This Week in the Mercury
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Politics / City Hall / Ethics / Media / News / Portland Sam Adams' Spokesman Resigns
Posted by Matt Davis on Tue, Jan 27, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Sam Adams' director of communications, Wade Nkrumah, has resigned. As far as this reporter is aware, it's the first resignation from Adams' office—I asked Nkrumah yesterday at 5pm if anybody had resigned, and he said "no." Adams' office is not commenting on the departure, which leaves an $80,000 position vacant for someone with a specialty in communications. The O and WW had this first, with the O's photograph, ironically showing former Mercury news editor Amy Ruiz in a photo from November, "interviewing" Adams, while Nkrumah looks on in the background. No word, yet, on whether Ruiz intends to apply for Nkrumah's old job.
1
Well, that particular instance of the moronic revolving door between press and government went over spectacularly well, I see.
2
I think I may apply for that job. I've got a degree in the field and some related experience, but there would have to be conditions.
1. Everyone in Portland agrees to not make an issue of or ask questions about my relationships/sexual history, past and present.
2. Nobody complains that I've actually met people who work for the Mercury. I once even exchanged an email or two with Amy.
Oh, and in return I'll pledge to A) never lie about my relationships/sexual history, instead I'll just issue a standard "none of your business" response. If anyone follows-up rudely to that, I get blanket permission to punch them in the nose. And B) from Day 1 of my employment I won't kiss anyone in city hall restrooms, during work hours at least.
Everyone OK with that?
1. Everyone in Portland agrees to not make an issue of or ask questions about my relationships/sexual history, past and present.
2. Nobody complains that I've actually met people who work for the Mercury. I once even exchanged an email or two with Amy.
Oh, and in return I'll pledge to A) never lie about my relationships/sexual history, instead I'll just issue a standard "none of your business" response. If anyone follows-up rudely to that, I get blanket permission to punch them in the nose. And B) from Day 1 of my employment I won't kiss anyone in city hall restrooms, during work hours at least.
Everyone OK with that?
3
I don't understand what I'm seeing here. Is that...? I think it is.... But I don't know if I can recognize it anymore....
Wait, IT IS!
That's INTEGRITY!
Wow, barely recognize it.
Wait, IT IS!
That's INTEGRITY!
Wow, barely recognize it.
4
Maybe they can hire Dan Savage...he already seems to be really into being a spokesperson for Adams.
5
When will Ruiz grab some of that--what was it?--Integrity--and take leave from her artificial post?
7
no, Adams should appoint a pastor from one of those suburban megachurches. you know, to appease the 10 or 15 conservative nuts that actually cared about this scandal.
10
Hey roguespierre's gentrifying taco dip ointment, is it painful when reality intrudes on your world?
12
Hey D, the Oregonian called. you are missed on their ever-enlightening comment areas, praise jeebus. something about gun control.
13
Good point taco dip...when I think "conservative nuts" nothing springs to mind faster than the Just Out editorial board.
14
yeah, the Just Out editorial board, which I'm sure you go to for all your political opinions. so Bob Ball's buddies don't like Adams? whoa, breaking news.
15
Matt: For clarification, why the quotes around the word "interviewing"? What exactly is your beef with Amy J. Ruiz?
16
Whoa there Bob R- hold yer horses. That job is probably already promised to Ms. Ruiz. She may actually be qualified to work in the PR/communications field. Plus she has spent months researching the major issue that any PR person for Sam Adams is going to have to deal with for the next six months.
17
I was merely pointing out the utter absurdity of your statement, ointment, which you have duly verified.
18
Guffman, can we all stop the "explain it slowly to me like i'm five"-schtick? If you really don't understand what Matt is getting at, maybe you need to get off the internet and work on your reading comprehension.
Oh, and Matt: Just post your fucking feelings already. The passive aggressive is getting a bit one-dimensional.
Oh, and Matt: Just post your fucking feelings already. The passive aggressive is getting a bit one-dimensional.
19
"Plus she has spent months researching the major issue that any PR person for Sam Adams is going to have to deal with for the next six months."
First, just so people who _haven't_ been reading the comments section in the past week know, I am generally a Sam supporter and I think he should be given a chance to do his job and let the investigation complete...
But seriously, is there anyone who can't guess how the PR on the scandal is going to play out in the coming months? It's easy, no in-depth knowledge required:
1. "There is an ongoing legal investigation. We can't comment on an ongoing investigation."
2. "We are happy to answer questions about city business."
After the investigation concludes, there are really just two PR strategies:
1. If the investigation completely clears Adams, or at least limits its findings to ethical violations related to what we already know, the response is: "The investigation is concluded, we believe the outcome vindicates what we have maintained all along, there's nothing more to discuss, it's time to move on with the city's business."
2. If the investigation reveals significant new information which requires legal action or finds criminal wrong-doing, the response is: "There is an ongoing legal matter, we cannot discuss it."
If there are any other revelations we don't know about (I'm certainly not implying that there are), then it is actually _better_ to have a communications director who has NO knowledge of what happened, rather than one who does know something and must self-censor as part of the job.
First, just so people who _haven't_ been reading the comments section in the past week know, I am generally a Sam supporter and I think he should be given a chance to do his job and let the investigation complete...
But seriously, is there anyone who can't guess how the PR on the scandal is going to play out in the coming months? It's easy, no in-depth knowledge required:
1. "There is an ongoing legal investigation. We can't comment on an ongoing investigation."
2. "We are happy to answer questions about city business."
After the investigation concludes, there are really just two PR strategies:
1. If the investigation completely clears Adams, or at least limits its findings to ethical violations related to what we already know, the response is: "The investigation is concluded, we believe the outcome vindicates what we have maintained all along, there's nothing more to discuss, it's time to move on with the city's business."
2. If the investigation reveals significant new information which requires legal action or finds criminal wrong-doing, the response is: "There is an ongoing legal matter, we cannot discuss it."
If there are any other revelations we don't know about (I'm certainly not implying that there are), then it is actually _better_ to have a communications director who has NO knowledge of what happened, rather than one who does know something and must self-censor as part of the job.
20
"Guffman, can we all stop the "explain it slowly to me like i'm five"-schtick? If you really don't understand what Matt is getting at, maybe you need to get off the internet and work on your reading comprehension": OK, smart guy, YOU spell it out for us -- why does Matt have such a grudge against Amy J. that he puts quote marks around "interviewing" when Amy was doing her job?
I understand why she's part of the story. I don't understand why Matt's going out of his way to add the nasty little digs. Like the quote marks. I'm surely not the only one who's wondering. Spell it out for us, A cat, do.
I understand why she's part of the story. I don't understand why Matt's going out of his way to add the nasty little digs. Like the quote marks. I'm surely not the only one who's wondering. Spell it out for us, A cat, do.
