Cynthia Castro

Good Afternoon family, friends & die-hard supporters!

Today is a bittersweet day. I know people use that cliche a lot but there isn't a better way to describe the mixed emotions I feel. I'm so proud of the work we have done to get to this moment, to have over 7,000 Portlanders vote for me means so much.

I know all of you invested your time, energy and of course money into my campaign and I am so appreciative of the faith you put in me and my purpose in running for office. Thank you.

I want to say a special thanks to my husband Dave, my kids Olivia & Joaquin (who is now low-key internet famous for his campaign interview with me), my Campaign Manager Michelle Rodriguez, and the rest of our campaign team for their tireless work behind the scenes. My family gave me the space and extra support I needed to even consider running and my team kept me going through the many highs & lows.

I was energized to see a larger percentage of people of color engaged in the local races than we've ever seen before. The public funding, through Open & Accountable Elections made available through the City made that happen for me.

I’m proud we were able to activate and inspire people who otherwise never saw themselves in elected office. I found great meaning in showing up and representing communities who often get left behind, and I met incredible people in Portland who see a better way forward. I was inspired by all of you every day.

You may be asking what's next? Honestly I'm asking myself that too! I am going to take a moment to breathe, running a race in a pandemic has been quite exciting, but I'm looking forward to enjoying my family a little more and getting back to our routine.

I think there is still some place for me in local politics and don't worry, you'll be the first to hear when I've figured out what that looks like!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Cynthia

Throughout my experience with the City of Portland, I have worked to raise awareness with immigrant and refugee community, Black, and Native communities to understand what the City does, how they can engage with the City about issues they care about, and been a person who has said, "I am here. You can contact me anytime." If I don’t have the answer, I will connect you with someone who does.

Language access has been one of my focuses. In preparation of implementing the new 311 Integrated Customer Service Center, the City conducted language-based phone surveys with Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese speakers. 66% of respondents said they do not contact the City, the top reason was language barrier.

When I worked for Portland Parks & Recreation, I led a project team to improve our service to limited English proficient community members. We contracted with a language interpretation and translation provider and trained staff in community centers, in our Urban Forestry, and Customer Service Center on how to utilize the service.

VOTE for Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

I’m Cynthia Castro and I’m running for Portland City Council, Seat 2

I am an experienced leader who will continue to improve access to City services and your local government. I will protect the things that make Portland special like livability and our beloved park and recreation system. I will work together with community leaders to build a Portland that supports our needs now and is better prepared for our future.

VOTE for Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY CYNTHIA CASTRO FOR PORTLAND
LARGEST DONOR PORTLAND PUBLIC FUNDS OAE

If I become a Portland City Commissioner, one of my top priorities is to build on Commissioner Nick Fish’s work to secure a long-term sustainable funding model for Portland Parks & Recreation.

I believe a healthy and well-maintained parks and recreation system should be a high priority because of the vast community, health, environmental, and economic benefits. During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen the power of our parks and natural areas as Portlanders have looked to them to support their health and well-being, myself included!

VOTE for Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

Keep your eyes wide open.

On a run one morning, I reflected on the impact of violent racism in many communities in our country. The killing of our black & brown families must end.

Let's remember their names. Let's remember their stories.

Ahmaud. Mulugeta. Larnell. Tanisha. Philando. Reika. Trayvon. Sandra. Eric. Kathryn. Amadou. Tamir. Alton. Viccky. Freddie, Mike. Amia. And many others.

If I become a Portland City Commissioner, one of my top priorities is to build on Commissioner Nick Fish’s work to secure a long-term sustainable funding model for Portland Parks & Recreation.

I believe a healthy and well-maintained parks and recreation system should be a high priority because of the vast community, health, environmental, and economic benefits. During the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve seen the power of our parks and natural areas as Portlanders have looked to them to support their health and well-being, myself included!

VOTE for Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

Keep an eye out for our mailer and a fun Parks word search for the kids and family to enjoy!

Throughout my experience with the City of Portland, I have worked to raise awareness with immigrant and refugee community, Black, and Native communities to understand what the City does, how they can engage with the City about issues they care about, and been a person who has said, "I am here. You can contact me anytime." If I don’t have the answer, I will connect you with someone who does.

Language access has been one of my focuses. In preparation of implementing the new 311 Integrated Customer Service Center, the City conducted language-based phone surveys with Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese speakers. 66% of respondents said they do not contact the City, the top reason was language barrier.

When I worked for Portland Parks & Recreation, I led a project team to improve our service to limited English proficient community members. We contracted with a language interpretation and translation provider and trained staff in community centers, in our Urban Forestry, and Customer Service Center on how to utilize the service.

VOTE for Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

✅ VOTE-BY-MAIL DEADLINE ✅

Quick reminder if you’re using Oregon’s free vote-by-mail system, ballots must be received by 8 pm on Election Day, Tuesday May 19th. Voting by mail is free! No stamp needed!

Here’s more info on vote-by-mail: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/pages/voteinor.aspx

As a champion of Portland’s parks, one reason I am running is because I want to build on Commissioner Nick Fish’s work to secure a long-term sustainable financial model for Portland Parks & Recreation.

The bureau’s financial struggles culminated last year with a $6.3 million budget shortfall that resulted in the closures of recreation facilities and mass layoffs of employees, many of whom were my colleagues. It was painful and unless we address structural issues, our award-winning parks and recreation system will continue to diminish. I don’t want to let this happen.

VOTE for Portland City Commissioner Seat 2

Crecí en el noroeste del Pacífico y tengo experiencia como investigador centrado en las disparidades en la salud de las minorías y el alivio de la pobreza. Obtuve una maestría en salud pública de la Universidad Estatal de Oregón (OSU) mientras también servía como coach para los equipos de Cross Country y Track de los Beavers.

Mi esposo apoya la investigación del cáncer dentro del Knight Cancer Institute de OHSU y tenemos dos niños matriculados en las escuelas públicas de Portland.

Durante los últimos seis años, he servido con orgullo a nuestra comunidad como empleada del departamento de parques y recreación de Portland, incluso como directora del centro comunitario Charles Jordan y como asesora principal de políticas para la comisionada Amanda Fritz.

Me postulo para el consejo de Portland porque quiero asegurarme de que todos los habitantes de Portland tengan una vivienda digna, seguridad económica, aire más limpios y aguas limpias.

También quiero proteger las cosas que hacen de Portland una ciudad especial, como nuestro sistema de parques y recreación, pequeñas empresas y la comunidad creativa.

Quiero centrarme en la seguridad. Sé que la seguridad tiene significado diferente para cada persona. Necesitamos políticas que aborden la seguridad sin importar condicion social. He estado involucrado en el trabajo contra el odio en la ciudad.

Quiero cambiar los sistemas y estructuras de la ciudad que han perpetuado la desigualdad. Trabajaré junto a la comunidad para crear conjuntamente políticas y programas que satisfagan sus necesidades.

También me postulo porque necesitamos un Concejo Municipal que refleje más a la comunidad a la que servimos. A lo largo de la campaña, he recibido comentarios de personas de diferentes culturas que me agradecen por ser valiente al postularme. Estoy asesorando a estudiantes de diferentes culturas que me han compartido que ahora creen que podrían trabajar en el gobierno.

Cuando era niña, las palabras comisionada municipal o campaña no estaban en mis pensamientos. Ese no será el caso para mis hijos.

VOTEN para el puesto 2 del consejo de la ciudad de Portland

Thank you all so much for your continued support. Change your frame to show your support for electing me for Portland City Council. Check out all the cool frames we have by selecting your profile picture, add frame, and searching “Cynthia For PDX."