Oregonian Readers respond: Participatory budgeting is champagne socialism

The participatory budgeting measure on November’s ballot — Measure 26-267 — claims to give Portlanders more say over the budget. In practice, it will do the opposite: It dilutes representation for the communities that can least afford it, and is champagne socialism exemplified, (“2 Portland ballot initiatives have each raised staggering amounts to reshape how the city spends millions,” June 10).

Participatory budgeting rewards whoever has the time to organize, meet, petition and campaign for grant funding. Neighborhoods like Laurelhurst, Irvington and Westmoreland have armies of retirees and stay-at-home activists who can spend hours crafting proposals and raising votes for street murals and bioswales.

Portlanders in Powellhurst-Gilbert, Hazelwood and Mill Park, already disenfranchised and busy working two jobs, don’t have the time or energy to compete for the same dollars, even though their potholed roads and public safety needs are just as real.

Read the rest at oregonlive.com.