Ted Wheeler
Ted Wheeler | |
---|---|
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Mayor of Portland Elect | |
Taking office January 1, 2017 | |
Succeeding | Charlie Hales |
Treasurer of Oregon | |
Assumed office March 11, 2010 | |
Governor |
Ted Kulongoski John Kitzhaber Kate Brown |
Preceded by | Ben Westlund |
Succeeded by | Tobias Read (Elect) |
Chair of the County Commission of Multnomah County | |
In office 2007–2010 | |
Preceded by | Diane Linn |
Succeeded by | Jeff Cogen |
Personal details | |
Born |
Edward Tevis Wheeler August 31, 1962 Portland, Oregon, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Katrina Maley |
Alma mater |
Stanford University (BA) Columbia University (MBA) Harvard University (MPP) |
Signature |
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Website | Government website |
Edward Tevis "Ted" Wheeler (born August 31, 1962) is an American politician from Oregon. He was appointed Oregon State Treasurer on March 9, 2010, to replace Ben Westlund, who died in office, and was subsequently elected to a full term in 2012. He is a member of the Democratic Party.[1]
Wheeler is currently first in line to the governorship, due to the appointment of Jeanne Atkins as secretary of state. Under the Oregon Constitution, appointed officials are not included in the line of succession.[2]
In 2015, Wheeler entered the race to succeed Charlie Hales as Mayor of Portland, and won the primary vote in May 2016 with greater than 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff election in November.
Early life and education
A sixth-generation Oregonian, Wheeler was born in Portland, Oregon, where he attended Portland Public Schools, including graduation from Lincoln High School.[3] He received a bachelor's degree in Economics from Stanford University in 1985. He also earned an MBA from Columbia University and a masters in public policy from Harvard University.[4] Wheeler worked for several financial services companies, including the Bank of America and Copper Mountain Trust.[1]
Political career
In 2006, Wheeler defeated incumbent Multnomah County chair Diane Linn to become chairman of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners,[5] taking office in January 2007.
Multnomah County Commissioner
Shortly after his election as Chair of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, Wheeler worked with his colleagues to balance a county budget that had called for $22.3 million in cuts in 2009.[6] Wheeler also fought to preserve social safety net programs [7] and to protect vulnerable Oregonians from predatory financial tactics by eliminating hidden fees from state-issued debit cards [8]
Following the loss of nearly $16 million in Oregon Common School Fund and Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund investments, Wheeler co-filed a class-action lawsuit with Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to recover the money after firms misled investors.[9]
Building, preserving and updating public space and infrastructure was also a critical focus during Wheeler's time as County Commissioner. Wheeler led efforts to construct new libraries in Kenton [10] and Troutdale[11] and also establish the new East County Courthouse construction project.[12] In addition, Wheeler fought hard to fund the crumbling Sellwood Bridge.[13]
Further, Wheeler led the county in becoming the first municipality in Oregon to Ban the Box, which reduces employment discrimination for residents with a criminal record.[14]
State Treasurer
![](../I/m/Ted_Wheeler.jpg)
![](../I/m/Ted_Wheeler_at_Pendleton_Round-Up_Parade.jpg)
On March 7, 2010, incumbent Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund died of lung cancer. Two days later, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski appointed Wheeler to fill Westlund's seat. Wheeler defeated fellow Democrat Rick Metsger in the Democratic primary election on May 18, 2010,[15] and subsequently defeated Republican Chris Telfer, Progressive Walt Brown and Michael Marsh of the Constitution Party in a special election in November that determined that Wheeler would complete the rest of Westlund's term, which was set to expire in 2013.[16] He won election to a second full term in 2012.