21
Ron Wyden has also said that he doesn't "have faith in Mayor Adams."
And he knows a little bit more about politics than Amanda Fritz or Dan Savage.
And he knows a little bit more about politics than Amanda Fritz or Dan Savage.
22
Amy Ruiz is directly connected to the scandal cause she got her job as a result of her snooping around and keeping her "mouth" shut.
GIVE US THE HEAD OF AMY RUIZ.
I like seeing her squirming in the spotlight for once.
Heaven knows, she's done it too plenty people around Portland, myself included!
GIVE US THE HEAD OF AMY RUIZ.
I like seeing her squirming in the spotlight for once.
Heaven knows, she's done it too plenty people around Portland, myself included!
23
Guffman, the photo was taken after Ruiz had applied for the job. There is a limit to how effectively a journalist can "inverview" someone and report on them when they are simultaneously waiting by the phone to see if they get the job.
If I were trying to get a job, I would have a hard time writing a critical report on the person doing the hiring. I'm guessing Amy would feel the same.
If I were trying to get a job, I would have a hard time writing a critical report on the person doing the hiring. I'm guessing Amy would feel the same.
25
Guffman: I think most people would agree that after applying for a job with someone, going about your business as a journalist and writing stories about those very same people is a pretty clear violation of journalistic ethics. At the very least, standard practice would dictate a disclosure. But really, standard practice would be to stop reporting on stories about Sam Adams and his office. It's shady. You know it too.
26
Amy's judgment in taking that job was questionable, no doubt there. Particularly if she harbored any notions about returning to journalism after her gig at City Hall. Matt's personal bias is showing in the quote marks and in several other little jabs he's taken at Ruiz in the past week. Clearly it's personal. I'd like to know why.
31
I don't know Matt's deal specifically, but I'd guess it has something to do with sullying the name of the paper he writes for and therefore damaging his own reputation in the process. Wouldn't you be peeved if your former co-worker (and, presumably, friend) had done the same to you?
33
Guffman, here's the "like a five year old version": Amy applied for a job with Adams on November 3. The picture in the O article is from after that date. The conflict of interest between "interviewing journalist" and "prospective hire" is significant, hence "interviewing" going into bunny quotes. Correct me if I'm mistaken, Matt, but this all seems rather obvious.
34
what?, Maybe so, but it's more interesting here, where Matt Davis worked for/under/with Amy.
What's the deal, Matt? Was she just a bitch in the office? Did she make you do, like, actual reporting? Please share.
What's the deal, Matt? Was she just a bitch in the office? Did she make you do, like, actual reporting? Please share.
35
Quotes around the word "interviewing" make us stop and think what it means. Who is interviewing who there?
36
A cat,
Amy's judgment in applying for/taking that job is questionable. As previously noted. If it impacted her reporting, please share specific examples. Otherwise it's just speculation & perception. Perception of a quid pro quo is problematic -- see previous comments on her judgment -- but if it fucked up her reporting, I'd like to see evidence.
I think Amy saw a chance to bail out of a dying industry & took it. Her motives were reasonable. Doesn't look good, however.
Amy's judgment in applying for/taking that job is questionable. As previously noted. If it impacted her reporting, please share specific examples. Otherwise it's just speculation & perception. Perception of a quid pro quo is problematic -- see previous comments on her judgment -- but if it fucked up her reporting, I'd like to see evidence.
I think Amy saw a chance to bail out of a dying industry & took it. Her motives were reasonable. Doesn't look good, however.
37
Am I the only one who no longer trusts the stated reasons behind anyone's opinions on this? It's no secret that many of the Adams-out brigade are people who didn't like him to start with, either because they're bible bashers or because they are / supported one of his mayoral opponents (or are people who don't live in the City of Portland, so who cares what they think). And it's no secret that many of the Adams-stay brigade are people who think that's the best way to get their favorite policies passed. The opinions rarely if ever seem to be based purely on the actual scandal.
Now on here we've got "Al M" amongst others going after Amy Ruiz purely because she riled him in the past; we've got Matt Davis being openly bitter about the suddenness of her leaving the Mercury and leaving him to do all the work by himself; and we've got the usual anti-Matt brigade who have spent the last few years abusing him on these blogs saying that he's somehow done something wrong in this whole mess.
Seems like Sam Adams' motives for his actions and words are the most honest out of anyone.
Now on here we've got "Al M" amongst others going after Amy Ruiz purely because she riled him in the past; we've got Matt Davis being openly bitter about the suddenness of her leaving the Mercury and leaving him to do all the work by himself; and we've got the usual anti-Matt brigade who have spent the last few years abusing him on these blogs saying that he's somehow done something wrong in this whole mess.
Seems like Sam Adams' motives for his actions and words are the most honest out of anyone.
38
"Did she make you do, like, actual reporting? Please share."
Not sure where you're getting this from, Guffman. The Merc has always had a way higher snark quotient than the O or WW; it makes perfect sense that there would be a bit more an un-professional reaction around here, whether it be Matt being blatantly snippy at a former colleague that did something journalistically sleazy or Dan Savage turning a blind eye out of personal allegiance.
Not sure where you're getting this from, Guffman. The Merc has always had a way higher snark quotient than the O or WW; it makes perfect sense that there would be a bit more an un-professional reaction around here, whether it be Matt being blatantly snippy at a former colleague that did something journalistically sleazy or Dan Savage turning a blind eye out of personal allegiance.
39
No One,
"...I'd guess it has something to do with sullying the name of the paper he writes for and therefore damaging his own reputation in the process": Not much to "sully," there, and his own rep is beyond rehabilitation....
"...I'd guess it has something to do with sullying the name of the paper he writes for and therefore damaging his own reputation in the process": Not much to "sully," there, and his own rep is beyond rehabilitation....
41
"but if it fucked up her reporting, I'd like to see evidence."
The fact that this major a breech of journalistic ethics has come to light has essentially fucked up the Mercs reporting for the last few months.
The fact that this major a breech of journalistic ethics has come to light has essentially fucked up the Mercs reporting for the last few months.
42
A cat,
"The Merc has always had a way higher snark quotient than the O or WW": Sure. I've never seen it turn on its own, though....
"...it makes perfect sense that there would be a bit more an un-professional reaction around here": "Un-professional" is the word, yes, indeed. Thanks.
"The Merc has always had a way higher snark quotient than the O or WW": Sure. I've never seen it turn on its own, though....
"...it makes perfect sense that there would be a bit more an un-professional reaction around here": "Un-professional" is the word, yes, indeed. Thanks.
43
"I think Amy saw a chance to bail out of a dying industry & took it. Her motives were reasonable. Doesn't look good, however."
