Blogtown, PDX

Monday, September 10, 2007

Election 2008 BREAKING: Potter OUT

Posted by Scott Moore on Mon, Sep 10 at 11:28 AM

He’s not running. More in a bit.

With his wife standing next to him, Potter is explaining that his goal when he ran for mayor was to open the doors of city hall wider to the city. Insiders believed he wouldn’t leave unless he was able to point to some clear victories—he’s rattling those off now. The creation of the Human Rights Committee, the building of a day laborer center, the Black Parents’ Initiative, the youth bill of rights, Ross Island, the redevelopment of MLK, etc.

Interestingly, he hasn’t mentioned visionPDX yet. Not even once.

It’s not just media and staffers here; there are also potential candidates. Pearl real estate developer Bob Ball, who’s considering a run for mayor, is here, as is Charles Lewis, who’s running for Sam Adams’ seat.

Four minutes in, Potter’s finally mentioned visionPDX. Briefly.

Oh, Dave Lister? You owe me $5.

Potter’s going to create something called City Hall 101, a sort of training class for potential candidates.

“I want to thank my colleagues for what we’ve accomplished so far, and for our collaboration in the months ahead,” Potter said. His family is apparently thrilled that he’s not running—his grandkids will finally get a full-time grandpa.

His speech is finished, and there’s a standing ovation, which was led by his staffers.

Oh man, Potter’s getting feisty! A reporter asked him why not run for a second term. He shot back, “Why don’t you run for a first term? Whatever your answer is is probably what mine is.”

A reporter asked if Potter has any advice for future leaders. “I won’t mention them by name without asking, but there are a few of them in this room today,” Potter responded, added that he’s hopeful about their abilities. Bob Ball’s chin edged up slightly when he said that.

Potter says he’ll endorse a candidate eventually, once he knows who’s running.

His advice to the next mayor: Listen to the people.

Permalink

Comments

Oops, please give my apologies to your fingers for my comment on the other post.

Posted by no one in particular | September 10, 2007 11:44 AM

Run, Sam, run!

Posted by President of the Sam Adams for Mayor Fan Club | September 10, 2007 11:47 AM

I got your five bucks set aside Scott. So much for my punditry.

Now let's start a pool on who will run against Adams for mayor. We can maybe do another one on how many people file for Sam's seat.

Posted by Dave Lister | September 10, 2007 11:47 AM

Sam Adam's for mayor!!

Posted by Dan | September 10, 2007 11:52 AM

Potter’s going to create something called City Hall 101, a sort of training class for potential candidates.

Oh, good dear and fluffy lord.

Posted by b!X | September 10, 2007 11:56 AM

Scott,

Long time reader, first time commenter... ha. Anyhow, from a gazillion miles away, I have been watching for this decision and like the speed which you posted it online! This should now make for an interesting 2008 for Portland city races. JC

Posted by Jesse Cornett | September 10, 2007 12:02 PM

Jesse Cornett for Mayor!

Posted by NL | September 10, 2007 12:06 PM

Jefferson Smith for City Council!

Posted by Ben Hubbird | September 10, 2007 12:10 PM

Well, that's that then. It was getting obvious that something was going to give in the direction of Mayor Tom not running again...I mean, I've watched a lot of Portland politicos but there was never that much bated breath about whether or not there was going to be a Tom 2.

And am I the only one who got the impression that The Big O's beauty-piece on Sam in the Sunday O was an anointing of Sam as The Approved Establishment Candidate™?

I don't say that to damn Sam...as a matter of fact, we here in our house actually like him quite a lot. If he were running for mayor, we'd vote for him.

Unless Amanda Fritz ran. Then...well, that'd be a problem. We'd have trouble deciding.

Posted by Samuel John Klein | September 10, 2007 12:23 PM

(sigh)

Posted by Woo | September 10, 2007 1:23 PM

I like turtles

Posted by rexIII | September 10, 2007 1:35 PM

“Why don’t you run for a first term? Whatever your answer is is probably what mine is.”

My reason—I would be terrible at the job.

Posted by chas | September 10, 2007 1:38 PM

I hearby nominate Scott Moore to teach any "City Hall 101" classes. I think he's got a much better sense of the inner workings of that building, and what's in store for potential candidates, than Potter does.

Posted by Amy J. Ruiz | September 10, 2007 1:53 PM

If I put the book versions of Portland COmmunique back online, Potter is welcome to order nice bound copies for textbooks.

Posted by b!X | September 10, 2007 2:05 PM

I hereby nominate Scott Moore to teach any "City Hall 101" classes.

I accept!

Posted by Scott Moore | September 10, 2007 4:34 PM

Don't count out the other candidates that may be in this race. Its about time that Portland mixed up City Hall. Someone like Roy Jay or Bob Ball would bring a vision that's a little more progressive to the city.

Posted by blazers52 | September 11, 2007 9:57 AM

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