Centro Cultural Spokesman Announces Metro District 4 Candidacy

BEAVERTON, OR - From Juan Carlos Gonzalez for Metro Council: Juan Carlos Gonzalez, a nonprofit leader and Washington County native, today declared his candidacy for Metro Council, District 4; the seat being vacated by current Councilor, Kathryn Harrington. Gonzalez has already secured several endorsements from community leaders and will hold a campaign kickoff on December 17 in Hillsboro.

“I am fortunate to have been born and raised in District 4, and to have the opportunity to call it home today. I have dedicated my life to giving back to the community that raised me and I have been privileged to work on efforts that strengthen the fabric of our County,” said Gonzalez, who is currently the Director of Development and Communications at Centro Cultural de Washington County. “Metro is uniquely positioned to assure a positive future for all residents in our region. I am genuinely excited to tackle our region’s most challenging problems, and am committed to collaborative solutions that will continue to make the Portland Metro area the great place we love.”

Gonzalez was born in Forest Grove and raised in Cornelius. He was a valedictorian at Forest Grove High School and earned a degree in Economics and Government from Georgetown University. In college, Gonzalez interned for U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, where he assisted local governments find grant funds and organized community events. His work at Centro Cultural has expanded services for low-income families and secured critical funding for youth STEM, workforce development, and civic leadership advocacy initiatives in the community.

"With his strong connections and experience working with the local community, I am proud to be supporting Juan Carlos' candidacy for Metro," said Kathryn Harrington, the current Metro Councilor for District 4. "I am confident that he will continue the work we need by standing up for our natural environment and making Metro more responsive to the people it serves."

Committed to running a grassroots campaign, Gonzalez has already secured support from several key community leaders. Elected leaders endorsing include: Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington, Hillsboro City Councilor Kyle Allen, former Hillsboro City Councilor Olga Acuña, Hillsboro School Board Member Erika Lopez, and State Representatives Susan McLain and Janeen Sollman. Also endorsing Gonzalez are nonprofit leader Maria Caballero Rubio, attorney Donald Krahmer, Hillsboro Hops Chairman & CEO Mike McMurray, and former president of Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Oscar Arana. A full list of endorsers is available at www.gonzalez4oregon.com.

Metro Council, District 4 is northern and western Washington County, including the communities of: Cornelius, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Northwest Beaverton, Aloha, Bonny Slope, Bethany, Raleigh Hills, West Slope, Cedar Mill, and Cedar Hills.

Image via Jake Weigler, Hilltop Public Solutions