(Portland, OR)  --  City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty is stepping into office as the first black woman to ever serve on Portland's City Council.  Hardesty was sworn-in to office yesterday after defeating Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith in November's midterm election.  Hardesty replaces former Commissioner Dan Saltzman following his retirement after 20 years.  Hardesty has previously served as a state representative, community organizer and president of the Portland chapter of the NAACP.