There is a sample letter below. You may use it as is, modify it as noted, or send one of your own. Once finalized, email it to:
mayorcharliehales@portlandoregon.gov,
nick@portlandoregon.gov,
Amanda@portlandoregon.gov,
novick@portlandoregon.gov,
dan@portlandoregon.gov,
mult.chair@multco.us,
district1@multco.us,
district2@multco.us,
district3@multco.us,
district4@multco.us
Thank you!
Dear City and County Officials,
I am writing in regard to the Transient Boat Task Force that has been assembled to address the derelict boat problem and lawlessness issues of some of the live aboard community in Portland and throughout the state.
[Optional to insert personal experience here. Note what you do on the water - paddler, fisherman, boater and what you have seen in terms of behavior, distressed boats, junk, safety concerns.]
Parks Security and River Patrol, both part of the Task Force, have put in numerous hours to come up with an executable plan for dealing with the crime and the derelict vessels. I support the efforts and hard work of the Parks Security and the River Patrol and would like to see city and county officials do the same.
I am asking you, an elected official, to allocate additional funding and/or personnel in the upcoming budget to aid the efforts of Parks Security and River Patrol and to set new policies and/or support legislation which would prevent the issues from continuing. There is much work to be done to keep this ever expanding problem in check and the work cannot be done without additional personnel, funding and/or equipment and new policies.
It is important to me, as a citizen, that priority be given to keeping our rivers, docks and waterfront safe and free from lawlessness. Live aboard boaters should be made to follow the same rules as the rest of the boating public.
Please respond and let me know what you will do to support Parks Security and River Patrol. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Sign your name here, include any affiliations you think are important - paddling club, boating group, etc.]