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State of the City
Portland Mayor Sam Adams gave his first State of the City address before a packed crowd at the City Club of Portland Friday. He focused on Portland's economy with some specific plans such as spending $8 million in federal stimulus money to provide training to people who are unemployed. The densely packed speech honed in on Portland's energy future, calling the city "a living laboratory for clean technology and sustainable policy and practices."
The mayor also touched on education and the Columbia River Crossing project. He made reference to the elephant in the room (his admission just over a month ago that he had a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old).
One day before, Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard gave his state of the city assessment. His theme for this recession harkened back to his driving school days — "keep your hands on the wheel. . . and accelerate throught the curves."
Pollard hailed the proposed new I-5 bridge across the Columbia as "the most critical investment" the region can make. He said $1.3 billion dollars in private money was on track to support riverfront redevelopment, and praised local green companies, a new library and new animal shelter.
He also noted that for the first time in history, Vancouver did not apply for state funds from Washington's Transportation Improvement Board, because the city has no matching dollars, which are required for such projects.
What is the state of Portland and the surrounding region, in your view? What stuck with you from Mayor Sam Adams' or Mayor Royce Pollard's speech? And what do you think was left out?
What is your biggest concern for Portland and the metro area right now? If you live outside Oregon's most populous city, how does the state of the city affect you?
GUESTS:
- Sam Adams: Mayor of Portland
- Randy Leonard: Portland City Commissioner
- Royce Pollard*: Mayor of Vancouver, Washington
- NOTE: Mayor Pollard cancelled on the morning of the show.
Tagged as: portland · sam adams · vancouver
Photo credit: Infinite Wilderness / Flickr / Creative Commons
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In all of the furor over the Adams "scandal", there were a couple of tiny sidebar references that really bothered me. There was the young woman who went from being a reporter at one of the newspapers that investigated the story to a position in the urban planning department for which she had no prior experience or training. Most recently, there was a young man who seems to have garnered his $50,000-year position almost entirely through his personal connection to Adams and "time served" as a volunteer in the campaign. Here we are in a city facing cutting the school year by a week and asking teachers to go without pay because of budget shortfalls, and that kind of sketchy cronyism really rubs me the wrong way. People with years of experience are out of work, people are taking on debt returning to school to get training they hope will put them in a better position to find jobs, and the vetting process for city jobs is as ambiguous as hiring some one with no relevant experience over candidates with degrees in the field simply on the strength of her "smarts"? We're talking about closing our already overworked courts one day a week yet among other "research projects" Adams' former campaign helpmate was paid our tax money to spend his unsupervised time at the library studying was whether or not wealth impacts happiness?These are the kinds of stories that undermine my confidence in Adams' ability to lead this city fairly. Am I the only one bothered by this?
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This is the part of the scandal that bothers me enough to vote for a recall. The relationship, and even the lying, are things that I could live with (relunctantly). But having city hall staffed with unqualified people who are either friends of Adams or are being given a job to keep them from reporting what they know is just wrong. Even if we weren't in such a bad state with the economy. Anyway, I'm a left-wing Democrat, and I will vote for recall.
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Can you please tell us the educational background and work history of this person with "with no relevant experience"? And how about the young investigator?
Also, can each of you tell me how you got your last, significant carreer opportunity? I'm not talking about the McJobs of your past, to which anybody can apply. I'm refering to legitimate career building jobs. Can you honestly tell me that you knew nobody at your current place of employment, before you got this job? Can you honestly tell me that you've never, ever, gotten a job because you know somebody at the place you want to work?
People somehow want a saint to work in politics. Grow Up. There are skeletons in everybody's closet - yes, even YOURS, Mr and Ms prissy pants. Since we are already paying for Mayor Adams' salary, why don't we go ahead and let him try and do his job for a change? Maybe he'd bring a lot of good to this city regardless of the odd hiring traits and 'scandalous' behavior. MAYBE, Portland needs to stop behaving like some podunk small town and put on a sharp suit and start getting taken seriously so we can attract some good businesses. MAYBE, if we just shut up and start acting like a grown up city, we will be accepted as the free-thinking, idea-incubating business opportunity that it can be.
P.S. I'm sure many will correct me if I'm wrong in guessing about this law, but I believe the legal age for people to perform in strip clubs is 18. It seems that if it's ok for people to pay to see "innocent children" dance naked and seen as sexual objects - I'd say that we ought to be making a bigger deal of this than the mayor's personal life. So in the end, this whole scandal is essentiall fuelled by homophobia. People will make all kinds of excuses up and down, swearing that it's because of the age thing. But really, it comes down to homophobia. The fear of what one is unfamiliar with, and what one does not understand... That's it, plain and simple. Portland simply isn't ready to grow up yet.