There are ways to go about this sort of career switch. She did it wrong. End of story.
There are ways to go about this sort of career switch. She did it wrong. End of story.
44
I agree with Stu and will add that Guffman has become a bit of a troll whose predictable opinions don't add anything to the thread.
45
Guffman: Oh, I see now. You're part of the "usual anti-Matt brigade" that Stu was talking about. It's not really about the scare quotes around "interviewing". (Hey, look, I used the quotes correctly, though!) Carry on, then, I'll leave you alone.
46
Guffman, I think it may definitely just come down to how accepting you are of the "un-professional" aspect. The merc has always been a bit indifferent to certain aspects of the writerly status quo, and readers are left to either accept it or dismiss the paper. You're free to choose the latter.
47
"It's no secret that many of the Adams-out brigade are people who didn't like him to start with, either because they're bible bashers or because they are / supported one of his mayoral opponents (or are people who don't live in the City of Portland, so who cares what they think).
That little bubble you live in must be nice & cozy--or like lots of people you think everyone in the city thinks the same as the like-minded folks you surround yourself with.
I live in the city, am not a bible-basher or homophobic, voted for Sam, and think he needs to resign--if only for the way this whole fiasco has been handled. He's no leader. And I know plenty of people who feel the same way.
And if Davis is angry with Ruiz' antics, I don't blame him.
That little bubble you live in must be nice & cozy--or like lots of people you think everyone in the city thinks the same as the like-minded folks you surround yourself with.
I live in the city, am not a bible-basher or homophobic, voted for Sam, and think he needs to resign--if only for the way this whole fiasco has been handled. He's no leader. And I know plenty of people who feel the same way.
And if Davis is angry with Ruiz' antics, I don't blame him.
48
Smart: yeah, damn. I wish I'd been paying more attention to earlier threads. Maybe I would've caught on earlier.
49
Smart,
"we've got Matt Davis being openly bitter about the suddenness of her leaving the Mercury and leaving him to do all the work by himself": That's from Stu. Agree?
No One:
"Carry on, then, I'll leave you alone": That's fine with me. Thanks.
A cat:
"There are ways to go about this sort of career switch. She did it wrong": OK. And... what? She's dead in the water if she tries to return to journalism now. No editor is going to overlook the possibility of a quid pro quo in her hiring by Adams. In politics, however, it won't be an issue.
"I think it may definitely just come down to how accepting you are of the 'un-professional' aspect": Sure. I'm not very accepting of unprofessional attempts at journalism. Drags down the whole trade. Makes us all look bad. If you enjoy Matt's efforts, live and be well.
"we've got Matt Davis being openly bitter about the suddenness of her leaving the Mercury and leaving him to do all the work by himself": That's from Stu. Agree?
No One:
"Carry on, then, I'll leave you alone": That's fine with me. Thanks.
A cat:
"There are ways to go about this sort of career switch. She did it wrong": OK. And... what? She's dead in the water if she tries to return to journalism now. No editor is going to overlook the possibility of a quid pro quo in her hiring by Adams. In politics, however, it won't be an issue.
"I think it may definitely just come down to how accepting you are of the 'un-professional' aspect": Sure. I'm not very accepting of unprofessional attempts at journalism. Drags down the whole trade. Makes us all look bad. If you enjoy Matt's efforts, live and be well.
50
"In politics, however, it won't be an issue."
You're right, but I think you forget the Amy was the first to claim that she was in no way qualified for this job. Without the quid pro quo, she has no future in politics. I think this combination of skeezy and deeply stupid behavior on Amy's part makes Matt's severing of ties with his former colleague make perfect sense.
Oh, and if anyone thinks I'm in any way pro-Matt Davis, they obviously haven't spent much time in Blogtown.
You're right, but I think you forget the Amy was the first to claim that she was in no way qualified for this job. Without the quid pro quo, she has no future in politics. I think this combination of skeezy and deeply stupid behavior on Amy's part makes Matt's severing of ties with his former colleague make perfect sense.
Oh, and if anyone thinks I'm in any way pro-Matt Davis, they obviously haven't spent much time in Blogtown.
51
Amy has shown lack of journalism ethics by not disclosing publicly that she had applied for a job at the Mayors office while still reporting on City Hall. That's a stain on the Mercury and her management of the Mercury's news during that time. She has also shown a continuing lack of public employee ethics and professionalism in this whole matter - first by not recusing herself from reporting on City Hall while going through the job application process, then by not disclosing her strong close relationship with Dan Savage, and finally by participating as a City Employee with Dan Savage at the rally on Friday and encouraging the audience to shout into her digital recorder. Let me ask, was she on the clock or off during this rally? Was she being paid for by tax payer dollars during this event?
In addition, those ongoing actions illustrate someone that is completely naive and clueless on what is becoming and politically savvy behavior from someone in her professional position. Real rookie moves on her part. And if she had even a bit of experience and education in urban planning, politics or policy she would understand the way things works inside Council and the bureaus and how to navigate them. She's utterly clueless and sadly, her office is doing little to coach or guide her.
Through her actions she has managed to completely alienate herself from many city staff and bureaus. This is critical because she needs their trust, respect and cooperation in order to be effective at her new job. She needs to get important information, have staff help her understand complex and highly technical planning and policy documents, and will need to be included in meetings and decisions. Instead, she has quickly and effectively managed to alienate herself and is being shut out. That's bad for the city.
She is not qualified for her job as a top level planning and policy adviser and has zero experience or formal education in policy, planning or sustainability. That's troublesome lack leadership from an office that hired her in the first place.
Matt, WW and the O get this, as do many others and it is a critical news issue that needs to be uncovered and resolved.
More...
In addition, those ongoing actions illustrate someone that is completely naive and clueless on what is becoming and politically savvy behavior from someone in her professional position. Real rookie moves on her part. And if she had even a bit of experience and education in urban planning, politics or policy she would understand the way things works inside Council and the bureaus and how to navigate them. She's utterly clueless and sadly, her office is doing little to coach or guide her.
Through her actions she has managed to completely alienate herself from many city staff and bureaus. This is critical because she needs their trust, respect and cooperation in order to be effective at her new job. She needs to get important information, have staff help her understand complex and highly technical planning and policy documents, and will need to be included in meetings and decisions. Instead, she has quickly and effectively managed to alienate herself and is being shut out. That's bad for the city.
She is not qualified for her job as a top level planning and policy adviser and has zero experience or formal education in policy, planning or sustainability. That's troublesome lack leadership from an office that hired her in the first place.
Matt, WW and the O get this, as do many others and it is a critical news issue that needs to be uncovered and resolved.
53
Why doesn't he just appoint Beau Breedlove? He's just about as qualified for this job as the one Sam got him at the Wyatt.
