Oregon Public Broadcasting

News that Erik Sten is resigning as a Portland City commissioner is prompting new candidates to step forward. Kristian Foden-Vencil reports.

Employment lawyer and former city council hopeful, Nick Fish, has already signaled his intent.

Nick Fish: “I am actively planning to run for the seat. Again I just found out this morning and have barely had a chance to talk to my wife and my colleagues as work, but in life, timing is everything.”

Sten says he timed his resignation with an eye to the May primary.

Erik Sten: “I had this realization in the last month or so that if I was ready to go, the new energy is coming on the ballot now and giving them two seats to fight for made a lot of sense, it’s going to make probably the most exciting election in 30 years.”

In addition to the two commission seats, the mayor’s seat is also up for grabs. Hopefuls include commissioner Sam Adams, and possibly the head of Azumano Travel, Sho Dozono.