Good Morning, News: Light Punishment for Super Reckless Local Driver, Thousands of Hollywood Celebs Pledge Support for Gaza, and Portland Wants To Weed Out "Unserious" Political Candidates

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"Wanna run for office in Portland? It won't cost you too much-for now. The city of Portland appears to be weighing an increase to the candidate filing fees for those running for mayor and City Council, which are currently quite modest ($100 and $75, respectively). In a survey seeking feedback on Portland's first ranked choice election, the city floated a potential filing fee increase, which might reduce the number of "non-serious"-the city's words, not mine!-candidates entering the fray."

"There were, after all, almost 120 candidates running for City Council or mayor last fall, which was a lot for voters (and reporters!) to sift through. And the city is correct in its analysis of some of the candidates. Not everyone who ran realistically had the experience or drive to mount a successful campaign, and some seemingly threw their name in the ring just to see it on the ballot, without trying very hard to actually win."

The Mercury requests small monthly contributions to sustain local newsreporting, arts and culture coverage, an event calendar, and a year-round lineup of hosted events. Portland is entering a variable weather period with mid-70s temperatures, dry and temperate conditions today, and a chance of rain this weekend. The city is considering raising candidate filing fees for mayor and City Council (currently $100 and $75) after surveying feedback on the first ranked-choice election. Officials suggest higher fees could deter non-serious candidates after nearly 120 ran last fall, though the large field also reflected a unique transition with no incumbents on the forthcoming 12-person City Council.

Read at Portland Mercury