As someone who ran for City Council in the last primary (against Amanda Fritz) and would have more than likely benefited from publicly financed elections, I'm opposed to bringing back this program. What I learned from my own campaign is that there's a learning curve to getting elected that is akin to on-the-job training for holding office. Raising money is tough, sure, but it also helps you hone your message, learn how to connect with voters, and to listen to all of their concerns, hopes and dreams for Portland. There were 31 people running for the three open seats, and while there were some great people, many were unqualified to hold public office. No amount of money from public coffers would have changed that, but it might have masked it. More importantly, though, it would be immoral to take $145,000 for a 10 week primary cycle when that is just slightly less than the cost of getting someone who is houseless off the streets and into affordable housing. For me, the choice is easy.