54
I've got to admit I'm pretty wary of Matt's criticism of Amy. It sure does look bad that a former colleague wants to crucify her rather than support her. But on the other hand, every single one of Portland's papers are falling all over themselves trying to find new sensationalist angles. Maybe Matt's constant jabs are just whorish stabs at drumming up more controversy.
If the hiring is revealed to be part of the cover-up-- and I mean by way of glaring new concrete revelations, not the deafening roar of speculation-- that would be far more damning to Adams than any lie about sex. If he's messing with under-agers one year and dating an Oregonian reporter the next, maybe he really is that dumb / arrogant.
Can't we just have the glamorous Adams image without swallowing the nastiness within?
If the hiring is revealed to be part of the cover-up-- and I mean by way of glaring new concrete revelations, not the deafening roar of speculation-- that would be far more damning to Adams than any lie about sex. If he's messing with under-agers one year and dating an Oregonian reporter the next, maybe he really is that dumb / arrogant.
Can't we just have the glamorous Adams image without swallowing the nastiness within?
55
ExCityEmployee,
- Why should her relationship with Dan Savage have been an issue during the hiring process?
- "She's utterly clueless and sadly, her office is doing little to coach or guide her.... Through her actions she has managed to completely alienate herself from many city staff and bureaus.... she has quickly and effectively managed to alienate herself and is being shut out": Really? Says who?
"She ... has zero experience or formal education in policy, planning or sustainability": We've established that. It's a communications job -- we've established that, too. Your point?
- Why should her relationship with Dan Savage have been an issue during the hiring process?
- "She's utterly clueless and sadly, her office is doing little to coach or guide her.... Through her actions she has managed to completely alienate herself from many city staff and bureaus.... she has quickly and effectively managed to alienate herself and is being shut out": Really? Says who?
"She ... has zero experience or formal education in policy, planning or sustainability": We've established that. It's a communications job -- we've established that, too. Your point?
56
roguespierre, look at Amy's actions. Do you really think that it would be reasonable for Matt to support her? This isn't the playground, and there is nothing to be gained for blindly lending personal allegiance to those in the wrong just because you once worked with them.
57
For me, the disturbing thing about hiring Amy Ruiz isn't the journalism ethics, its the questions it raises about the rest of the "advisors" at city hall.
They're all paid with our tax dollars, and the hiring process is apparently "I like this guy, let's make him an advisor!"
They're all paid with our tax dollars, and the hiring process is apparently "I like this guy, let's make him an advisor!"
58
A cat. it's not a reporter's job to "support" anybody. That's Matt's great failure. He's biased to an untrustworthy point.
59
Whether the Mercury supports or doesn't support Amy Ruiz is irrelevant. Doesn't anybody else think she might be the most interesting part of this whole mess--that the circumstances behind her hiring have greatest potential to blow it all up?
60
Guffman, this is a blog. Matt's been a deeply-biased hack with pretty deep mental health issues since he arrived here. This is Matt's great failure. He is what he is, and those of us that have been reading Matt's work for the last couple years know that he sure as hell isn't a good/competent/trustworthy reporter. I think your expectations of him are a bit high.
61
A cat: "look at Amy's actions. Do you really think that it would be reasonable for Matt to support her? This isn't the playground, and there is nothing to be gained for blindly lending personal allegiance to those in the wrong just because you once worked with them."
He worked with her for a while (a couple of years, yes?)-- he should have good insight into her ethics, standards, etc. While that's damning, Matt's writing on any number of other topics hasn't been devoid of the kind of sensationalism that leads me to (cautiously) roll my eyes when he's suddenly all righteous.
Still, I haven't seen anyone step forward and connect the dots with any more substantive evidence than "wouldn't it be scandalous IF...." Unless Matt has serious reasons doubts about her character, why the crucifixion?
Her competitors didn't like that she got the job-- but how reliable are their claims that Amy isn't qualified? I've heard at least a few different job descriptions and I don't know which to believe. Does it need a Master's in public policy? Media / communications experience? I suppose a grad school egghead just might be as wrong for the position as a city hall beat reporter from Portland's premiere half-serious newspaper. (Maybe.)
I want to give Amy the benefit of the doubt. Like, where was Matt Davis's outrage about her hiring *before* the scandal broke?
Get to the bottom of this, Portland. It's getting stale.
He worked with her for a while (a couple of years, yes?)-- he should have good insight into her ethics, standards, etc. While that's damning, Matt's writing on any number of other topics hasn't been devoid of the kind of sensationalism that leads me to (cautiously) roll my eyes when he's suddenly all righteous.
Still, I haven't seen anyone step forward and connect the dots with any more substantive evidence than "wouldn't it be scandalous IF...." Unless Matt has serious reasons doubts about her character, why the crucifixion?
Her competitors didn't like that she got the job-- but how reliable are their claims that Amy isn't qualified? I've heard at least a few different job descriptions and I don't know which to believe. Does it need a Master's in public policy? Media / communications experience? I suppose a grad school egghead just might be as wrong for the position as a city hall beat reporter from Portland's premiere half-serious newspaper. (Maybe.)
I want to give Amy the benefit of the doubt. Like, where was Matt Davis's outrage about her hiring *before* the scandal broke?
Get to the bottom of this, Portland. It's getting stale.
62
A cat,
I don't disagree. With any of what you wrote.
I have a stake in the notion that journalism is a noble, righteous trade. Matt shits all over that with almost every word he writes. That bothers me.
Matt will never listen to me, but I feel a responsibility nonetheless. Sorry if I'm getting in the way.
I don't disagree. With any of what you wrote.
I have a stake in the notion that journalism is a noble, righteous trade. Matt shits all over that with almost every word he writes. That bothers me.
Matt will never listen to me, but I feel a responsibility nonetheless. Sorry if I'm getting in the way.
64
I agree with Guffman! Just because there's smoke doesn't mean there's fire, so let's not even bother looking. Give that poor smoke the benefit of the doubt. If the whole damn forest burns down, who cares!
65
WW hunted this for a long time, and are out front, they cant let it go...
Sam dates an O reporter. so they have to try to appear like they will cover him honestly.
Amy worked for the Mercury, so they have to prove they can report past her... mistake...
WW hunted this for a long time, and are out front, they cant let it go...
Sam dates an O reporter. so they have to try to appear like they will cover him honestly.
Amy worked for the Mercury, so they have to prove they can report past her... mistake...
66
Smart,
You're misrepresenting my point of view.
The kissing-in-the-bathroom thing has made me rethink my earlier (conditional) support for Adams. Amy's situation is a different question. Got some proof that there was a quid pro quo, or intent by Adams to quell coverage of his scandal? Prove it, please.
