Angela Bonilla, the president of the Portland Association of Teachers (PAT), is contemplating a political challenge against state Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) for his legislative seat, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.
Bonilla has gained prominence since taking over the leadership of the teachers’ union in 2022, particularly after spearheading a contentious teacher strike in November 2023 that resulted in weeks of school closures.
Despite the strike’s controversy, public opinion surrounding the PAT appears resilient; three out of four candidates endorsed by the union won their races in the May elections, with the fourth contest being very competitive.
In response to inquiries about a potential run, Bonilla stated in text messages to WW that her focus is currently on preparing for the upcoming school year, which includes engaging in negotiations with Portland Public Schools.
“My plate is pretty full at the moment,” she mentioned.
However, she did not shy away from acknowledging her political aspirations, saying, “I’m too busy being a union president to focus on a race for the House right now, but anything is possible.”
Nosse, who has held office since 2014 and is a seasoned organizer for the Oregon Nurses Association, has announced his intention to seek re-election. He faced no challengers in the 2024 election cycle.
Bonilla’s interest in a legislative seat may also explain her increased involvement in discussions on issues that extend beyond education. Earlier this spring, she criticized Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan regarding his stance on police funding.
Additionally, Bonilla sent a strongly worded letter to the Northwest Oregon Labor Council expressing her disapproval when it admitted the police union to its ranks, a decision that was later rescinded.
In other news, Barclay Grayson, a long-time associate of developer Walter Bowen, has separated from his role at BPM Real Estate Group after 22 years. Grayson served as the senior vice president for acquisitions and development and contributed to the creation of Portland’s first five-star hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, located in the Block 216 tower.
Now seeking new employment opportunities, Grayson has updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect his current job search, stating, “I’m seeking a new role and would appreciate your support.”
He is reaching out for connections and potential job leads as he navigates this transition.
Grayson’s departure comes amid ongoing legal issues, as he recently filed a lawsuit claiming that the entity managing the luxury Ritz-Carlton residences has denied him the right to purchase a unit, despite him having invested $2 million on enhancements, including luxury renovations.
He is now seeking the enforcement of his sales agreement or compensation of $2.6 million from BDC Real Estate Investments LLC, a BPM affiliate.
BPM has not responded to inquiries regarding Grayson’s departure or the current status of the development project.
Adding to the discussion of safety in Portland, the commander of the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct has recommended that Multnomah County implement metal detectors at the Central Library following a recent fatal shooting on the library’s front steps.
Cmdr. Brian Hughes provided these recommendations on July 7 in the context of pressing safety concerns surrounding the library, particularly regarding drug use and weapons.
Jason Gerlt, chair of the Downtown Retail Council—a subset of the Portland Metro Chamber—emphasized the urgent need for county officials to address these safety issues, stating, “The current environment reflects a troubling refusal to acknowledge the severity of what is occurring both inside and around the library.”
Concerns have been raised regarding the county’s approach to safety and the perceived reluctance to collaborate with law enforcement effectively.
In light of these incidents, a spokesperson for the Multnomah County Library pointed out that slow police response times to emergencies, such as 911 calls from library employees, contribute to the ongoing safety challenges in the area.
“Without action and prioritized response from the Portland Police Bureau when we call, the surrounding area will not improve,” they explained.
The library has requested an increase in police patrols around the perimeter and a commitment to timely responses to emergencies, hoping such measures will help restore safety and trust in this vital community space.
image source from：wweek
