Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland's charter commission has begun hearings on a plan to create a public utility board.  The proposed board would help the city council address criticism for diverting cash to projects considered far afield from the water bureau's mission. The charter commission heard from opponents of the idea like Portland Audobon Society director Bob Salinger.  He says a new utility commission would operate beyond public accountability.

"This is exactly the wrong way to go. We elect people so we can hold them accountable. They can disagree with them, they can vote them out of office.  This takes the process exactly in the opposite direction."

The proposed public utility commission would be an appointed panel whose actions could only be reversed by a unanimous vote of at least four members of the city council.

Supporters of the plan say an independent utility commission would insulate decision-making from the traditional budget process.

At least one more hearing is planned before spring.