Posts

Affordable Housing

Image
Portland cannot reach its full potential unless working people can afford to live here. We need more housing, but our current approval process too often favors large, speculative developments while making it difficult for homeowners and local builders to create the neighborhood-scale housing our city needs. Streamline ADUs and Cut Red Tape The fastest way to add affordable housing is to make it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Today, converting a garage or adding a backyard cottage can cost $10,000 to $25,000 in architectural plans, engineering, surveys, and permit-related expenses before construction even begins. After that, homeowners may wait one to six months or more for approvals before a single nail is driven. I will work to create a fast-track approval process for ADUs, reduce unnecessary permitting costs, simplify regulations, and establish firm review timelines so local families can build housing instead of getting buried in paperwork. Reform t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Father's Day

Image
Last night, I spent some time looking through old photos of my children. Neither they nor I could have imagined what our country, state, and city would look like today. When I first ran for office my son was due in October (not recommended timing), I ran to help make things better for him and for my neighbors. That mission has not changed.   I continue to get involved, my children and the community have given back to us so much. Serving on the City Council will not solve every problem facing my  constituents, but though good stewardship and attentive engagement I will give everyone here a voice.   Personally, getting involved and working alongside my neighbors, I can be a good example to my children. Every Father's Day becomes a little more meaningful as I watch my children grow into thoughtful, capable young people. Seeing parents, neighbors, and community members step forward to make a difference gives me hope for the future. The example we set today helps shape th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Homelessness, addiction, and mental health

Another recurring concern was the challenges surrounding homelessness, addiction, and mental health. Hundreds of cities similar in size to Portland, Maine have implemented a wide range of strategies to support unhoused individuals and those struggling with mental illness or substance use disorders while reducing reliance on overburdened police resources and connecting people with more appropriate services. The following are some of the most effective and efficient methods: * Housing First initiatives that provide stable housing before requiring treatment or sobriety, leading to improved long-term outcomes and reduced emergency service use. coordinated outreach teams that connect unhoused individuals with wet shelters, housing, healthcare, identification documents, and social services. * Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs that delivers intensive, multidisciplinary support to individuals with mobile crisis response teams, social workers, and constables responding to behavioral ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Traffic Safety

Image
One of the most important parts of my campaign is listening. I encourage everyone to like, follow, and join the conversation each week. Share your ideas, ask questions, and engage respectfully of each other. Remember, we are neighbors who genuinely care about one another and our city. We can disagree without being disagreeable. In my next few posts I will write up some of the top concerns I have heard constituents of district five mention. We all have come face to face with at least one or two of the following safety issues in Portland: Unsafe road crossings made more difficult in the winter, speed limits that seem higher they should, unchecked speeding, and individuals behaving unsafely at intersections and medians. Your district 5 neighbors mentioned speeding, pedestrian safety, and bike safety as being a top concern. Some common speed-reduction techniques are: lowering posted speed limits, radar speed feedback signs, painted lane narrowing and flexible bollards, increased enforcemen...
Post a Comment
Read more

I’m running for Portland City Council to represent District 5 this November!

Image
I’m running because I believe local government should be practical, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in our community to solve problems collaboratively and build strong relationships. If elected, I’ll focus on keeping our neighborhoods safe, clean, and welcoming while being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. I’ll make sure District 5 has a strong voice at City Hall and support thoughtful approaches to housing, homelessness, and public safety that reflect the needs of our community. I want to be a councilor who is accessible, visible, and engaged. I want to hear your ideas, your concerns, and what you expect from your councilor. I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received and would be honored to earn your support this November. Together, we can help shape a stronger future for District 5 and Portland.  Kevin Gardella Candidate for Portland City Council, District 5
Post a Comment
Read more