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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

News / Politics Recall Campaign Files Complaint Against Adams

Posted by Matt Davis on Tue, Sep 8, 2009 at 3:50 PM

The campaign to recall Sam Adams has filed a complaint with the secretary of state's office this afternoon over an alleged altercation between the mayor and one of its signature gatherers last week in Pioneer Square.

samflippingpancake.jpg

ADAMS: DID HE FLIP OUT?

Here's a press release just put out by campaign spokesman Jasun Wurster.

(Portland, OR) A formal complaint was filed today by the Community to Recall Sam Adams with the Secretary of the State of Oregon Elections Division against Mayor Sam Adams for allegedly intimidating a signature circulator, Thursday, September 3, 2009, on a sidewalk abutting Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland.

"Oregon law protects those who collect signatures from undue influence, violence or threatening statements and, as an elected official, Adams is well aware of this law," stated Jasun Wurster, Chief Petitioner for the Community to Recall Sam Adams. "This type of intimidation is simply unacceptable and is in direct violation of principles of our democratic process."

According to Rondine Ghiselline, a authorized volunteer signature circulator with the campaign to recall Portland's current Mayor and a single mother of three, Adams and approximately ten other males approached Ghiselline as she was speaking with an assured signator. Adams emerged from the pack of staffers and went directly up to her within a foot of her face and admonished her for lying and spreading false rumors about him. The signator was intimidated and immediately fled the scene while Adams continued reprimand Ghiselline in the public-right-of-way. A staff assistant pulled Adams away from Ghiselline and she immediately called the campaign office to report the incident.

"I was scared," Ghiselline reported. "I felt he wanted to stop me from collecting signatures and representing the campaign. I was shaking afterwards. And, I lost the signature."

According to his schedule, Adams was arriving to represent the City of Portland at Portland Pancake Day. The complaint also addresses the misuse of city resources for political campaign purposes.

Download a copy of the complaint letter here.


We have inquiries for comment in to: Ghiselline, Adams, and the secretary of state's office. More when we get it.

Update: The secretary of state's office plans to review the complaint over the next 24 hours to determine whether it is a "civil or criminal complaint," according to a spokesperson. We'll know more tomorrow, but civil complaints can be discussed, criminal complaints are kept confidential.

Update, 4:14pm: Ghiselline says she was talking to some people on the edge of the square, telling them "Mayor Adams has a new sit/lie law in the works," when he came over. "He said 'is this what you're resorting to?' and asked 'why are you starting these rumors about me?'," says Ghiseline. "I'd say he was trying to intimidate me, he was clearly very angry, but I didn't feel intimidated." She told Adams, "I just want you to resign," she says, to which he allegedly responded, "You've made that clear." "And I lost the signatures, of course," says Ghiseline.

Update, 5:51pm: Mayor Adams has denied Ghiselline's version of events in what many may feel is the most appropriate medium, Twitter direct message:

adams.jpg

 

Comments (33) RSS

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1
"I felt he wanted to stop me from collecting signatures and representing the campaign."

Gee, you think? Hello Captain Obvious.
Posted by DLS 3.0 on September 8, 2009 at 4:08 PM · Report
2
Sounds pretty desperate to me. Guess the gathering's not going so well, huh?
Posted by bd on September 8, 2009 at 4:19 PM · Report
3
Not to be insensitive to the issue at hand, but does anyone at the Community to Recall Sam Adams proof-read the press releases before they go out? I'm unemployed and would happily accept the position of spokesperson.
Posted by JakeM on September 8, 2009 at 4:28 PM · Report
4
I feel intimidated when approached physically and verbally by strangers wanting anything from me on the street, especially those with clip boards or "feed me" signage.
Posted by StopTryingToStopMe on September 8, 2009 at 4:34 PM · Report
5
The recall did not even spell her name right, it is Ghiselline per the Wweek. Here is an old story where she has compared Sam Adams to a guy who raped her when she was in college. "Both Beau Breedlove and I were teens who were used and discarded,” Ghiselline testitified [SIC]. “My attacker used force, [Breedlove's] used coercion."

http://blogs.wweek.com/news/2009/03/04/adams-admission-reaction-one-protester-explains-in-painful-detail-why-shes-so-mad/
Posted by littlebeirut on September 8, 2009 at 4:36 PM · Report
6
I think we've lost sight of what's really important here ... where are the pancakes?
Posted by Commenty Colin on September 8, 2009 at 4:37 PM · Report
7
The question "Is this what you're resorting to?" needs to be repeated. BD has it right, above - guess the signature-gathering isn't going well.
Posted by Reymont on September 8, 2009 at 4:39 PM · Report
8
Mayor Adams certainly is good at something, "flipping."
Posted by Giggles on September 8, 2009 at 4:45 PM · Report
9
"he was clearly very angry, but I didn't feel intimidated."

