City Hall: It's Official—Nolan to Challenge Fritz

Mary Nolan

Rep. Mary Nolan (D-Southwest Portland) told WW this morning she will enter the 2012 City Council race, challenging incumbent Position One Commissioner Amanda Fritz.

"I have been talking to folks for a few months but just made the final decision in the past few days," Nolan says. "City Hall is where I think I can be most effective."

Nolan, 56, brings a wealth of experience to the race. From the mid-70s to the mid-90s she served in a variety of positions in various city bureaus, ultimately serving as director of the Bureau of Environmental Services. Nolan also worked in private sector management and finance positions before winning her legislative seat in 2000.

After becoming a lawmaker, Nolan served as co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee and in 2009, served as House majority leader.

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.