Although I'm completely agnostic when it comes to voting method or proportional representation, the fact that proportional representation requires overly-large multi-member districts, I think Portland should be a hard no on this "trailblazing," lest it be a "poster child" for failure.
Commissioner Knowles is completely correct about incumbent protection as a major side-effect. And it's one that Portlanders will regret for as many years as it takes before another Charter Commission can correct that particular mistake. Protected incumbents aren't going to give back that protection on their own.
Although I'm completely agnostic when it comes to voting method or proportional representation, the fact that proportional representation requires overly-large multi-member districts, I think Portland should be a hard no on this "trailblazing," lest it be a "poster child" for failure.
Commissioner Knowles is completely correct about incumbent protection as a major side-effect. And it's one that Portlanders will regret for as many years as it takes before another Charter Commission can correct that particular mistake. Protected incumbents aren't going to give back that protection on their own.