Sounds like he came up, said something pissy then left. He maybe have been (understandably) angry but it doesn't sound like "undue influence, violence or threatening statements". Is just approaching against the law? Considering the subject of the collecting, just having Sam walk up could be taken as intimidating. Sounds like it was not the smartest thing to do but not against the law.
Posted by Jinx on September 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM · Report
10
"and a single mother of three..."

What the hell does that have to do with anything?

"Adams was arriving to represent the City of Portland at Portland Pancake Day."

Oh, Portland. Jesus.
Posted by Kincardine on September 8, 2009 at 4:48 PM · Report
11
Once, on the radio, I referred to Adams as being "Machiavellian". Latter that night, at a bar, he approached me while I was seated and kind of tried to tower over me. He then asked me what I'd called him on the radio.

Based on the look on his face, I'm pretty sure the irony of the situation was lost on him.
Posted by Kyle! on September 8, 2009 at 4:50 PM · Report
12
"I'd say he was trying to intimidate me, he was clearly very angry, but I didn't feel intimidated."

So, uh, why did you file a complaint? Isn't that the whole point of the complaint--that you felt intimidated?
Posted by Dave J. on September 8, 2009 at 4:52 PM · Report
13
"I was shaking afterwards." But then said, "he was clearly very angry, but I didn't feel intimidated."

Ah... then why were you shaking?
Posted by DLS 3.0 on September 8, 2009 at 5:05 PM · Report
14
I miss good old rabidly incomprehensible Rondine from a few months ago. This crap is just getting desperate...
Posted by A CAT, probably on September 8, 2009 at 5:23 PM · Report
15
Personally, I think Mayor Adams is hot, even if I never voted for him, I'm female, and I have recently signed the recall Mayor Adams petition. He spoke to me before for some other reason and was rather “flippy,” oh well—he’s cute. Love him, do not like his politics. Another day, another drama. "Keep Portland Weird"
Posted by Giggles on September 8, 2009 at 5:44 PM · Report
16
Hmm...nobody in the news is talking about the recall so the recall campaign files a complaint using a West Linn resident who is known to be a little unhinged (at least I think so judging from some of her comments here and past statements).

Yeah...Jasun...try reaching a little more bud. That old man who was scowling at me on Hawthorne during the Sunday Parkway trying to get me to sign your recall petition isn't getting it done is he?
Posted by BlackedOut on September 8, 2009 at 5:56 PM · Report
17
I don't trust either side.
Posted by Grapleberry Assface on September 8, 2009 at 6:43 PM · Report
18
@ Matt I said I didn't feel threatened but I did feel intimidated.

Hope that helps to clarify.
Posted by R Ghiselline on September 8, 2009 at 7:46 PM · Report
19
"Based on the look on his face, I'm pretty sure the irony of the situation was lost on him."

So the mayor-a sizeable, upright man-approaches a seated you and asks about something you called him on the public airwaves? And that's supposed to be an irony-laced bit of Machiavellian treatment?

Please. That shit's weak. What did you say? What did he do? Sounds from your angle like a self-fulfilling case.

Speaking of irony, hey recall people--when you're finally through with this falsity-laden travesty of a campaign, can I have what's left of your floor balloons?
Posted by TSW on September 8, 2009 at 8:29 PM · Report
20
Rondine, please go home.
Posted by peenew on September 8, 2009 at 8:56 PM · Report
21
Um...These people ARE stupid!
One man, Who I will not name, stood outside the courthouse on 4th exclaimed one day as I walked by "Protect Little Boys! Recall Sam Adams!"
Over and over and over to every passerby.
Mr. Wurster, Please....
Posted by FreddieMac on September 8, 2009 at 9:24 PM · Report
22
Why is Rondine gathering signatures to recall "a single mother of three"? That just seems mean.

Also, this is classic passive-aggressive Portland weak sauce. Rondine spends the last eight months shit-talking the dude (rightly or wrongly) and as soon as he confronts her, she shrivels and files a legal complaint. Fucking grow a pair and learn how to argue! It's what the country was founded on!

Wurster, you might want to iron your hoodie in case you get subpoenaed in this trial.
Posted by Sad Getting Sadder on September 8, 2009 at 10:10 PM · Report
23
January 21, 2009

To: Portlanders and Auditor Gary Blackmer

From: Sam Adams

Re: Letter of Resignation

I want to reiterate my apology of yesterday to all Portlanders for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an 18 year old and for lying about it over the past 17 months. Again, I deeply regret my actions.

