crime watches.
In the legislature, Smith introduced bills requiring TriMet to:
- test the use of classical music at MAX stations to deter crime
- coordinate volunteer anti-crime patrols
In a compromise to prevent the bills' passage, TriMet ultimately agreed to test both proposals. The music broadcast was apparently successful at reducing crime, and businesses in the Lloyd District subsequently requested that their MAX stop also start playing music in 2012.
In 2011, Smith delivered the lead speech at the Bicycle Transportation Alliance's Alice B. Toeclips fundraiser.
In a March 2011 Street Talk interview with Portland Afoot's Rebecca Robinson, Smith floated several other ideas for reducing crime on the TriMet system.
[edit] Career
Smith founded the Bus Project, a left-leaning political organizing group for young voters, while working at Portland law firm Stoel Rives. It's named for the old bus used to ferry teens and young adults to volunteer on behalf of political candidates and issues endorsed by the group.
He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon and a law degree from Harvard Law School, where according to the Portland Tribune he finished in the top 5 percent of his class.
Smith served two terms as a state representative before forfeiting his seat to run for mayor of Portland.
[edit] External links
- profile by the Portland Tribune after Smith's 2008 election to the legislature
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