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luckylucy, I've worked for 41 years at probably 20 different jobs and I've never known anyone working there beforehand - honestly.
Amy Ruiz was hired as Adams' sustainability advisor. She herself admitted she is probably the least qualified sustainability advisor candidate in Portland. Are you saying the old adage that it's not what you know but whom you know should be true in Portland politics as it was in the Bush administration? Do you not see with her hiring the appearance of impropriety?
"People somehow want a saint to work in politics. Grow Up. Mr and Ms prissy pants. "
luckylucy, you don't know your audience. I don't want a saint in office, I am grown up and I'm - trust me on this one - not a prissy pants. I want someone I can trust in office. If that person has made a mistake in his past, has paid for that mistke and proven his trustworthiness again then I find that person acceptable to be in office. Sam Adams has not paid for his mistakes or proven his trustworthiness again.
"MAYBE, Portland needs to stop behaving like some podunk small town and put on a sharp suit. if we just shut up and start acting like a grown up city"
Not from around here are you luckylucy? Been here long? We don't like "sharp suits" . We're into flannel and denim. We like being Portland, we don't want to be Seattle or San Francisco. We like our politicians honest, we pay attention and we're very voiceferous when we see something we don't like.
Why do you bring up the age 18? Adams groomed and made out with a 17 year old. This did not happen in Adams' "personal life." It is and was public (public restroom, etc.). Adams' subsequent lies, conspiricies and slander brought this sordid affair further into the public domain.
"But really, it comes down to homophobia."
Playing the Gay card, hey. This really cheapens the lame excuses you've already dug up for Adam's behavior. luckylucy, we elected Adams. We knew he was gay when we elected him.
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Trilium, you are not alone with your concern. I know several QUALIFIED, experienced sustainable planner/advisors WITH advanced degrees (and connections) who resent the hiring of such an underqualified individual. Questioning the mayor's office hiring Ruiz simply based on her "smarts" is relevant and important. This is a smack in the face to the pool of real professionals who have devoted years of study and research in the effort to advance sustainable practices.
Ruiz claims to be "a liason between the mayor's office and the various city bureaus, community leaders, public, etc", hired to promote the mayor's sustainable policies. If sustainability is such a major component in the mayors agenda, this liason SHOULD have extensive knowledge of the subject at hand. The fate of the city appears to be at a crossroads. It would seem such knowledge would be critical to ensure the long term implementation of these important sustainable programs.
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luckylucy
I haven't ever known anyone at a new job. I've always been hired based on qualifications. Frankly, I wouldn't want a job that was based on anything else. Also, I've been a supervisor for many years, and only hire on qualifications.
I do not want a saint for a mayor. I stated in a previous post that Adam's relationship and the subsequent lying are things that I could get past. Because I know that with politicians you often get dishonesty, fake outrage at any questions about that dishonesty, and pretty questionable behavior in general.
I do want the money spent on city hall staffers to be spent on people who are able to do the jobs they were hired to do. And yes, I want the best people available to be hired. That's what responsible managers in businesses do, because results matter. It should matter in city hall, also. The hiring of Amy Ruiz is a huge issue to many people because there seems to be no legitimate reason to hire her. And then finding out about the young man who isn't even doing his job in a city bureau shows that the problem is even deeper than that.
I know that apologists of Adams don't care about any of this. I don't understand why there are people who think that he should get a pass for all of this.
I only posted because I'm hoping that this problem of taxpayer money being spent to hire unqualified people is something that gets looked into. You know that once these people are in their jobs, they'll probably be government workers for the rest of their careers. Will they ever be worth what we're paying for them?
Please stop the name-calling. There are a lot of progressive people, who are not hypocrits, who have good reason to distrust Adams.
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Unfortunately, I will be at my paying job and may not be able to call in. However, I do have the following questions:
These questions are for Mayor Adams:
"During the past city council meetings since your well documented 'truth issues' were reveled by the media you have been unable to enforce the 'No Clapping Rule' against citizens that support your resignation. If citizens do not respect your legitimacy and authority, how can you effectively negotiate from a position of power for the People of Portland with other Commissioners, elected officials from other cities and unions leader (such as the Police Union) who's contracts may have to be re-negotiated to prevent Portland from going bankrupt?"
“Will you place a 'Vote of Confidence' for yourself on next weeks Regular Agenda?”
This question for Mayor Royce Pollard:
“With Mayor Adams lack of public trust and political capital do you feel that he has effectively negotiated an agreement that the residents of Portland will regonize? Especially, if he is recalled later this summer and a new mayor is in office that disagrees with Admas CRC agreement with you.”
