Don't Shoot PDX Leaders Bring Campaign to County Commission

Leaders of the activist group Don't Shoot PDX arrived at the regular meeting of the Multnomah County Commission on Thursday looking for help addressing race relations.

"When we talk about brown and black people being safe in Multnomah County, we are not safe anywhere here," organizer Teressa Raiford told the commissioners.

Earlier this week, Raiford and others had what could charitably be described as a contentious meeting with Portland Mayor Charlie Hales.

The meeting had been scheduled last week when protesters arrived at City Hall and the mayor said he would meet with them on Tuesday.

When they arrived at City Hall on Tuesday, they found the building locked and were told the meeting had been moved, which led to angry denunciations from the group.

The group on Thursday was joined by members of Hispanic Voice for Community Change.

Members of the group's spoke during the board's public comment session. In addition to concerns about public safety, they expressed reservations about the expected to be approved new contract between Portland and its police union.

Activists feel the contract was negotiated without public input.

Photo Multnomah County