---
title: 'Portland mayoral candidates debate the Portland startup scene. Sort of.'
date: '2012-08-15T23:17:25-07:00'
type: post
word_count: 146
char_count: 1019
tokens: 190
categories:
  - '#featured'
  - Events
  - Oregon
  - Portland
  - Startups
tags:
  - 'charlie hales'
  - 'jefferson davis'
  - Mayor
  - Portland
  - Startup
---

# Portland mayoral candidates debate the Portland startup scene. Sort of.

[Elemental Technologies](http://elementaltechnologies.com "Elemental Technologies") recently hosted a debate between the two Portland mayoral candidates, [Charlie Hales](https://twitter.com/HalesforMayor "Charlie Hales") and [Jefferson Smith](https://twitter.com/Jefferson4pdx "Jefferson Smith"). Supposedly to be focused on the startup and tech scene.

Unfortunately, much like any political debate, the responses tended to gravitate more toward the questions the candidates wanted to answer rather than the questions they were asked.

Still, this forum provides some valuable insight into the candidates platforms, their geekiness, and their stances on the Portland startup scene. Or lack thereof. But, truth be told, we haven’t put much effort into educating the candidates, either.

**BONUS**: Need a new drinking game? Every time the Columbia River crossing comes up in this conversation about the “Portland startup and tech scene”? Drink.