Good news for newbie Portland City Council candidates Chris Smith and Charles Lewis: Metro Councilor Robert Liberty announced today that he wouldn’t be running for the seat that Commissioner Sam Adams will vacate when he runs for mayor.
For what it’s worth, Liberty might consider Commissioner Erik Sten’s seat if it opens in 2010.
Liberty’s announcement says he still has work to do at Metro. He also says he’s too busy moonlighting to campaign.
“Metro Councilors just got a pay raise, thanks to the Oregon Legislature—our pay is now $37,000 a year,” says Liberty’s press release. “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.”
Yeah, but it would pay off, if he won. The salary for Portland City Commissioners is nearly double that of their Metro colleagues.
The text of Liberty’s announcement follows.
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 Sten decided not to run for reelection. The Metro Council Presidency will also be open, with David Bragdon finishing his second and last term.