With much respect,
Jasun Wurster
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Funny, I'm a citizen and I respect both the legitimacy and authority of Mayor Sam Adams and will continue to do so throughout his term as the mayor of our city. Rather than focusing purely on tired issues of the mayor's private life, I would much rather be focusing on the issues he was elected to address in the first place. With respect the views of others, I think it's simply time to move on.
I grow very weary of the notion that Portland as a whole wants Mayor Adams to step down, that is quite obviously not the case.
RobertWagner
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I, as a young adult, was involved in a 'romance' with an older, powerful man. I, like Beau, was a secret. I, like Beau, was not a long term commitment for the older fellow. I, like Beau, was asked to lie about the relationship. Unlike Beau I have had a number of years to grow up and realize the implications of what happened to me.
The relationship badly damaged my feelings of self worth. It cheapened me. The resulting damage to me took many years to heal.
When I look back at the man with whom I was involved one thing glares at me. What kind of person was he to use a young, vulnerable person so? Was he really so egocentric that he had no concern for the harm he caused me? Did he have any scruples about going after what he wanted in other arenas of his life?
No offense to Mr. Wagner, but shame on him for saying 'it's simply time to move on'. The victims of Sam Adams do not just move on. And with his obvious lack of morals and scruples, one has to wonder how many victims of Sam Adams there are. This is the type of man Mr. Wagner wants to run our city? It is time for Mr. Wagner to not smooth the path for an obviously deficient man. I will be first in line to recall Sam Adams.
I agree an affair is just an affair when it's between equals. However, Mr. Adams did not have an affair with an equal in terms of power or age.
My wish is for Mr. Adams to discuss this on the radio on Monday.
Let's put Mr. Adams out to pasture with Mr. Goldschmidt.
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I think if you take a look at the recent choices in Mr. Breedlove's life you'll find that the person walking away from this thing with damaged self-worth is Mayor Adams.
Further, I think I'll be the one to decide when it's time for me to "not smooth the path", thank you very much. That's the funny thing about a democracy, you get to think what you want, and so do I.
While we're on the topic, my wish is for Mayor Adams (and I will continue to use his title when addressing him for as long as he's in office, regardless of what I think of him) is that he discuss the 99.9% other business at hand.
RobertWagner
Editor
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This person "Sam Adams" no matter what public office he holds needs to step down on his own accord, for the simple good for the community and surrounding areas. He lied and did avery irreprensible thing.
As a business owner i am going to leave the Portland metro area due to the fact that the city and the policy of the mayor is just to allow this kind of conduct. I'm talking about the lie that he admitted to, not being gay, I do not care about gay. You go into public office and you are held to a trust that once it is violated, you do not get it back, and people just percieve you as a LIAR!! not a good mayor or politician.
Be ashamed of the things you are trying to do and did!!
Mikkell
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As a native Portlander my biggest concern is a chicken and egg situation. On one selfish hand I want Portland to be a relatively unfriendly business climate to moderate population growth. This doesn't seem to be working because people are still moving to Oregon even if they don't have jobs.
No offense to those who've moved to Portland over the last 25 years, but more people means more infrastructure, more expense, and the quality of life has deteriorated.
Unemployment is high in Portland and Oregon partially due to the people who've moved to Oregon to enjoy the quality of life, but the commensurate number of stable and good-paying jobs haven't moved here. Many jobs have left due to Oregon's "hostile business environment".
Is it possible to have a livable Oregon and Washington where everybody is adequately employed and the infrastructure is affordable and maintainable?
I'm not a city planner but it seems like the larger the urban region, the harder it becomes to adequately maintain the infrastructure. The rising cost of services and materials places an increasing burden on the tax base and consumerism to balance the equation.
I don't understand how the CRC fits into a regional master plan that addresses livability as well as a scalable modernized infrastructure to handle the region's neccessities. I don't want to trade access to good paying jobs for pollution - that's a bridge to nowhere.
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I agree completely. If the CRC is to enhance life and work in Portland then I feel that it must be tempered with a kinder stance toward business owners and a mindful eye on environmental concerns. Otherwise, all we're really doing is building another farm and giving it away. A quick drive down I-5 during rush hour would indicate that there is an influx of Vancouver citizens either working or shopping (or both) in Portland every day. We've obviously done too little on the livability end of things to convince them that they could live here as well and enjoy a simpler, greener, and more cost effective commute. How does the CRC address this, let alone promote it? Isn't that one of Portland's priorities in the 21st century?
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The 12 Lane CRC agreement, regardless of the political algebra, has done more to undermine Sam Adam's support than Beau-gate ever could.
Cities around the nation have shown as clearly as possible what happens when freeway systems are significantly expanded. More cars, more surface street and parking congestion, more pollution, and more suburban sprawl. If Portland's own mayor, elected with a clear mandate to hold the line on the CRC, cannot thwart the desires of our sprawl-happy neighbor to the north, WHO WILL?