As Oregon Treasurer, Wheeler has practiced aggressive financial management, achieving more than $172 million in cash flow savings since 2013. Wheeler also promoted environmental stewardship as State Treasurer, committing to doubling Oregon’s investments in renewable energy resources by January 2020, and double them again by 2030, while also pledging not to pursue new investments in coal.[17] In addition, Wheeler also promoted the use of ESG (Environmental Social Governance) for all state investments to improve long-term performance, while also urging the Securities and Exchange Commission to institute tougher reviews of carbon asset risk disclosures from 45 major corporations.[18]
Wheeler also was the chair of the Oregon Retirement Savings Task Force, working to help all Portland residents save for retirement[19] and also grew Oregon's pension fund to more than $72 billion today, one of the five strongest state pension funds in the United States.[20]
Portland mayoral campaign
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Wheeler launched a run for Mayor on October 14, 2015.[20] He has pledged to create a new era of openness and accountability in City Hall, ending backroom deals and making government more transparent while being responsive to the needs of all residents, particularly communities that have been historically marginalized by city government.[21]
Wheeler has campaigned on addressing income inequality, ensuring an affordable Portland for all ages and building an open, inclusive and honest government. During his announcement speech, Wheeler promised to build a government that worked "for every person."[22]
"Taking care of those in need. Taking responsibility for protecting our environment. Taking action right now to close the gap between our wealthiest and poorest residents by providing economic opportunity for lower-income and middle-income families. Equal access to our government for every person. Understanding that every dollar we spend came from a taxpayer and we need show our respect for how hard that taxpayer worked to earn those dollars by spending them wisely. These are the authentic values of Portland. And these are my values."— Ted Wheeler
In October 2015, former Mayors of Portland Vera Katz, Tom Potter, and Sam Adams endorsed Wheeler for the office.[23][24] Gresham Mayor Shane Bemis endorsed Wheeler, as did State Representatives Lew Frederick and Tobias Read and former State Senators Ron Cease, Jane Cease, and Avel Gordly, as well as 2012 mayoral candidate Eileen Brady.[25][26]
Wheeler has also been endorsed by several groups including Basic Rights Oregon, the Portland Business Alliance, and the Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council.[26]
On May 17, Wheeler garnered more than 50% of the vote in the primary election, winning the race and avoiding a runoff in November.[27][28]
![](../I/m/Ted_Speech.jpg)
Political positions
Education
As Treasurer, Wheeler relaunched the Oregon College Savings Program, which reached a record $2.3 billion in January 2015. The 529 savings plan allows money saved for college to grow tax free, and gives the donor a deduction on their taxable income.[29]
Environmental issues
Ted Wheeler is a staunch proponent of increasing Oregon's investments in renewable energy funds. He commissioned a study to determine whether or not Oregon can replace fossil fuel companies in its fixed income portfolio. Wheeler does not support new coal investments.[30] Wheeler was the first Mayoral candidate to vocally support the City of Portland's ban on expanding fossil fuel infrastructure.[31]
Gun control
![](../I/m/Ted_Wheeler_and_Jennifer_Williamson_at_an_anti_gun_rally.jpg)
Wheeler advocates for increased gun control, and supports requiring rigorous background checks for people aspiring to own guns.[32]
LGBT rights
![](../I/m/PRISM_Pride_Parade_0021.jpg)
Wheeler and his wife Katrina are involved with Basic Rights Oregon, with Wheeler winning their Fighting Spirit Award in 2008 following his executive order in 2007 which enacted full healthcare benefits for transgender workers. Wheeler has been endorsed by that group as a pro-equality candidate.[33] Wheeler signed and supported the 2013 Oregon United for Marriage initiative.[34]
Reproductive rights
Ted Wheeler advocates for abortion rights and access to reproductive healthcare. Ted and Katrina Wheeler were honorary chairs for Planned Parenthood's 50th Anniversary Gala.[35] Wheeler has actively donated and raised funds for Planned Parenthood.[36]
Public safety
Wheeler has spoken out against a provision in the Portland Police Association's contract that has been coined the "48 hour rule." The provision gives officers who have employed deadly force a 48-hour buffer before they are required to answer questions. Wheeler publicly stated this provision should be abolished.[37]
Personal life
![](../I/m/Ted_polar_plunge.jpg)
Ted Wheeler is a sixth-generation Oregonian who was born in Portland. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Portland's Goose Hollow neighborhood, Wheeler volunteered at the Goose Hollow Shelter as an overnight host before moving on to earn degrees from Stanford University (Economics), Columbia University (Masters of Business Administration), and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (Masters in Public Policy).
