Mayor Wheeler Announces Bold Initiative Banning Discrimination Based On 971 Area Code

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler addressed a large crowd downtown Sunday as he unveiled the details of the city’s bold new plan, titled “It’s Okay To Be 971”. ⁣
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The mayor explained that the landmark initiative aims at curtailing the preferential treatment long enjoyed by those with 503 area codes. “For a city that prides itself on being forward thinking, this has been a part of Portland’s biased underbelly for years. We get that you were here when area codes started becoming a thing. But that does not make you any better than those who moved here more recently, or those who needed to change their phone numbers.” ⁣⁣⁣
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Wheeler, himself a sixth-generation Oregonian, went as far as to change his own phone number from a 503 to a 971 area code. Reactions were mixed – some applauded his courage in crossing the telephone line, while others argued that since he’s up for reelection, he’s just pandering to get the 971 vote.⁣⁣⁣
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