You're misrepresenting my point of view.
The kissing-in-the-bathroom thing has made me rethink my earlier (conditional) support for Adams. Amy's situation is a different question. Got some proof that there was a quid pro quo, or intent by Adams to quell coverage of his scandal? Prove it, please.
67
Blabby -
The Ron Wyden quote about not having "faith" in Sam Adams was misattributed. That quote came from Nick Fish, and KATU has issued a correction.
Wyden is disappointed and disapproves of actions taken, but is waiting for the investigation to complete before taking a more definitive stand. A subtle but important distinction.
See:
http://www.katu.com/news/38485099.html
The Ron Wyden quote about not having "faith" in Sam Adams was misattributed. That quote came from Nick Fish, and KATU has issued a correction.
Wyden is disappointed and disapproves of actions taken, but is waiting for the investigation to complete before taking a more definitive stand. A subtle but important distinction.
See:
http://www.katu.com/news/38485099.html
69
Guffman, it is a POLICY AND PLANNING ADVISER job title. As in someone who needs to understand complex planning zoning codes, technical language, and how to read, interpret and explain complex policy, environmental and budget issues from all sides and weigh the costs, benefits and ramifications of those findings and ADVISE and COMMUNICATE this in a well informed, factual and technical manner.
Without any education or experience, and given Portland's large, highly experienced and highly educated planning, policy and sustainability community that yes, also has specializations in planning and policy communications, I'll say it again: RUIZ IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR HER JOB
Now, please explain how the shift in Tax Increment Financing from development to non-profit housing, and how increasing FAR and Height allowances in the CX zone as part of the Central City Plan will affect the ability to expand the greenway and riparian goals for Waterfront park through the 2009-2010 budget process. Tell me the difference between 4:1 FAR and 3:1. Tell me how PDC feels about this zoning change, why the Planning Bureau may not be for it and where the Office of Sustainability stands on the matter. Tell me this because the overall recommendations to the Mayors office are due this week and Amy needs to advise the Mayor on whether he should approve or deny this plan. Yeah, communications. PLANNING, POLICY and SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATIONS.
RUIZ is not qualified for her job.
Without any education or experience, and given Portland's large, highly experienced and highly educated planning, policy and sustainability community that yes, also has specializations in planning and policy communications, I'll say it again: RUIZ IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR HER JOB
Now, please explain how the shift in Tax Increment Financing from development to non-profit housing, and how increasing FAR and Height allowances in the CX zone as part of the Central City Plan will affect the ability to expand the greenway and riparian goals for Waterfront park through the 2009-2010 budget process. Tell me the difference between 4:1 FAR and 3:1. Tell me how PDC feels about this zoning change, why the Planning Bureau may not be for it and where the Office of Sustainability stands on the matter. Tell me this because the overall recommendations to the Mayors office are due this week and Amy needs to advise the Mayor on whether he should approve or deny this plan. Yeah, communications. PLANNING, POLICY and SUSTAINABILITY COMMUNICATIONS.
RUIZ is not qualified for her job.
70
I didn't specify she should have disclosed this relationship during the hiring process. It was in reference to attending the rally with Savage on Friday.
71
Ex:
"Now, please explain how the shift in Tax Increment Financing from development to non-profit housing, and how increasing FAR and Height allowances in the CX zone as part of the Central City Plan will affect the ability to expand the greenway and riparian goals for Waterfront park through the 2009-2010 budget process. Tell me the difference between 4:1 FAR and 3:1. Tell me how PDC feels about this zoning change, why the Planning Bureau may not be for it and where the Office of Sustainability stands on the matter": Not a clue. It's not my job. Ask Amy.
In my experience, a good reporter is a quick study. Amy's a good reporter, and her tenacity, curiosity & energy as a reporter very likely means she knows more than either one of us about the issues you're babbling about.
"Now, please explain how the shift in Tax Increment Financing from development to non-profit housing, and how increasing FAR and Height allowances in the CX zone as part of the Central City Plan will affect the ability to expand the greenway and riparian goals for Waterfront park through the 2009-2010 budget process. Tell me the difference between 4:1 FAR and 3:1. Tell me how PDC feels about this zoning change, why the Planning Bureau may not be for it and where the Office of Sustainability stands on the matter": Not a clue. It's not my job. Ask Amy.
In my experience, a good reporter is a quick study. Amy's a good reporter, and her tenacity, curiosity & energy as a reporter very likely means she knows more than either one of us about the issues you're babbling about.
72
Guffman, you are mistaken. She doesn't. She has a rudimentary understanding at best.
And I do know about the above issues. I've had to work on them.
And I do know about the above issues. I've had to work on them.
75
Smart - I'm with you on the Amy thing, for sure it's the most interesting bit.
Yeah, lots of people find Sam and Beau's interactions disgusting or worse - but hey, I think smoking is disgusting, that doesn't mean Obama should be kicked out of the White House. Proof of law breaking would change things, but so far that has been noticeably absent. And plenty of people have been looking for it.
Did Amy's job application affect her reporting? Hard to tell. It would reflect badly on her if it did, but I've not seen any evidence of it at all so far. And anyway, that has no bearing whatsoever on whether Sam should stay or go, or whether she should keep her new job or not.
As far as whether she should quit in disgrace from her new job? - if, and only if, she blackmailed her way into it. In other words, if she told Sam that it'd be a way to get her off the story. There is less than zero evidence of that so far. So I guess she's in the clear.
So barring new evidence surfacing, the only remaining question is whether Sam was mindful of Amy's investigations and influenced her hiring. That would be a game changer. So far, everything we've heard from people who would know is that he wasn't even involved in the choosing / hiring process... This is where the full investigation is warranted, because as of right now it's the sole determining factor in whether we need a new mayor.
Yeah, lots of people find Sam and Beau's interactions disgusting or worse - but hey, I think smoking is disgusting, that doesn't mean Obama should be kicked out of the White House. Proof of law breaking would change things, but so far that has been noticeably absent. And plenty of people have been looking for it.
Did Amy's job application affect her reporting? Hard to tell. It would reflect badly on her if it did, but I've not seen any evidence of it at all so far. And anyway, that has no bearing whatsoever on whether Sam should stay or go, or whether she should keep her new job or not.
As far as whether she should quit in disgrace from her new job? - if, and only if, she blackmailed her way into it. In other words, if she told Sam that it'd be a way to get her off the story. There is less than zero evidence of that so far. So I guess she's in the clear.
So barring new evidence surfacing, the only remaining question is whether Sam was mindful of Amy's investigations and influenced her hiring. That would be a game changer. So far, everything we've heard from people who would know is that he wasn't even involved in the choosing / hiring process... This is where the full investigation is warranted, because as of right now it's the sole determining factor in whether we need a new mayor.