In the weeks and months ahead, it is of paramount importance that city government be fully focused on helping its people and businesses through the most pressing economic recession in 60 years.

Since I returned to Portland yesterday I have taken stock of the big mess I have created. I do not need any more time conclude what is best for Portland. At this time of economic crisis this city can ill afford the distraction it would create if I was to continue on as Mayor so I resign as of 2:00pm today.

Having worked closely with Randy Leonard for many years I know he will do a great job as Interim Mayor.

I want to thank Randy for agreeing to keep on my mayoral staff through May; they are a fantastic group of hard working public servants and they will serve him well. I want to reiterate that the only role played by Amy Ruiz in this matter is that of another victim of my lies. My chief of staff Tom Miller hired her based on her smarts and extensive knowledge of Portlanders, period.

Also, I want to thank interim Mayor Randy Leonard for agreeing to take on the role of host for the Mayor’s Winter Gala on Saturday, January 31st to benefit the Q center community center. It is a very worthy cause and deserving of support.

As I return to private life immediately ahead for me I will cooperate fully with the investigation of my relationship with Beau Breedlove. And I will take time to reflect on my poor judgment in these matters and to fully learn all the lessons I need to learn from my mistakes. I will work hard to come out of this experience a better man.

I want to thank Portlanders for putting their faith in me as an elected official. I am very sorry I let you down. Now, we all need to support our great city council in its work to move Portland forward.
More...
Posted by pdxrocks on September 8, 2009 at 10:50 PM · Report
24
Note to recall supporters: The only thing that matters is how many signatures you have.

Releasing complaints from a biased supporter in order to actually be put back in the news, posting letters that were never released, and crying about how people not from Portland should have their opinions heard in a debate about Portland city politics aren't helping your cause.

The complaint is clearly just a blatant attempt to drum up some noise for the signature gatherers because it's pretty clear the media quit caring about them once they released how many signatures they had actually gathered and everyone realized how many more they would have to gather in a very short time frame.

So...how many signatures do you have Jasun or do we just have to watch more stunts? Actually scratch that. I enjoy watching this much fail way too much.
Posted by BlackedOut on September 9, 2009 at 12:04 AM · Report
25
I'm with Colin on this one. It doesn't matter if Sam accosted this woman or not. What truly matters is his dereliction of pancake duty. HOW MANY HUNGRY PORTLANDERS WILL GO WITHOUT PANCAKES NOW!? I ask you, Mr. Adams. HOW MANY!?!?
Posted by Will Radik on September 9, 2009 at 2:29 AM · Report
26
I'm starting my own "recall" and "signature" campaign...........the campaign to sometime soon be able to RECALL being served a SIGNATURE long stack o' p-cakes!

Who's with me?
Posted by TSW on September 9, 2009 at 7:54 AM · Report
27
When Adams says the accusation is "completely false," does he mean "completely false" like he said the Breedlove accusations were? Or "completely false" like a non-psychotic person would understand that term?
Posted by Jesus Fucking Christ on September 9, 2009 at 9:12 AM · Report
28
@Jesus Fucking Christ:

Or maybe he means "completely false" as in "the belief that the recall is about Adams' sexuality is completely false."
Posted by blownspeakers on September 9, 2009 at 9:42 AM · Report
29
I saw sam cooking pancakes that day. He didnt look scary at all. If you are going to insert yourself into a public controversy like that, expect to encounter some verbal disagreement. Sounds like a bunch of shit.
Posted by Demondog on September 9, 2009 at 9:50 AM · Report
30
Ha! We get to keep our fabulous gay mayor, major league soccer is coming to town (minor league baseball OUT!) and we are well on the way to banning private car traffic from downtown PDX. Next up: communist healthcare!
Posted by bigbrew on September 9, 2009 at 12:53 PM · Report
31
Yes, nothing indicates the creeping red menace like a lost minor league baseball team. Great point.
Posted by TSW on September 9, 2009 at 1:52 PM · Report
32
Oh no healthcare for everyone! RUN FOR YOU FREEDOM LOVING LIVES! Wait how we banning private car traffic from downtown? Is it going to be an all pedestrian walkway? Why does no one tell me these things at our communist meetings?
Posted by Jinx on September 9, 2009 at 2:43 PM · Report
33
See, Sam Adams is made to flip pancakes, it's all in the wrist action.
Posted by Giggles on September 9, 2009 at 4:11 PM · Report

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