Posted by: Stephanie Pierce - February 10, 2009 12:58 AM

Speaking of emergencies, I am disappointed that you have not agreed to have a vote of confidence on the continued representation of the City of Portland by Sam Adams as Mayor.  You have publicly backed him and endorsed him.  Why not let the citizens of Portland have the same chance to endorse or condemn his mendacity in the controlled setting of a City Council meeting that would also be aired on public access for other citizens to see?  Your refusal to answer to the recall sam adams committee request for a meeting on February 16 with a special vote of confidence does not live up to your campaign promise to work for the voters.  It is our money that you used to get the name recognition you needed to win.  You should allow the issue of Sam Adams' integrity the same spotlight that the voters provided you with, for good or bad.  I would also like to know how the economic conference on Wednesday, February 4 went with all the corporate leaders present, including Julia Brim-Edwards, formerly of the Portland School Board, now working for Nike?  What was her position on the competence of Sam Adams to continue representing our NOT THAT BIG of a city?  Is there a place to see whether she tacitly or expressly endorsed the mayor?  Thanks.

Posted by: Amanda Fritz - February 13, 2009 09:58 PM

Thank you for your comment, and for the suggestion of holding a public hearing on whether Sam Adams should remain as Mayor. The Oregon Constitution assigns the authority to challenge Mayor Adams's decision (to not resign) to all the voters of the City of Portland, in the recall process.  It would be unfair to hold a hearing at which only a few hundred citizens could testify, even if we stayed all night -- especially given the Constitution gives the right to remove elected officials to all the voters.

I don't see this issue as an emergency, even though it is urgent and crucially important.  I am waiting for the report from the independent investigation by the Attorney General's office, which I called for along with Commissioners Fish and Leonard.  I am hearing from hundreds of constituents representing every view on the issue, from those who want Mayor Adams to resign, to those wanting him to stay, to those who want more facts and an unbiased legal opinion before deciding.  I ran on a platform of increasing public input, and I am honoring that promise. I believe the recall process gives every citizen the most fair opportunity to help decide Mayor Adams's future.  

I was not present at the Economic Conference on February 4, and I have no knowledge of Ms. Brim-Edwards's views.