This just in, from the Made In Oregon Facebook Cause:
Pat Mobley posted an announcement to the cause Save "Made in Oregon" Sign.
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• Attend the Council meeting on Wednesday, April 1 @ 9:30a at Portland City Hall. We would like to have a large turnout as Commissioner Randy Leonard discusses the ordinance he filed to condemn the "Made in Oregon" sign (see Anna DiBenedetto's post).
• Give verbal testimony at the meeting. It is important that we voice our concerns and opinions to the city council. This will be the only opportunity for public input. The council members are not part of the Historic Landmark Commission and have the authority to look at the broader impact the sign represents to all Oregonians. They will likely put weight on the number of citizens voicing their concerns.
If you are unable to attend the council meeting, please submit written testimony to the commissioners by Tuesday, March 31.
Mayor Sam Adams - Samadams@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Amanda Fritz - amanda@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Nick Fish - Nick@ci.portland.or.us
Commissioner Dan Saltzman - dsaltzman@ci.portland.or.us
Gary Blackmer, City Auditor - gblackmer@ci.portland.or.us
The City Council will vote on the pending ordinance on Wednesday, April 8. Public testimony will not be allowed at that meeting.
Why is all this important? We are still committed to our reasons for maintaining the sign as Portland's iconic landmark. I hope you will join us in our efforts to voice our thoughts and concerns.
• The “Made in Oregon” sign has become a city and regional icon and instills pride in Oregonians.
• The sign has not identified the occupants of the building for years.
• The sign plays a unique and unusual role in the skyline of downtown Portland and creates a sense of place for all Portland and area residents.
• The sign represents a welcome to people from out of town, coming in from the airport or from the north and east.
• Many movies, travelogues, magazines, books and even Christmas cards show the sign as a way to identify Portland; it currently has marketing value for the City.
• This historic sign enhances the city’s identity to all who see it.
• “Made in Oregon” is closely associated with our culture; our great food, wine and microbrew producers; Saturday market; the Rose Festival; the Trailblazers and many other organizations. It also celebrates all the students getting their education at the many fine colleges and universities here in Portland and in Oregon.
• The Made in Oregon sign says THIS IS A GREAT PLACE! It speaks to the character and identity of Portland and Oregon.
Top photo by Kworth30.