78
I actually don't want to get into this discussion much, but I will say that planning (and increasingly "sustainability") are fields in which people have advanced degrees.
The idea that Amy Ruiz knows more about these fields than professionals because she is a plucky reporter is nonsense.
Incidentally, this exact sort of "any bright person can do it" reasoning got us Brownie leading FEMA, Alberto Gonzales at DOJ, and Doug Feith at the Pentagon, among too many others to list.
No, "any bright person" can't do it.
The idea that Amy Ruiz knows more about these fields than professionals because she is a plucky reporter is nonsense.
Incidentally, this exact sort of "any bright person can do it" reasoning got us Brownie leading FEMA, Alberto Gonzales at DOJ, and Doug Feith at the Pentagon, among too many others to list.
No, "any bright person" can't do it.
79
Ex, as much as you tried to pepper that scenario with supposedly insider terminology and make it seem like Amy coudln't possibly comprehend her job-- you failed.
Anyone who's paid attention to city planning issues would know what the majority of your big, scary words mean. Hell, I'm familiar with most of the issues you tried to reference, and I've never been to a council meeting-- I just read the papers. And I hold a BA in communication arts, ha ha!
Try again.
Anyone who's paid attention to city planning issues would know what the majority of your big, scary words mean. Hell, I'm familiar with most of the issues you tried to reference, and I've never been to a council meeting-- I just read the papers. And I hold a BA in communication arts, ha ha!
Try again.
80
The most interesting part of this is the question, "Just how many city, state and federal employees are completely unqualified for their positions?"
Most government waste can be attributed to wasteful work practices, and maybe even just slack, and most of the people that I've known who worked at these positions stated that they had to know someone and that the credentials became less important than the person's contact inside the organization. I'm sure ExCity could go on and on about this.
The Breedlove thing was like getting pulled over at a traffic stop for Sam, but now they've found something in the trunk that causes scrutiny on all appointments made by Sam. Amy is one of these and she might want to lay low and somehow prove all of her detractors wrong. Same with Sam....
Oh, and about Matt... It's always been an entertaining read from him, and when it's not or even questionable, it's hard for me to boo a free show. I am always surprised whenever he actually gets under anyone's skin though...
Most government waste can be attributed to wasteful work practices, and maybe even just slack, and most of the people that I've known who worked at these positions stated that they had to know someone and that the credentials became less important than the person's contact inside the organization. I'm sure ExCity could go on and on about this.
The Breedlove thing was like getting pulled over at a traffic stop for Sam, but now they've found something in the trunk that causes scrutiny on all appointments made by Sam. Amy is one of these and she might want to lay low and somehow prove all of her detractors wrong. Same with Sam....
Oh, and about Matt... It's always been an entertaining read from him, and when it's not or even questionable, it's hard for me to boo a free show. I am always surprised whenever he actually gets under anyone's skin though...
81
"Amy & I have met. She wouldn't remember me."
I'm sure she would Guffman. Don't sell yourself short.
I'm sure she would Guffman. Don't sell yourself short.
83
Sorry, I really do not believe Ruiz is not qualified for her job. When I was at the City I had to work with people that had political appointments and were advisors to Council and the Mayor but had no experience or education in said fields. It was really problematic, made it very difficult for staff and led to all kinds of negative ramifications and bad projects for the City. I just don't want to see those sort of mistakes happen again. (i.e the "Hellava Job Brownie" syndrome).
So go ahead and believe Amy is qualified, that she is capable. That's fine. We can agree to disagree as it were. At the end of the day its really the bureaus that have to work with her and her ability to effectively understand and communicate these issues at hand that will matter.
And based on her resume and her actions before, and during the time she was hired, and her actions this past week I still think, as someone who worked in the City, she is not qualified for her position.
So go ahead and believe Amy is qualified, that she is capable. That's fine. We can agree to disagree as it were. At the end of the day its really the bureaus that have to work with her and her ability to effectively understand and communicate these issues at hand that will matter.
And based on her resume and her actions before, and during the time she was hired, and her actions this past week I still think, as someone who worked in the City, she is not qualified for her position.
85
Sorry meant to say, "I do not believe Ruiz is qualified for her job." Double negative in there. I'm all fired up, and concerned and that let to quick typing mistake.
Anyway, I've said what I need to. Done now. Thanks for listening.
Anyway, I've said what I need to. Done now. Thanks for listening.
87
I'm not saying she IS qualified for the job-- I just want to find a job description I can trust, see a copy of her resume and find out, once and for all if it's remotely reasonable.
Hell, put Adams in front of a podium and have him defend his choice. Would that be so hard?
Hell, put Adams in front of a podium and have him defend his choice. Would that be so hard?
88
Guffman (you dumb jackass) my insinuation was painfully obvious.
But here we go again, spelling out the painfully obvious for Guffman (dumb jackass):
I was insinuating that you know Amy, and therefore you come here to get indignant on her behalf.
Did anyone else miss that? Anyone? No? Just dumb jackass Guffman? Thought so.
But here we go again, spelling out the painfully obvious for Guffman (dumb jackass):
I was insinuating that you know Amy, and therefore you come here to get indignant on her behalf.
Did anyone else miss that? Anyone? No? Just dumb jackass Guffman? Thought so.
89
Ex: I think I know who you are. Is her incompetence the reason you left? People up there must be extremely frustrated with all this.
90
"Hell, put Adams in front of a podium and have him defend his choice. Would that be so hard?"
Mayor Sam Adams has better things to do... like figure out how he is going to get the AG off his butt...
Mayor Sam Adams has better things to do... like figure out how he is going to get the AG off his butt...
91
Hi Blabby,
Thanks for going ad hominem. It will make the rest of the conversation SO much easier.
I've followed Amy's reporting throughout her time in Portland. It's impressive. Unlike Davis, she's relatively objective & even-handed. We've met, briefly, in professional settings, maybe twice. Based on that limited contact, I'm confident her motives were good in going for the city job. I easily could be wrong. I eagerly await evidence either way.
As for you, Blabby, you stupid cunt, you were an Adams-hater before any of this hit the news, so none of us need to trouble ourselves over your prattle. Why don't you get your grandchildren to guide you down to the senior center for some bingo, you senile sack of shit?
Thanks for going ad hominem. It will make the rest of the conversation SO much easier.
I've followed Amy's reporting throughout her time in Portland. It's impressive. Unlike Davis, she's relatively objective & even-handed. We've met, briefly, in professional settings, maybe twice. Based on that limited contact, I'm confident her motives were good in going for the city job. I easily could be wrong. I eagerly await evidence either way.