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Dave Miller,
In late January early February I saw a poll commisioned by one of the local TV stations. It was of 500 Portland residents asking if they supported resignation. 48% for resignation 44% opposed. (+-4% 7% unsure).
I can not find this online any longer. Can You?
So many of Sam's supporters state that most Portlanders do not want Adams to resign. This poll seems to refute this notion. With the margin of error, I'd give the benefit to the supporters and call it 50/50. That's about the percentage is see with my friends and family.
I'd like to ask Sam if he thinks with only 44% supporting his remaining in office and 48% wanting him to resign why he thinks he should still be on office? (For obvious reason, I can't ask this question w/o the poll data handy)
Also, Mr. Adams, if the AG comes back with a finding that you have committed 3rd degree sex abuse, will you then resign?
And lastly, Sam, did you ever actually consider resigning or did you spend that week in hiding shoring up your support and making plans for your political "recovery"?
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A question for Mayor Sam Adams. Sam, during your campaign and early in your term as mayor you talked about, and put a great deal of energy into your "grey to green" initiative and committed $50 million over five years to invest in alternative, "green infrastructure" projects that would improve water quality, fish and wildlife habitat and better integrate the built and natural environmets in Portland.
More recently we've hear little or nothing about this initiative during your City Club state of the city address and other public forums. While I applaud your focus on green building, energy issues and improving bicycling opportunities in the city, the fact is without a concerted effort to better protect, restore and manage the city's green infrastructure Portland will not achieve the level of sustainability you indicate is one of your highest priorities.
Has your grey to green and other natural resource initiaties fallen in priority for you and the city?
Mike Houck, Executive Director
Urban Greenspaces Institute
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Sam Adams, I'm tired of your supporters claiming the scandal you are involved in is a personal matter and it should not matter and it's none of our business. Police officers are on duty 24/7/52 - they have no private life off limits to scrutiny. You don't either.
The following acts on your part made your private life public;
It matters and it's our business Adams conspired with Breedlove and Wiener to further lie and cover up previous lies in order to win election.
It matters and it's our business 42 year old Adams groomed a 17 year old for sex while Adams was performing city business.
It matters and it's our business Adams made out with a 17 year old in a public restroom at city hall.
It matters and it's our business Adams slandered Bob Ball in order to get elected.
It matters and it's our business Adams lied for 17 months in order to get elected.
It matters and it's our business Adams hired Amy Ruiz to a city job to shut her up.
It matters and it's our business Adams has no political capital and is a laughing stock.Quit now and avoid me having to seek out a recall petition on July 1st.
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Funny, I know quite a few police officers that have private lives. Sad that you want to know so much about them. Short of lawbreaking, their lives are none of your business.
Ok, now go ahead and post the tired and overused City Code of Ethics so we can be reminded of how exhausting this whole thing is.
RobertWagner
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RobertWagner, when I stated, "Police officers are on duty 24/7/52 - they have no private life off limits to scrutiny.", that was a statement of fact. Ask any police officer. Police officers are held to a higher expectation of honor than is the average citizen.
You are right, the Adams affair is "exhausting." Exhausting not just to we who demand accountability in our employees (mayor, etc.) but exhausting for those who must carry on the city's business while negotiating the maze of disgust surrounding the Adams' mayoralship.
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The controversy over the Columbia Crossing bridge project highlighted an ongoing denial of realities in our region. Currently Metro, in partnership with Portland, plans to have one million new residents in the region by 2040. If policies were in place to reduce the number of new residents significantly, then the number of lanes for the bridge could have been reduced from the recommended twelve. Instead, we swallowed hard and will build twelve lanes. We can't have an inconsistent policy that on the one hand invites new people to the region, and on the other hand fails to provide the transportation services needed to support them.
Both Metro and the City of Portland are hamstrung because they attempt to control growth by saying "no" to infrastructure while saying "yes" to housing development. There are other ways to control growth that limit growth and fund necessary infrastructure, such as system development charges or limits on building permits. If the energy that's expended in these endless debates were funneled into creating a better system for controlling growth rather than encouraging it, our quality of life would not be in the danger that it is now. Sustainability cannot be achieved when we are constantly playing catch-up to overpopulation. -
Why did Mr. Adams take off-line his “First 100 Days" document listing his commitments and what he plans to accomplish in these 100 days?
Here:
http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/100days.html
This compounds my mistrust.
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I'm done listening for today. Enough about Sam Adams and a relationship I probably would have lied about as well. This is what happens when people are in the public eye. They make mistakes just like everybody else, but if it involves sex, it gets blown way out of proportion. People make bad judgments and get hurt in relationships all the time. Let me know when you are discussing something important.