Wheeler has devoted his time and talents to numerous diverse organizations including Neighborhood House, Portland Mountain Rescue and the Oregon Sports Authority. He has snowshoed to the North Pole, climbed Mount Everest and competed in Ironman triathlons.
Wheeler lives in Southwest Portland with his wife and daughter. An Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman,[38] he summited Mount Everest in 2002.[39]
Electoral history
Oregon Treasurer Special Democratic Primary Election, 2010 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
Democratic | Ted Wheeler (inc.) | 216,214 | 64.91 |
Democratic | Rick Metsger | 114,597 | 34.40 |
Democratic | Write-ins | 2,273 | 0.68 |
Oregon Treasurer Special Election, 2010 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
Democratic | Ted Wheeler (inc.) | 721,795 | 52.94 |
Republican | Chris Telfer | 571,105 | 41.89 |
Progressive | Walter "Walt" Brown | 38,316 | 2.81 |
Constitution | Michael Marsh | 30,489 | 2.24 |
Write-ins | Write-ins | 1,738 | 0.13 |
Oregon Treasurer Election, 2012 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
Democratic | Ted Wheeler (inc.) | 955,213 | 57.84 |
Republican | Tom Cox | 609,989 | 36.93 |
Progressive | Cameron Whitten | 38,762 | 2.35 |
Libertarian | John Mahler | 30,002 | 1.82 |
Constitution | Michael Paul Marsh | 15,415 | 0.93 |
Write-ins | Write-ins | 2,181 | 0.13 |
Portland, Oregon Mayoral Primary Election, 2016[40] | |||
---|---|---|---|
Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
Nonpartisan | Ted Wheeler | 105,562 | 54.67 |
Nonpartisan | Jules Bailey | 31,955 | 16.55 |
Nonpartisan | Sarah Iannarone | 22,831 | 11.82 |
Nonpartisan | Bruce Broussard | 7,465 | 3.69 |
Nonpartisan | Sean Davis | 5,217 | 2.70 |
Nonpartisan | David Schor | 5,083 | 2.63 |
Nonpartisan | Jessie Sponberg | 3,235 | 1.68 |
Nonpartisan | Bim Ditson | 2,467 | 1.28 |
Nonpartisan | Patty Burkett | 2,346 | 1.22 |
Nonpartisan | David Ackerman | 2,255 | 1.17 |
Nonpartisan | Deborah Harris | 1,636 | 0.85 |
Nonpartisan | Lew Humble | 748 | 0.39 |
Nonpartisan | Trevor Manning | 480 | 0.25 |
Nonpartisan | Steven J. Entwisle Sr. | 405 | 0.21 |
Nonpartisan | Eric Calhoun | 358 | 0.19 |
Nonpartisan | Write-ins | 1,040 | 0.54 |
References
- 1 2 Mapes, Jeff (March 9, 2010). "Governor Ted Kulongoski names Ted Wheeler as next Oregon treasurer". The Oregonian. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
- ↑ Lehman, Chris (March 6, 2015). "Jeanne Atkins Named Oregon's Next Secretary Of State". KUOW. Retrieved March 6, 2015.
- ↑ "About Ted". TedWheeler.com. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
- ↑ "Ted Wheeler". VoteSmart.org. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
- ↑ Wilson, Kimberly A.C. (May 18, 2006). "Day after rout, new Multnomah County chairman back on trail". The Oregonian. p. D1.
- ↑ "Wheeler files for re-election".
- ↑ "Ted Wheeler Wants to Talk Urban Renewal Programs".
