Terry J. Harris
@trryjhrrs.bsky.social
Portland, Baltimore, Oregon, Idaho, green, blue, law, government, cats, kittens.
Pinned
Archie listens to me explain how Robert’s Rules says that unfinished business after an adjournment at the end of the term of all or some of the members “falls to the ground.”
#explainingthingstocats
#explainingthingstocats
February 11, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Archie listens to me explain how Robert’s Rules says that unfinished business after an adjournment at the end of the term of all or some of the members “falls to the ground.”
#explainingthingstocats
#explainingthingstocats
Wrote and then deleted my first BSKY draft. You're welcome, everyone.
February 11, 2026 at 8:16 PM
Wrote and then deleted my first BSKY draft. You're welcome, everyone.
Reposted by Terry J. Harris
CBO also makes one of my favorite @bbkogan.bsky.social points here--that the fiscal deficit right now (and in its projections) is particularly high given that the unemployment rate is relatively low.
We're running recession-level deficits without, well, a recession.
We're running recession-level deficits without, well, a recession.
February 11, 2026 at 3:10 PM
CBO also makes one of my favorite @bbkogan.bsky.social points here--that the fiscal deficit right now (and in its projections) is particularly high given that the unemployment rate is relatively low.
We're running recession-level deficits without, well, a recession.
We're running recession-level deficits without, well, a recession.
is it weird to say that I'm kinda looking forward to this year's budget season? The issues are crystalized, the stakes are high, the new govt has a year of experience, and Councilors are already locked in.
Additionally, we will float "budget concepts" ahead of the Mayor's proposed to give the public time to engage with ideas that may become amendments when we enter the formal convening of Council as Budget Committee. I want to lay all of my cards on the table, even if it means I get dragged for them.
February 11, 2026 at 5:38 PM
is it weird to say that I'm kinda looking forward to this year's budget season? The issues are crystalized, the stakes are high, the new govt has a year of experience, and Councilors are already locked in.
Reposted by Terry J. Harris
if you remember the FBI + ICE + local raid on a horse race track in Wilder, Idaho that detained hundreds of families (including many kids & U.S. citizens) the @acluidaho.bsky.social just announced a lawsuit.
The complaint is just as disturbing as previous reporting www.aclu.org/press-releas...
The complaint is just as disturbing as previous reporting www.aclu.org/press-releas...
February 10, 2026 at 10:21 PM
if you remember the FBI + ICE + local raid on a horse race track in Wilder, Idaho that detained hundreds of families (including many kids & U.S. citizens) the @acluidaho.bsky.social just announced a lawsuit.
The complaint is just as disturbing as previous reporting www.aclu.org/press-releas...
The complaint is just as disturbing as previous reporting www.aclu.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Terry J. Harris
NEW: Federal judges are increasingly furious at what they see as a pattern / playbook of defiance by the Trump administration to court orders in immigration cases — in Minnesota and around the country.
Here’s a look at what they’re seeing: www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Here’s a look at what they’re seeing: www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
How the Trump administration skirts — and defies — court rulings on ICE detentions
A POLITICO review of hundreds of cases brought by ICE detainees shows a pattern of noncompliance that has frustrated judges across the country.
www.politico.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:15 AM
NEW: Federal judges are increasingly furious at what they see as a pattern / playbook of defiance by the Trump administration to court orders in immigration cases — in Minnesota and around the country.
Here’s a look at what they’re seeing: www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Here’s a look at what they’re seeing: www.politico.com/news/2026/02...
Pot of gold over on the east side, fyi
February 10, 2026 at 1:02 AM
Pot of gold over on the east side, fyi
Oregon “supermajority” Democrats being annihilated by Republican clicktivists. Not a big deal, but not a great look either.
More than 3,300 pieces of written testimony have been filed on the bill to move the referendum date, with only 37 of those in favor. #orleg olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/M...
SB1599 2026 Regular Session - Oregon Legislative Information System
olis.oregonlegislature.gov
February 9, 2026 at 9:06 PM
Oregon “supermajority” Democrats being annihilated by Republican clicktivists. Not a big deal, but not a great look either.
Happy for the former Ravens intern.
February 9, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Happy for the former Ravens intern.
salty carbs and distillates
February 8, 2026 at 10:23 PM
salty carbs and distillates
Bad Bunny Bowl Sunday pre-pregame
February 8, 2026 at 5:35 PM
Bad Bunny Bowl Sunday pre-pregame
Not picking on Shawn here, because he's absolutely right. But part of the problem is that we (the voters!) have segregated our dollars into different types of dollars, in sometimes the wrong amounts, and into different jurisdictions that control them. It makes governing that much more difficult.
The City of Portland / Multnomah County have a duty to better steward housing, economic development, childcare and climate dollars than they’ve proven capable. It is the ultimate crime against progress. We need government to act and they’ve eroded public faith in their closest governments to do so.
