The handful of declared and potential candidates for city council have a second reason this week to breathe a massive sigh of relief—popular Metro Councilor Robert Liberty has decided he won’t be seeking the council seat that currently belongs to Sam Adams (who will announce tonight that he’s running for mayor).

Robert Liberty: Out

Liberty in the race would have made things a little more complicated for the other, lesser-known candidates. He would have come in with name recognition (even if the majority of Portlanders have no idea what the Metro government does) and key support from the establishment.

Instead, he’ll sit this one out, focusing on the projects he’s currently working on at Metro. But his other reason for not running is troubling from a civic engagement standpoint. Liberty currently makes $37,000 a year at Metro, “[b]ut I still have to work another job to make our mortgage payments,” he said in a press release. “It simply isn’t realistic to work two jobs and run for City Commissioner at the same time.”

If someone like Liberty can’t afford to run for the office, what chance is there for average citizens who want to try? Even with the Voter-Owned Elections program, a credible candidate has to spend close to the entirety of six months being a candidate—and that can get in the way of working a job that actually pays money.

Peep Liberty’s full press release after the jump.

Metro Councilor Robert Liberty Declines to Run for Portland City Council

Citing unfinished work and financial constraints, Robert Liberty, who represents the southern half of Portland on the Metro Council (the area's regional government), announced his decision not to run for the open seat left by Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, who is expected to announce a run for mayor.

"I have several good reasons to stay at Metro and one good reason not to run for City Commissioner this year," said Liberty.

"There are several Metro projects that need to be completed, including some that I initiated. The projects include creating a $10 million regional revolving loan fund to help build lower cost housing, implementing a $45 million grant program to invest in natural areas at the neighborhood level, chairing the Portland to Milwaukie Light Rail study, and continuing to reform regional land use and transportation decisions so that we curb sprawl, fight climate change, and build more sustainable and affordable neighborhoods."

Liberty said he also wanted to help make upcoming decisions on the Sellwood Bridge, solid waste and recycling, the Columbia River Crossing and the future of the Oregon Zoo.

Liberty also cited financial reasons against running for the City Commission in 2008. "Metro Councilors just got a pay raise, thanks to the Oregon Legislature - our pay is now $37,000 a year. But I still have to work another job to make our mortgage payments. It simply isn't realistic to work two jobs and run for City Commissioner at the same time."

Looking to the future, Liberty noted that by 2010 many of his Metro projects will be completed. He would consider running for City Council then, especially if Commissioner Erik Sten decided not to run for reelection. The Metro Council Presidency will also be open, with David Bragdon finishing his second and last term.