Portland Mayor Mark Dion is stepping up his campaign to change course on how the city handles its homeless population and concerns about public safety.

He says the city council has had a blind eye to the concerns of citizens over those issues.

“I know the public understands it, because now there’s this PAC that has surfaced, and they’re really out there trying to say enough is enough, and we want to see a change about how we approach public safety and street disorder,” said Dion

The mayor says it’s time to reassess the city’s food distribution and needle exchange policies, among other things.

“We seem to be planning to have this food court for the homeless forever,” Dion said. “I called that our forever war. I say I want an exit strategy.”

Dion says he supports stronger accountability for criminal conduct, treatment through court-ordered programs, and greater flexibility when policies are not working.

He’s hoping the upcoming election will lead the city council to adopt changes to Portland’s approach to public safety, street disorder and homelessness.

The city council seats in play in the upcoming election are the At-Large seat, as well District 4 and District 5.