As for you, Blabby, you stupid cunt, you were an Adams-hater before any of this hit the news, so none of us need to trouble ourselves over your prattle. Why don't you get your grandchildren to guide you down to the senior center for some bingo, you senile sack of shit?
96
"Hell, I'm familiar with most of the issues you tried to reference, "
Being "familiar with most of the concepts" and understanding policy implications at senior adviser level are far, far cries from each other.
Being "familiar with most of the concepts" and understanding policy implications at senior adviser level are far, far cries from each other.
97
"Being 'familiar with most of the concepts' and understanding policy implications at senior adviser level are far, far cries from each other."
So her experience covering city hall isn't worth a damn? Her investigation of / writing about how policy decisions have affected the community is worthless? Nobody's trying to paint her as a policy expert-- she's a journalist, and one who seemed to interface with city politics every day.
That doesn't sound so bad when you consider that our country routinely elects movie stars, comedians and former pro wrestlers to some of the highest positions in the land.
So her experience covering city hall isn't worth a damn? Her investigation of / writing about how policy decisions have affected the community is worthless? Nobody's trying to paint her as a policy expert-- she's a journalist, and one who seemed to interface with city politics every day.
That doesn't sound so bad when you consider that our country routinely elects movie stars, comedians and former pro wrestlers to some of the highest positions in the land.
98
Not when there are/were people much more qualified for the job.
In fact, Ruiz would be more qualified for this Spokesman's job, that pays $25K a year more, than the one she has now.
In fact, Ruiz would be more qualified for this Spokesman's job, that pays $25K a year more, than the one she has now.
99
Sorry, the Ruiz issue continues to bother me so I did a little research. I'll let you all judge for yourselves.
The City of Portland has specific job classifications on record, including titles, descriptions of work and qualifications. They are used to determine hiring in a fair manner, used for salary classifications and used to help guide others in the City when creating new, similar positions. I know, we used them when I worked at the City.
Here's a few with the classifications of Policy advisor, analyst, City Commission Staff and other related classifications. I even threw in "Public Information Officer" which is the City version of a Public Relations/PR person
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.CF…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
And an example of what the City expects of a Policy Advisor (from the above):
"A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlines about is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration, public policy, or a closely related field; and at least 7 years of progressively responsible management or policy analysis and development experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is highly desirable." For the rather low level classification of "Policy Analyst" the job still requires "5 years of experience"
Now, as a comparison, let's look at some Policy Advisor jobs and the Policy Advisors within City Hall and the City
Policy Advisors for Amanda Fritz -
Tim Crail
http://www.portlandonline.com/fritz/index.…
Patti Howard
http://www.portlandonline.com/fritz/index.…
Other Policy Advisors to Amanda. http://www.portlandonline.com/fritz/index.…
And even the Assistant Policy Advisor (read: Admin), as listed in the above link has more education and experience in Policy and Sustainability than Ruiz!
Policy Advisors for Nick Fish:
Carmen Caballero Rubio
http://www.portlandonline.com/fish/index.c…
Hannah Kuhn
http://www.portlandonline.com/fish/index.c…
Randy Leonard's Staff
http://www.portlandonline.com/leonard/inde…
Now, Let's look at Ruiz's cover letter and resume
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/Blogto…
I think I am quite justified in feeling that Ruiz is unqualified for her position. Amy's skills, education and experience are simply not on par to her peers and cohorts within City Hall.
This issue bothers me greatly because I feel it is dangerous and risky for City business and sends a strong message from the Mayor's office that personality and connections are the most important thing in hiring, over everything else. Including stated City HR guidelines.
Amy might be bright, dedicated and might have been an Ace City Hall reporter at a serious award winning alternative weekly newspaper, but once again, compared to all her peers in City Hall, she's simply not on par. That raises some serious questions, again, about her hire.
More...
The City of Portland has specific job classifications on record, including titles, descriptions of work and qualifications. They are used to determine hiring in a fair manner, used for salary classifications and used to help guide others in the City when creating new, similar positions. I know, we used them when I worked at the City.
Here's a few with the classifications of Policy advisor, analyst, City Commission Staff and other related classifications. I even threw in "Public Information Officer" which is the City version of a Public Relations/PR person
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.CF…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
http://www.portlandonline.com/omf/index.cf…
And an example of what the City expects of a Policy Advisor (from the above):
"A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlines about is graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in public or business administration, public policy, or a closely related field; and at least 7 years of progressively responsible management or policy analysis and development experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a public agency is highly desirable." For the rather low level classification of "Policy Analyst" the job still requires "5 years of experience"
Now, as a comparison, let's look at some Policy Advisor jobs and the Policy Advisors within City Hall and the City
Policy Advisors for Amanda Fritz -
Tim Crail
http://www.portlandonline.com/fritz/index.…
Patti Howard
http://www.portlandonline.com/fritz/index.…
Other Policy Advisors to Amanda. http://www.portlandonline.com/fritz/index.…
And even the Assistant Policy Advisor (read: Admin), as listed in the above link has more education and experience in Policy and Sustainability than Ruiz!
Policy Advisors for Nick Fish:
Carmen Caballero Rubio
http://www.portlandonline.com/fish/index.c…
Hannah Kuhn
http://www.portlandonline.com/fish/index.c…
Randy Leonard's Staff
http://www.portlandonline.com/leonard/inde…
Now, Let's look at Ruiz's cover letter and resume
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/Blogto…
I think I am quite justified in feeling that Ruiz is unqualified for her position. Amy's skills, education and experience are simply not on par to her peers and cohorts within City Hall.
This issue bothers me greatly because I feel it is dangerous and risky for City business and sends a strong message from the Mayor's office that personality and connections are the most important thing in hiring, over everything else. Including stated City HR guidelines.
Amy might be bright, dedicated and might have been an Ace City Hall reporter at a serious award winning alternative weekly newspaper, but once again, compared to all her peers in City Hall, she's simply not on par. That raises some serious questions, again, about her hire.
100
"Nobody's trying to paint her as a policy expert..."
Um, I think that's precisely what they're trying to paint her as.
Um, I think that's precisely what they're trying to paint her as.
101
holy cow and totally off topic, but doesn't this break some sort of record for comments? I don't think I've ever seen one in the triple digits.
102
Yeah, I think this is a first, though not nearly as awesome as the Tropic Thunder=Rascist post, which I think only reached the low 90's.
103
Nope, I was wrong.
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2008/0…
That is both the longest and awesomest blogtown thread i'm aware of.
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2008/0…
That is both the longest and awesomest blogtown thread i'm aware of.
104
(Guffman, please check out that thread and the discourse contained within if you still think Matt is to be taken seriously as a journalist. The boy can't even come close to forming coherent arguments)
105
A cat,
We share a distaste for Matt Davis' reporting. Matt's not a journalist. He played the part pretty well last week, but it can't last.