- ↑ "Controversial Fees for Unemployment Benefit Cards to End".
- ↑ "Oregon seeks to lead securities lawsuit against Bank of New York Mellon and recover $15.7 million in losses triggered by foreign currency trading scandal". Office of the Attorney General. February 14, 2012. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
- ↑ "Public meeting scheduled on May 29 for siting of new Kenton Library".
- ↑ "County picks Cherry Park Market for new Troutdale libraryurl=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/04/county_picks_cherry_park_marke.html".
- ↑ "East County Courthouse celebrates grand opening on April 10".
- ↑ "Wheeler Asks Portland to Help Pay for Sellwood Bridge". The Oregonian.
- ↑ "10 questions: Ted Wheeler vs. Jules Bailey on lower-income residents". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Kitzhaber, Dudley win primaries". Portland Business Journal. May 18, 2010. Retrieved October 12, 2013.
- ↑ Voters' Guide, Oregon General Election November 2, 2010
- ↑ "Treasurer Wheeler Announces Steps to Increase Oregon's Investments in Renewable Energy".
- ↑ "Oregon Treasurer asks energy companies: How prepared are you for climate change".
- ↑ "Oregon House approves state retirement savings plan". OregonLive.com. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- 1 2 "Record of Making Progress".
- ↑ "Priorities for Portland - Ted Wheeler for Portland Mayor". Ted Wheeler for Portland Mayor. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Ted Wheeler: I'm Running for Mayor in May".
- ↑ Redden, Jim (October 14, 2015). "Katz, Potter and Adams endorse Wheeler for Portland mayor". Portland Tribune. Portland, Oregon. Retrieved December 27, 2015.
- ↑ "Ted Wheeler Lands Endorsements".
- ↑ Schmidt, Brad (September 9, 2015). "Ted Wheeler's campaign kickoff pitches progressiveness". The Oregonian (Oregonlive.com). Portland, Oregon metropolitan area, Oregon. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- 1 2 "Endorsements – Ted Wheeler for Portland Mayor". Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ TEGNA. "Ted Wheeler elected next mayor of Portland". KGW. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
- ↑ Staff, KOIN 6 News (2016-05-17). "Bailey concedes, Ted Wheeler to become Portland mayor". KOIN 6. Retrieved 2016-05-18.
- ↑ "Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler: State's college savings plan is popular and growing". The Register-Guard. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Oregon Treasurer Wheeler Announces Steps to Increase Oregon's Investments in Renewable Energy - Cascade Business News". Cascade Business News. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Historic Resolution: City of Portland Bans New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure — Audubon Society of Portland". audubonportland.org. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ Wheeler, Ted (December 13, 2015). "Ted Wheeler Issues Statement on Gun Violence". Ted Wheeler for Mayor. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
- ↑ "EqualityPAC 2016 - Basic Rights Oregon". Basic Rights Oregon. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Oregon United for Marriage kicks off initiative campaign". Proud Queer (PQ Monthly – Daily Online). Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette Golden Gala". www.byronbeck.com. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "FY 2012-2013 Annual Report". Issuu. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "Portland Mayoral Candidates Differ on 48-Hour Rule for Cops". Willamette Week. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
- ↑ "About Ted". Multnomah County, Oregon. Retrieved March 9, 2010.
- ↑ Fought, Tim (2010-03-09). "Ted Wheeler jumps to State Treasurer slot". Associated Press. KATU. Retrieved 14 March 2010.
- ↑ "May 17, 2016 Primary Election Results - Multnomah County, Oregon: All Precincts, Multnomah, All Contests (Update 12)" (PDF). Multnomah County Elections Division. June 3, 2016. pp. 13–14. Retrieved November 19, 2016.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ted Wheeler. |
Political offices | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by Ben Westlund |
Treasurer of Oregon 2010–present |
Succeeded by Tobias Read Elect |
Preceded by Charlie Hales |
Mayor of Portland Elect Taking office 2017 |
Incumbent |