February 7, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Not picking on Shawn here, because he's absolutely right. But part of the problem is that we (the voters!) have segregated our dollars into different types of dollars, in sometimes the wrong amounts, and into different jurisdictions that control them. It makes governing that much more difficult.
Accountability post: My hypothesis from November turned out to be both hilariously wrong and hilariously almost correct. 🧵 1/x
Nobody asked but (and for entertainment purposes only!) I'm going to post my completely uneducated hypothesis on this: I think the rental registration money was simply deposited in the wrong account.
Based on what little we have to go by, here's why I think that: 🧵1/
Based on what little we have to go by, here's why I think that: 🧵1/
Portland sitting on $21M that could have paid for rent aid, other services, review reveals
The tranche of dollars could have gone to emergency rent assistance, eviction defense or other housing aid, according to documents reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
www.oregonlive.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Accountability post: My hypothesis from November turned out to be both hilariously wrong and hilariously almost correct. 🧵 1/x
Letter of Recommendation: a nice 24-hour vacation in Astoria.
February 7, 2026 at 6:48 AM
Letter of Recommendation: a nice 24-hour vacation in Astoria.
Reposted by Terry J. Harris
I think the memo is careful to avoid the word “unspent.” You can budget to not spend money (typically because you intend to spend it in the future). Unbudgeted money is a problem because you didn’t know it existed. The act of budgeting is just deciding what to do with money, whether spending or not.
February 7, 2026 at 12:34 AM
I think the memo is careful to avoid the word “unspent.” You can budget to not spend money (typically because you intend to spend it in the future). Unbudgeted money is a problem because you didn’t know it existed. The act of budgeting is just deciding what to do with money, whether spending or not.
FWIW, I think there are very precise definitions that'll need to be established for a common understanding of this Housing Bureau fiasco.
Like, it seems like there are BALANCES in FUNDS that are RESTRICTED (and maybe even EARMARKED) but NOT BUDGETED and therefore UNSPENT. Did I get that right?
Like, it seems like there are BALANCES in FUNDS that are RESTRICTED (and maybe even EARMARKED) but NOT BUDGETED and therefore UNSPENT. Did I get that right?
February 7, 2026 at 12:26 AM
FWIW, I think there are very precise definitions that'll need to be established for a common understanding of this Housing Bureau fiasco.
Like, it seems like there are BALANCES in FUNDS that are RESTRICTED (and maybe even EARMARKED) but NOT BUDGETED and therefore UNSPENT. Did I get that right?
Like, it seems like there are BALANCES in FUNDS that are RESTRICTED (and maybe even EARMARKED) but NOT BUDGETED and therefore UNSPENT. Did I get that right?
The weird Guthrie’s mom kidnapping reminded me of the weird Ripkin’s mom kidnapping
Cal Ripken's mom abducted, now safe
Police say the man who abducted Hall of Fame infielder Cal Ripken Jr.'s 74-year-old mother drove around the area after the kidnapping and should be considered armed and dangerous.
www.espn.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:28 PM
The weird Guthrie’s mom kidnapping reminded me of the weird Ripkin’s mom kidnapping
Reposted by Terry J. Harris
Alleged transparency.
Here is the Scope of Work for the outside counsel hired by the City of Portland to negotiate the Portland Police Association contract.
(Public Records Request appeal is underway.)
Here is the Scope of Work for the outside counsel hired by the City of Portland to negotiate the Portland Police Association contract.
(Public Records Request appeal is underway.)
February 5, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Alleged transparency.
Here is the Scope of Work for the outside counsel hired by the City of Portland to negotiate the Portland Police Association contract.
(Public Records Request appeal is underway.)
Here is the Scope of Work for the outside counsel hired by the City of Portland to negotiate the Portland Police Association contract.
(Public Records Request appeal is underway.)
In Multnomah Village yesterday I was solicited for my signature on an initiative that would "set aside a portion of the city budget to fill potholes and make our streets safer." Where do I sign, right?
Wrong. It was the participatory budget petition. #declinetosign
Wrong. It was the participatory budget petition. #declinetosign
February 5, 2026 at 6:16 PM
In Multnomah Village yesterday I was solicited for my signature on an initiative that would "set aside a portion of the city budget to fill potholes and make our streets safer." Where do I sign, right?
Wrong. It was the participatory budget petition. #declinetosign
Wrong. It was the participatory budget petition. #declinetosign
Marty Weil was a lovely presence on twitter. (Still is, actually. I just checked.)
I've been a subscriber to the Post for a VERY long time and was willing to ignore the ups-and-downs on the opinion side for the breadth and quality of the writing and reporting. Looks like those days are over.
I've been a subscriber to the Post for a VERY long time and was willing to ignore the ups-and-downs on the opinion side for the breadth and quality of the writing and reporting. Looks like those days are over.
He Was Laid Off at The Washington Post After Working There 60 Years
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:20 PM
Marty Weil was a lovely presence on twitter. (Still is, actually. I just checked.)