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Amen. And it's fairly obvious that Randy Leonard would much rather be discussing the policies that he and Mayor Adams care about than the ever-tiring "scandal".
Now that Mayor Royce is apparently a no-show, I'm just waiting for the insinuation that it has something to do with Mayor Adams.
RobertWagner
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Exactly!
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Randy Leonard stated the people opposing Sam Adams staying in office are the people that did not support him during the election.
I totally supported and voted for him. But now, after his lying has been revealed, I want him out of office.
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So the people who protected Anne Frank should have told the truth when the Nazi's came asking? Black and white thinking is dangerous, thanks for the example.
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As for Sam's affair, I don't care about that per se. Its not my business, nor do I think it should be part of the public discourse. Yes, he lied about the affair, and I understand that is problematic. I don't think that lie overshadows or should overshadow the good things he has done in the past.
However, if the damage to his political capital hampers his ability to lead and make wise and necessary decisions for portland's sustainability, then its a problem for all of us.
I think Sam's claim to be an environmentalist seriously needs to be questioned when he turns around in support of the CRC, which will only cause more congestion, cause a rise in emissions and other related negative consequences (sprawl, health concerns).
Can Sam please explain why he is moving forward with his support of the CRC despite numerous serious questions about it (as identified by Coalition for a Liveable Future, health officials, university researchers and other groups)?
Thanks,
Michael
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Respectfully Commissioner,
Sam Adams was elected with only 58% of the vote. If he would have not have performed character assassination on Mr. Ball, do you think that more viable candidates would have ran for office? Is it possible that Adams intimated others from not running?
Did not Adams subvert the 2008 election with his deliberately lying to the public and orchestrating an elaborate cover-up?
Is not Mayor Pollard 'last minute cancellation' indicative of Adams radioactive political nature?
RecallSamAdams.com
Jasun Wurster -
See - and there it is... I knew that was coming. God forbid Mayor Pollard have something else to do. Heck, I-5 traffic southbound alone could have kept him away from the OPB show until sometime around 11AM.
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This is not Portland shaming Mayor Sam Adams it is the media looking for attention.
As with Clinton we shouldn't even be talking about a politician's sex life. Randy Leonard is exposing his hypocritical nature. The scandal topic is abhorrent because it isn't even a topic we the people should be hearing or discussing.
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Leaving behind the 'sex' part...which has a number of problems to it. My issues with the 'Sam Adam's Thing' comes down to a few basic points:
1) It is clear that Sam chooses Sam before everything else, and apparently has no boundries when Sam persue's Sam's issues...why should we we trust Sam to put the city first? (He hasn't so far) - He has shown he will throw anyone under the bus as long as Sam gets what he wants. The most recent example is Sam holding on to the Mayor's job, because "he" is SO important to the city....hummm...sound like Sam for Sam.
2) Sam being 'upset' at the 'distraction' again shows how Sam sees himself. IF the city can only depend on Sam, we are in far more trouble than anyone heretofor has mentioned.
3) Sam's willingness to lie, and coordinate additional lies from others to harm others so that Sam gets what Sam wants, means that anyone who disagrees with Sam must consider that Sam has no boundries to guide his actions...do we want all to be on that footing when dealing with Sam on the City's business. Do the end's justify the means???
4) I could care less whom Sam sleeps with...but apparently many do not hold that point of view. Thus, Sam's activites have impact on the City because some who we could use help from, simply will not work 'easily' with Sam.
5) Sam says he lied because people wouldn't beleive that he 'waited' until Mr. Breedlove was 18. Clearly, 'entertaining a 17 year old in a "romantic' way, at city hall, as he is running for Mayor (even if he hadn't announced) lead me to question his judgement.
He wanted to be Mayor in the 'worst' way. To take such a risk shows an amazing lack of judgement.
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With current economic conditions, shouldn’t Mr. Adams change his goal of a public paid yearly trip to Europe and Asia, to travel just when absolutely necessary?
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Schools and school funding are not the business of the City of Portland. These are state and County issues.
The city provides no funding to schools. (other than the odd attempt to change the urban renewable district).
If the Mayor and Mr. Leonard want to take up school funding they should go to the state legslature or Multnomah County Commission.
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The city has a long history of providing funds and planning for public schools. Most of our current school building were planned for by the City of Portland.
If the city can pay for a Tram for a private corporation, it can help build schools.
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Mr. Adams lied. To which I say: Fantastic! A repressed public doesn't have the capacity to handle some truths in an equatable fashion, nor do they deserve answers to immoral questions.
