I haven’t ever been a big fan of Sam Adams, the newly elected mayor of Portland. He seems to have a penchant for flashy, expensive projects that, in my opinion, aren’t the best ways to use the city’s resources.
However, in November given the choice between Adams and Sho Dozono, I voted for Sam. He had more experience in city government and wasn’t embroiled in scandal like Dozono, who had a public financing debacle and whose businesses had $22k in outstanding rent owed to the city.
Today, as news surfaces of Adams’ previous sexual relationship with an 18-year old intern, I am saddened. I am disappointed that Adams would engage in a sexual relationship with a subordinate (especially one who is *barely* a consenting adult), but primarily I am disappointed that he would boldly lie to the public to cover his tracks. In Sept. 2007, Adams provided a written response to allegations of an improper relationship. Here’s an excerpt of his letter to Portlanders:
“As you have probably seen in the media, I have been the target of a nasty smear by a would-be political opponent. I will not dignify the substance of this smear by repeating it – if you read the accounts you will see there is no foundation to it. The reason is simple: it is untrue.
This kind of ugly politicking may be commonplace in other cities and at the national level, but Portland and Oregon largely has been blessedly free of it. It saddens me that it has been introduced here, and I have faith that Portlanders’ rejection of it will mean that this incident is an anomaly.”
Adams’ outright lies to the public have come back to haunt him, and his credibility is severely damaged. Will he resign his post as mayor? Time will tell. It might just be the best option.
This situation sucks. I’m saddened too. I voted for Sam and really wanted him to be a successful mayor – for our city and for him personally. He may well still be a successful mayor, but this is an awful start and a MAJOR hit to whatever political capital he had coming out of the gate. I’m less troubled by the age of the other guy, and as it turns out, not a subordinate. But the righteous outrage in his denial stinks, now that the truth has come out.
Ah, Sam. Your critics are emboldened and your friends are disheartened. Not a good move.
Comment by Brian — January 22, 2009 @ 3:22 am
Yikes! I can’t believe people think their past will stay hidden when they get into politics. I would think that would keep them out of it in the first place.
Comment by Leslie — January 24, 2009 @ 10:45 am
you must not be a fan of bill clinton either. this happens all too often in politics.
Comment by john — March 1, 2009 @ 5:42 pm