We share a distaste for Matt Davis' reporting. Matt's not a journalist. He played the part pretty well last week, but it can't last.
106
The thing is, I accepted this many months ago. Matt is a shit journalist with occasional flashes of competence. On the plus side, he's a decent internet troll and inspires other trolls. Semi-retarded intarwebz drama a la 4chan is about all that matt contributes to the Merc (although he's gone downhill drastically in the past half year), and I personally think that's enough for me.
If you lower your standards drastically, you might have fun sticking around. If you expect Matt to raise his game, you'll be sorely disappointed. I just don't want you to waste your time.
If you lower your standards drastically, you might have fun sticking around. If you expect Matt to raise his game, you'll be sorely disappointed. I just don't want you to waste your time.
107
"If you expect Matt to raise his game, you'll be sorely disappointed. I just don't want you to waste your time": No, this past week was an "aberration," as Adams might put it. Matt will be back to cupcake reviews in no time.
108
Sam Adams sucks as Mayor and should resign.
Intelligent people know this.
Delusional people refute this.
The rest is window dressing.
Intelligent people know this.
Delusional people refute this.
The rest is window dressing.
110
@A cat
Are we reduced to *chan non-jokes now? Come on, we can do better than that.
Also, isn't the Sam Adams argument over now? He's staying till either a criminal indictment or a recall vote de-elects him. The rest is window dressing.
Are we reduced to *chan non-jokes now? Come on, we can do better than that.
Also, isn't the Sam Adams argument over now? He's staying till either a criminal indictment or a recall vote de-elects him. The rest is window dressing.
111
@ Graham
"He's staying till either a criminal indictment or a recall vote de-elects him."
Or until he resigns after the rest of his staff quits and the legitimate political establishment completely ostracizes him...
"He's staying till either a criminal indictment or a recall vote de-elects him."
Or until he resigns after the rest of his staff quits and the legitimate political establishment completely ostracizes him...
112
Come on, Graham... You've been through the last week with us, and you've been through the last year with us. This place is feeling a lot like the purgatory that is *chan right now, and seeing as you understood the slowpoke reference, I can't imagine you disagree with the sentiment. Between Blabby, Guffman, Al M, and all the other bit-players (not to mention the historic characters like Kiala, Horseshit Guy, Roguespeirre, and the two of us), this has descended to nothing more than a local memeplex. I'm happy with it; maybe others aren't.
113
A cat,
How come I'm a "bit player" and you're a "historic character"? I smell self-aggrandizement here.
How come I'm a "bit player" and you're a "historic character"? I smell self-aggrandizement here.
114
Guffman, I'm the reason that you can register a user name and log in. I'm not joking. Before certain actions of mine, blogtown was all just semi-anonymous posters and a whole bundle of sock puppetry. It was the wild fucking west. Wm. Steven Humphrey had to broker a private truce between me and Matt Davis. Cat Friday/Caturday was a warzone. I do not kid. I was here when Kiala actually was a five year old that needed things explained to her simply. Not fucking joking.
116
Guffman, you're clearly getting a bit emotionally involved. Maybe you should take a couple days away from blogtown and get some clear headspace? This is this internet, after all. No need to get upset about strangers on the computer.
122
I know, Alison. We've seen how high the Merc editors' standards have been over the past week. Keep shooting for the stars.
Any word on Wm. making any editorial statements about Amy? We've been waiting...
Any word on Wm. making any editorial statements about Amy? We've been waiting...
123
I see no credible objection to me taking the communications director job. My work here is done. Thank you all for your input. I look forward to your love and support in the days and years to come, should I get the job.
124
No one here makes any fucking sense anymore. I'm pretty sure this comment will push this thread into "longest ever" territory. I'm gonna get some sleep and take tomorrow off. Be well, kids.
125
@A cat
Up until now, I was unaware that you were a Lulz-inator. Makes many more posts make sense now. **bow**
Good job on the 1015 friends. That's gotta take some dedication. At least 1015 units of effort.
I'm curious to learn about how you forced the issue of logins and advancement of the commenting code.
The merc should endorse some sort of commentors drinking night a la The Stranger.
Up until now, I was unaware that you were a Lulz-inator. Makes many more posts make sense now. **bow**
Good job on the 1015 friends. That's gotta take some dedication. At least 1015 units of effort.
I'm curious to learn about how you forced the issue of logins and advancement of the commenting code.
The merc should endorse some sort of commentors drinking night a la The Stranger.
126
"So her experience covering city hall isn't worth a damn? Her investigation of / writing about how policy decisions have affected the community is worthless?"
I wasn't talking about her. I was talking about you.
I wasn't talking about her. I was talking about you.
127
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/Blogto…
Graham, this was the post that ushered in the new rules. I think you were around for the Caturday wars, the Matt Davis trollings, the sockpuppets, the sensitive cartoonist calling Wm. and demanding that Matt be fired, everyone being accused of rascism, various peoples wives being brought into the drama, and all the rest of the golden age. I certainly can't take credit for everything, but I can say with confidence that over half of the lulzier posts in the month or three leading up to the new rules were writtten by me, and I have exasperated private emails from Wm. that attest to this fact (as well as the terms of my truce with Matt, which are not to be discussed).
Thanks for the props on my copious friends. I tried to befriend everyone (i was feeling nice...), but got bored. Also, I would love to have a blogtown drinking night, but really do worry about Matt punching me in the face.
Graham, this was the post that ushered in the new rules. I think you were around for the Caturday wars, the Matt Davis trollings, the sockpuppets, the sensitive cartoonist calling Wm. and demanding that Matt be fired, everyone being accused of rascism, various peoples wives being brought into the drama, and all the rest of the golden age. I certainly can't take credit for everything, but I can say with confidence that over half of the lulzier posts in the month or three leading up to the new rules were writtten by me, and I have exasperated private emails from Wm. that attest to this fact (as well as the terms of my truce with Matt, which are not to be discussed).
Thanks for the props on my copious friends. I tried to befriend everyone (i was feeling nice...), but got bored. Also, I would love to have a blogtown drinking night, but really do worry about Matt punching me in the face.
128
Scratch that last link of mine, I seriously suck at reading today.
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2008/0…
That is the end of the wild-west stage of blogtown. Log-ins were instituted later, but were certainly related. My memory sucks.
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2008/0…
That is the end of the wild-west stage of blogtown. Log-ins were instituted later, but were certainly related. My memory sucks.
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The Handyman Pro - Your Honey-Do Specialist
Don’t let our name fool you. The Handyman Pro, LLC is a repair and remodel service provider with over 25-years experience. We cover all aspects of construction and repairs for residential and commercial clients.
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