Does this make me like Mr. Adams? No. I'm gay (not that it is relevant), and I have always thought Mr. Adams seemed incredibly cliche and/or average. Now we can add tacky and cheesy to the list. Perhaps he can get an Escalade and hang around with Terry Bean, or maybe he already does. An unfortunate fact of politics is: that anyone with the ego or the audacity to think they deserve to be 'in power' is from the outset lacking in many important areas of personality and intellect. So....we can hardly expect more! -
Randy Leonard says he got a personal commitment from Mr. Paulson in regard to public fund being used for this stadium, why didn’t he get a written legal commitment?
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ADams blind ambition is disrespectful to anyone that has ever been The First. To be the first gay mayor of a larger city, Adams has obviously faced more scrutiny.
So...how dare he think that he was not required to have his act together?!
This mistake is his fatal flaw, and he should remove himself, or the public should do it...especially, in this celebratory year of the ultimate striver, President Obama!
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I like Mr. Obama, but he is not the ultimate 'striver', he got elected because of the color of his skin, not in spite of it. We should stop congratulating ourselves on this one.
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My concern is the financial viability of the MLS. Sports leagues in the past have failed, and MLS has not really caught on with the American public. What plan does the city have if MLS fails?
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MLS has been around for 15 years; it has had it's ups and downs, but I believe that the current leadership is doing right things to ensure a continued success for the league. Changes such as moving teams to soccer specific stadiums, starting a new international competition ("SuperLiga") and putting an effort to make the MLS know outside of US (and Canada) are benefitial to the league and to soccer in general.
Portland should live up to it's nickname of "Soccer City, USA" and provide the funds necessary to move the Timbers to MLS.
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Argh, I'm back.
Why do we continue to plan the CRC based on the assumption that we must accomodate all conceivable traffic (demand) at zero cost to the user? Stop the insanity!
12 lanes will not reduce congestion, because you don't have 12 lanes in the entire system. It's that simple.
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Mayor Adams and others expect Portland to grow by 300,000 residents in the next 25 years without an increase in land area. This is more than a 50%. This will change Portland from the wonderful city it is. Where will these people live and work?
Rebuilding the Columbia River bridge is a bad idea. We are at the peak of auto usage and we will be able to manage traffic in the future. I-5 between downtown Portland and the river will remain as a bottleneck even if the bridge is built. $4.3 billion is just too much particularly in this and our future economy.
Through the Portland Plan we must be realistic about our future growth and make Portland a better place.
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Just wondering if any political body in Oregon thought about the 'smokefree workplace' law and 'banning smoking' act brought upon the local bars/pubs without considering the effect it would have on tax issues? The afterthought is now proposing a tax on beer. Does this make any sense?
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I'm very happy that Sam did not step down. The question about this relationship was meant to fuel prejudices and sterotypes of gay men. There is a reason why the gay and lesbian community is not fully represented in the US. Its because of the general fear of the unknown and differences.
In regards to concerns over the young man I think his age is a non-issue. At 18 years old he is deemed to be mature enough to vote and die for his country.
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EdwardD, you are a heterophobe. A 42 year old hetero city councilor who; groomed a 17 year old girl for sex while performing his city duties, made out with a 17 year old girl in a public city hall restroom, lied for 17 months about it in order to get elected mayor, conspired with the 17 year old to lie about it, hired a second rate newspaper reporter from a second rate newspaper to a city job to shut her up, slandered a potential mayoral candidate to get elected and then declared he'd made a mistake and we should only judge him on his future actions WOULD HAVE BEEN RUN OUT OF TOWN LONG AGO.
EdwardD, there are bad Gays and Sam Adams is one of them. Standing up for a person solely because that person is Gay shows disrespect for the Gay community and your own sense of honor.
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RE: the CRC
It seems like it would take political will to maintain tolling on the Columbia River Crossing in the future - what happens if that political will falters? Then there goes the one control valve on traffic congestion.
Then I wonder, if tolling is an option for controlling congestion in the future, why is it not an option now?
I heard Randy Leonard say we shouldn't take a laissez faire approach to traffic, but the approach he and Sam are taking in saying we need to be ready for 12 lanes of traffic in the future - as if there's nothing we can do to offset that future traffic - seems itself kind of laissez faire.
Developers will see those 12 lanes as a resource that adds value to their developments, and that'll be what fills up those lanes.
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Randy Leonard's comments about the 12 lane bridge are ridiculous. Putting a sidewalk on the bridge is nice, and light rail is nice, but if that were sufficient for encouraging non-auto use, then the 12 lane bridge would be unnecessary, because there would be no increase in traffic. It doesn't work both ways. If there are increases in traffic & congestion (which would just be pushed to the rose quarter), then emissions rise (which runs counter to the state's stated policies and goals).
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This discussion about the "scandal" is very trying and tiresome. Can we actually have a discussion about issues that affect us like schooling and the environment? This is like listening to a soap opera.
