PORTLAND, Ore. – Neighborhood activist Pete Colt caused a stir at a Portland city commissioners' meeting Wednesday when he pulled out a paper bag and dumped dozens of used hypodermic needles, crack pipes and used condoms on a table in front of stunned city officials.

Newly elected city commissioner Nick Fish called the display a health hazard and Colt readily agreed with him.

It was likely not the response Fish was anticipating.

Commissioner Randy Leonard also disapproved, saying it could have put the health of another person due to testify later at the meeting at risk.

Colt said he had personally collected the items from around his Northwest Portland neighborhood in just a week.

The meeting was delayed while a staffer removed the objects and sanitized the table.

Colt said his initial reason for going to the meeting was to thank officials for their service, but the collection of drug and sex trade detritus overshadowed that sentiment.

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the actual evidence is worth a million,” Colt told KATU News.

Colt said he was trying to make a point and that the gesture at the meeting was designed to draw attention to what he calls a serious safety problem in his neighborhood due to drug use and prostitution.

Colt walked through his neighborhood with KATU News and pointed out where he found many of the items, including the steps of a church where he says he often finds used condoms.

A grade school is near the church where Colt said he finds the condoms.

No action was taken against Colt for dumping out the items at the meeting and several people in attendance shook his hand in support.

Colt said the next item he wants to draw attention to is dog waste left in public areas.