Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Blogging on PCC's bond measure

Photos and story by Dana Haynes

So here’s my big idea: I spent 20 years in newspaper journalism, leaving that career in June of last year to become communications guy for Portland Community College. And lo, the college brass decides to go out and seek a bond measure this year.

It’s an incredible challenge and a lot of work. I’m learning something new every day. So: Why don’t I blog about it?

I told my girlfriend. She stared at me over the rim of a champagne flute. “Blog?”

“Sure!”

“About the process of a bond measure?”

“Heck, yes.”

She kissed me on the cheek and said, “Yeah, good luck with that.”

OK, her point isn’t without merit. This could be, if done right, the most boring blog in the history of the English language. It could be very, very process oriented. And the process of putting together a bond measure can be …what’s the term I’m looking for… suicide-inducing?

Yes, dullness ensues.

But here’s my thing: this has proven to be anything but dull. There are weird, complex rules of the game. There are things I’m forbidden from saying while I’m on duty; the kind of things that, if I screw up, could result in the Secretary of State’s office fining me.

Not, you’ll note, fining PCC. Fining ME.

There are political pitfalls. There are lots of opportunity for gaffes – very public gaffes. There’s this brilliant if acerbic consultant who’s advising us. There are the public surveys to find out what people think of PCC.

All in all, I’m having fun.

We’ve got 85 days to get the word out about the challenges we face. No reason we can’t have some fun along the way.

The purpose of this blog, by the way, is not to get you to vote “yes” or “no” on the bond. That would go against the Oregon Secretary of State’s rules. The purpose of this blog is to provide accurate information about the bond and PCC; to debunk myths; and to share some of the fun we’re having as we ramp up toward the election. I will be asking for feedback, but this isn’t one of those blogs that everyone and their dog can post to. I’ll read all responses and will decide if the facts or questions within them are worth bringing to your attention.

Send your feedback to dana.haynes@pcc.edu. And thanks in advance.

dana

Dana Haynes

Public Affairs Manager

dana.haynes@pcc.edu