Portland commissioner will propose new penalties for taggers [Video]

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland mayoral candidate and current public safety commissioner Rene Gonzalez says he has a solution to the city’s graffiti problem.

Last week, he announced he will be introducing a new ordinance that would impose what he calls “meaningful penalties” for vandals.  

“Portland’s natural beauty has been overwhelmed by widespread vandalism, like graffiti covering our street signs and small businesses,” Gonzalez said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “As Commissioner, I have committed to restoring our sense of pride and security. To stop further visible decline, we must have stronger deterrence for vandalism.

“Unfortunately, the current lack of consequences for these perpetrators has emboldened them. I’ll be bringing forward an ordinance that introduces meaningful penalties for vandals that apply graffiti using our rights-of-way. Portlanders are ready for …