Ted Wheeler

“I have been humbled by my first two weeks in office.”

“I don't think what's in my pocketbook matters.”

“Portland has a long history of embracing the most important of American values. Those are the rights to assembly and the rights to free speech. And we're proud of protecting those core American values.”

“If I cannot address the issue of visible homelessness and abject poverty on the streets of this community, I will not get re-elected in four years.”

“Imagine a safe city with all the affordable housing we need, a city that uses its resources to help lift the marginalized up and into stability. This is the Portland I imagine. This is the Portland I dream about every single day.”

“Why are these things happening in Portland? In part, it's because we are a progressive community. Groups like Patriot Prayer and the Proud Boys... they come from the outside. They come here because they know that their message is not necessarily welcomed here. They're trying to provoke a reaction.”

“And by reducing carbon pollution in our atmosphere, we are protecting our air, water, mountains, forests, deserts, valleys, coasts and rivers - the astounding natural ecosystems that support all life and make Oregon the special place we call home.”

“I was inspired to see leaders from Paris, New York City, San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C. rolling up their sleeves to create clean and safe transportation systems; make homes and buildings efficient, comfortable and affordable; and ensure more of our energy comes from clean sources like wind and solar.”

“Violence and hatefulness have never been - nor will they ever be - who we are. This is the city I was born in, the city I was raised in and the city I love. Portland is also a united city.”

“I certainly didn't see the mayor's withdrawal coming. I was looking for a highly contested mayoral campaign.”

“If you know me, you know I mutter quite a bit. Not one of my most redeeming qualities.”

“The world's attention is increasingly focused on climate change. It threatens our economy, our environment and ultimately our families' health and livelihoods. For coastal states like Oregon, the stakes are even higher.”

“My job is to protect the safety of everyone... protesters, counter-protesters, and bystanders alike.”

“We are fortunate to live in an attractive, highly desirable and vibrant city. A city that is growing, that draws new residents and visitors from across the world each day and a city with a great sense of pride in all we do and have to offer.”

“I get up in the morning and by the time I've gone to bed there's three or four or five new crises that weren't there when I started the day. That's what being mayor of Portland is about.”

“There is definitely a balance that I have to strike both in terms of supporting the Police Bureau - making sure they have the tools and the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. But I also have an important role to play when it comes to oversight and accountability.”

“We don't know what the trajectory of autonomous or linked vehicles will be, and we don't have a clear understanding on what that means in terms of infrastructure and policy. But we know it's coming.”

“Peaceful demonstrations are essential to our democratic system. Unfortunately, some individuals have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity, including arson, rioting, looting, and damaging public and private property.”

“The criminal justice system is not the right place - or it shouldn't be the place of first resort to provide addiction or mental health services. It should happen elsewhere with no police and no judges and no juries and no jails.”

“Homelessness is an umbrella term for a lot of different problems that need separate solutions.”