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You are here posting about the scandal. You must enjoy it to some extent even if you can't see it or admit it.
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"Can we actually have a discussion about issues that affect us like schooling and the environment?"
adegher, ok.
Sam Adams' school funding ideas are on the ropes because he can no longer lend his "seduction of a 17 year old" image to those ideas and, hopefully, he's no longer allowed inside Portland's public schools.
Sam Adams hired Amy Ruiz as his sustainability advisor. Amy declared, before she was hired, that a 12 lane bridge across the Columbia would be environmentally insane. Sam Adams agreed. Last week Sam Adams signed off on a 12 lane bridge. Sam Adams does not have the political capital to successfully pursue a pro-environment agenda.
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Emily,
It sure seems like your show's title is not accurate today. If you have brought Sam onto your show under false colors, shame on you. If you planned to spend most of an hour talking to him and his colleagues about the scandal, you should title it to reflect this. No wonder Mayor Pollard didn't show.
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That was basically what I was going to say so I'll just "second that."
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Ditto.
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The most bizarre interview I've heard in a long time. Emily should be embarrassed.
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Public transit:
In this time when more people are losing their jobs, and need to rely on public transit, why is the city cutting bus service? We have record ridership at this time.
Bikes:
Are you moving forward to make bicycle only streets? We need safe places for families to ride and commute.
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THE ROADS
To set the record straight, most of the traffic problems in Portland are because of how people drive. No, not because they drive too fast! There is no such thing as a fast lane in Portland, or most of the USA. This is the key difference between American roads and the roads in Europe. In Europe if you come up behind someone in the fast lane they get over, in the USA they slow down. The problem is even worse in Portland because of this allegedly nice hippie-ish approach to driving, which just makes matters worse---not better. I am all for being polite on the roads when necessary, but politeness doesn't mean anything goes. People from all gamuts feel so entitled on Portland roads that nothing works! -
The mayor stated that he made a mistake, but came forward and told the truth and did the right thing....but this was after he had already lied and tried to cover it up. I'm curious if he would have still come forward with an admission if he felt that he could have gotten away with it?
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NO.
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Enough already. Mr. Adams didn't break the law and it's okay to keep your sexual life private. If anyone wanted to know specifics of my sex life, ( I am a happily married woman, by the way) I would either not answer or if pressed say whatever I felt comfortable with even if that meant lying. As long as no one was hurt and no laws were broken, then it's his business. People need to move on. This situation will only affect Portland if Portlanders let it. THere is much more important business to tend to than this.
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If you had not lied, you would not have been elected. Do you feel it is okay to ignore integrity to get what you want? Do you believe that allowing your mistake to rob the mayor's job from another qualified candidate is okay?
Suzanne
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As a gay man old enough to remember the Stone Wall riots, I was greatly saddened that you charged another gay man with attempting a smear campaign. We've come a long way Sam. But we have a lot more work to do. I support you but I don't see how you actions help the GLBT community.
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Wasn't he trying to smear him?
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Did Nigel Jaquiss just call in and claim that he doesn't work for Willamette Week? I don't understand the logic behind it, but it's really odd.
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did he just lie? really? it must just be that easy! maybe that was the point!
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It wasn't Nigel Jaquiss!
It was a guy with a British accent, and a very different voice. Our executive producer Sarah had already asked him if he was Nigel J. when he called in, but Emily just figured she'd ask him on the air as well, just to clear up any potential confusion.
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I have 2 comments.
1. I believe education is the number one most important topic we have in the U.S. It transcends everything from the poor choices people made in the current mortgage crisis, to teenage pregnancy to unemployment issues. I agree with the mayor that this should be the focus of our concern here in Oregon especially as the dropout rate is so high in portland. How do we expect these individuals to make good decisions, and bring about a positive future for our country if they aren't motivated to stay in school?
2. This goes along with how we could pay for a better education for our children, implement a SALES TAX. I have never lived in a state without a sales tax and I really can't understand how this is still going on in Oregon. Even a minimal tax of 3% would be HUGE for our schools, police and fire depts, roads etc. Why do we not take advantage of all the people traveling here, visiting our beautiful state to help pay for the resources they use as well while they're here? And if it is proportionate, possibly with income taxes coming down or at least property taxes becoming more proportionate as was mentioned earlier in the program it may be sellable to the citizens. I think Washingtonians would still come here to buy big ticket items even if there was a small sales tax, and we would profit from it. Why not do something like Massachusetts where they do not tax food at the grocery store or clothing (basic needs)? It seems in this day and age we cannot afford to not have some sort of a sales tax.
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I tuned in to hear about the state of the city, not the idiotic questioning of Sam by Emily...including inane scandal questions and this gem, "What do you mean by heartwarming?" I've tried to be patient but Emily's faltering speech and pointless questions interfere with the show's success for me. How about switching your online and on-air hosts?