I've been a subscriber to the Post for a VERY long time and was willing to ignore the ups-and-downs on the opinion side for the breadth and quality of the writing and reporting. Looks like those days are over.
I've been a subscriber to the Post for a VERY long time and was willing to ignore the ups-and-downs on the opinion side for the breadth and quality of the writing and reporting. Looks like those days are over.
This is good news and the correct result, but it's only the first baby step. This is a resolution ONLY to gather some documents and hold a hearing on a very specific topic. The oversight hasn't happened yet.
Some quick reflections from today's Council session. 🧵 1/
Some quick reflections from today's Council session. 🧵 1/
The oversight resolution from me, Councilor Green, and Councilor Avalos passes!
Aye - Avalos, Smith, Pirtle Guiney, Kanal, Green, Morillo, Koyama Lane, Dunphy
Nay - Ryan, Clark, Novick, Zimmerman
Portlanders deserve transparency about public dollars, I hope this is the beginning.
Aye - Avalos, Smith, Pirtle Guiney, Kanal, Green, Morillo, Koyama Lane, Dunphy
Nay - Ryan, Clark, Novick, Zimmerman
Portlanders deserve transparency about public dollars, I hope this is the beginning.
If City Council does not have an accurate an reliable accounting of funds to make decisions for what services we save and cut, we cannot do our jobs.
Council must exercise our oversight powers to prevent this from happening again, and I will strongly support Councilor Green’s oversight resolution.
Council must exercise our oversight powers to prevent this from happening again, and I will strongly support Councilor Green’s oversight resolution.
February 4, 2026 at 11:02 PM
This is good news and the correct result, but it's only the first baby step. This is a resolution ONLY to gather some documents and hold a hearing on a very specific topic. The oversight hasn't happened yet.
Some quick reflections from today's Council session. 🧵 1/
Some quick reflections from today's Council session. 🧵 1/
Explains the rare PPB appearance in Hillsdale this afternoon, doing stops on (presumably) white people on the most hated Rose Lane in the city?
Today, the Portland Police Bureau released its quarterly report on the number and racial profile of traffic stops.
In 2025 Q4, Portland police stopped 5,028 drivers, the fewest of any quarter this year.
47% were drivers of color.
In 2025 Q4, Portland police stopped 5,028 drivers, the fewest of any quarter this year.
47% were drivers of color.
February 4, 2026 at 4:33 AM
Explains the rare PPB appearance in Hillsdale this afternoon, doing stops on (presumably) white people on the most hated Rose Lane in the city?
Anyway. Speaking of budgets. Multnomah County has a tough one this year too. Here's an early chance to provide input.
Hope to see you this Saturday! Don't forget to RSVP at bit.ly/JVPtownhall
On Saturday, February 7th, I'm holding a virtual budget town hall to hear directly from you about which MultCo services and investments are most important to the people we serve.
Hearing from you will be critical to the difficult decisions ahead. I hope to see you there!
RSVP: bit.ly/JVPtownhall
Hearing from you will be critical to the difficult decisions ahead. I hope to see you there!
RSVP: bit.ly/JVPtownhall
February 4, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Anyway. Speaking of budgets. Multnomah County has a tough one this year too. Here's an early chance to provide input.
Matt's thread here is excellent. And it's why the oversight resolution tomorrow is so timely and so important. There are a lot of truly basic questions that still need answers. Accountability in this instance requires, at a minimum, a thorough explanation and a detailed plan of corrective action.
Respectfully, @councilordunphy.bsky.social, we can't excuse this just because it wasn't malicious. The system of accounting was chosen and managed by City leadership who are still there. If they're incapable of effectively managing government funds, they're not qualified for their positions.
“While the timing of this information is difficult, I do not believe these were hidden maliciously, but are instead a relic of the old government system of accounting," Council President Jamie Dunphy said.
February 4, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Matt's thread here is excellent. And it's why the oversight resolution tomorrow is so timely and so important. There are a lot of truly basic questions that still need answers. Accountability in this instance requires, at a minimum, a thorough explanation and a detailed plan of corrective action.
Via OPB reporting, here's a much simpler theory than mine, but only barely less disturbing.
Letting the fee money pile up on purpose like this kinda sounds like a capital mini-budget without a capital plan. BUT ALSO nobody knew about it?
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Letting the fee money pile up on purpose like this kinda sounds like a capital mini-budget without a capital plan. BUT ALSO nobody knew about it?
www.opb.org/article/2026...
February 3, 2026 at 11:39 PM
Via OPB reporting, here's a much simpler theory than mine, but only barely less disturbing.
Letting the fee money pile up on purpose like this kinda sounds like a capital mini-budget without a capital plan. BUT ALSO nobody knew about it?
www.opb.org/article/2026...
Letting the fee money pile up on purpose like this kinda sounds like a capital mini-budget without a capital plan. BUT ALSO nobody knew about it?
www.opb.org/article/2026...