Portland protesters set up tents outside mayor’s home

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Dozens of protesters chanting “Black Lives Matter” and other slogans marched for several miles through Portland neighborhoods, briefly stopping traffic before finally ending outside the mayor’s house and setting up tents.

The protesters, who set up more than a half-dozen tents on the sidewalk Friday evening, were angry that Mayor Charlie Hales worked with the City Council this week to approve a new police contract that includes more pay for officers.

Some motorists who were blocked during the evening’s commute were upset – a cacophony of horns sounded at one intersection the protest march blocked.

On Wednesday, police used pepper spray and arrested 10 people as demonstrators stormed City Hall to object to the action on the police contract.

Protesters said they were disappointed Hales was bringing the matter to a vote now instead of letting his successor, Mayor-Elect Ted Wheeler, take up the issue in January so there would be more time for public input.