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Yep, it reminded me of when Terri Gross goes off the deep-end with guests she clearly has an issue with (Bill O'Rielly comes to mind) loses her way, and embarrasses herself.
Sorry Emily, love your show, but I was cringing this morning. I have long suspected that, from a strategic standpoint, TOL is really a vehicle to make OPB relevant to rural Oregon . . . and this kind of thing probably plays well in Prineville . . . but it is also kind of sad to see.
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I am displeased with Adams, however, Emily Harris was so strange and mean to him, I felt sorry for him. Was she trying to make him cry? I am a big fan of tough questions and respect those that dare to go further than the average journalist, but Harris, there's no need to be mean. Does she have a misguided notion that this kind of questioning will up ratings? When she asked the completely odd follow-up question about "heartwarming" I gasped and held my breath, really shocked that this was on OPB.
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I really liked hearing Sam Adams and Randy Leonard. I think this should be a weekly or monthly guest apperance with the mayor or one of the city councelors to let Portlanders in on the inside of city hall!
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I am really a supporter of the Mayor. But all this noise is problematic. Yes he lied. He is our mayor and this needs to be the focal point. I made some very serious mistakes. While some people think I should be locked up forever. But most people who come in contact with me see that I have made a strong effort at changing myself to be the better person I am today. I feel that Mayor Adams is going through the same situation. How he changes from here on is what we should judge him.
I hope the banter calms down so that Mayor Sam Adams can get down to the business of the city.
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Chrissy4605, you said you made some very serious mistakes. Did you pay the consequences of your actions? You reap what you sow. Sam Adams is and will be reaping what he has sown.
"How he changes from here on is what we should judge him."
Baloney. Say that to a judge before he passes sentence and see how the judge reacts. Sam Adams has displayed the behavior of a scoundrel. He will be a scoundrel for the forseeable future, until he has had years to regain the trust we placed in him. Scoundrels are not qualified to be mayor. Resign, Sam, or be recalled.
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I agree with many of the comments regarding the lack of professionalism by Emily Harris. My family and I recently moved to the Portland area from Seattle and I have been a long-time, loyal NPR listener (KUOW in Seattle) for many years. One of the first things I do when I enter a new town is find the local NPR station on the dial. As such, I caught this morning's show because I am automatically tuned in during my ride to work, not because I was anxious to hear from Mayor Adams and Mr. Leonard. However, I have been following the recent local issues (related to Mayor Adams' past and the current city issues with the bridge, etc.), so I was interested to hear the interview.
I was quite appalled to hear the tone of interview – Ms. Harris demonstrated an obvious bias and lack of professionalism throughout the interview. To be honest, I was embarrassed for her, and felt that Mayor Adams showed a great deal of restraint and dignity by not standing up and walking out of that spectacle. Was this amateur radio hour? Was this her idea of "hard-hitting", provocative questioning? I am someone who is not invested in the outcome of this interview; I don't have strong feelings about Mayor Adams. But I do have strong feelings when I hear an interview that is so inappropriate. I was happy when I arrived to my office, where I could leave the confines of my car and tune in to the internet broadcast of a truly newsworthy broadcast on KUOW - perhaps the staff of OPB should listen in and take notes! At KUOW the journalists know how to investigate exceptionally challenging issues and interview individuals under controversial circumstances, yet always do so in an impartial and professional manner.
Normally I would not be driven to comment (particularly if this had been my first time encountering this type of journalism by Ms. Harris), but I have now heard her conduct a number of ‘interviews’ in this manner. This is unfortunate and certainly not in keeping with the high level of rigor and quality that one would expect from NPR. How disappointing.
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How do you know when a liar is no longer telling lies? You never do. If Sam Adams were a school teacher, a Rabbi, a Priest or anyone else in such a position and had admitted to the things he has admitted to, after being caught...not of his own volition, he would not be in a position of responsibilty. The behavior described is called "grooming" and is one of the behaviors that sexual preditors are known for and that people charged with the care of our children are taught to watch for. I do not want a sexual preditor leading my city, or being held up as a roll model (example, his word) to children...you can lie, you can get caught, you might be humiliated...but you keep your high paying, powerful position....wow...what a lesson!
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Comments are now closed.
I attended the Tillamook Navy meeting last evening. In talking about trash in the oceans, one of the Navy representatives said the Navy did indeed dump their trash overboard in the 80s, but no longer do so. They now cut up plastics, turn them into powder for more efficient storage, then send to recycle stations once back to shore. According to a video they ran, the Navy does a great deal of picking up trash - already out there - to recycle.
Their report is also on line, for those really interested.