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Chloe Eudaly, the council's novice member, has successfully recruited a second senior hand to her staff.
David Austin, 51, a former Oregonian reporter who has worked as spokesman for Multnomah County for eight years, will serve as Eudaly's deputy chief of staff, handling both communications and policy work.
It's a surprise move for Austin, and one that shows Eudaly, a small business-owner consummate outsider, will be relying on experienced senior staff to guide her.
Marshall Runkel, also 51, who worked as an aide Commissioner Erik Sten, is Eudaly's chief of staff.
Eudaly is "a fighter," says Austin. "What she represents in a lot of ways is what Portland used to be known for: compassion, caring about those in need and trying to make a difference. She's a renter. She's a single mom. And she's a staunch advocate for people who don't have the means to help themselves. That's why I want to work for her."
Eudaly sent a lengthy text about the hiring:
Austin starts work in Eudaly's office on Jan. 3.