The Dozono team hadn’t counted yet, but Sho was sho they would reach the 1,500 signatures and $5 donations needed to qualify for public financing for the mayoral race by the time the signature-gathering event at Grant High School in Northeast Portland ended today.
A characteristically nonchalant Sho Dozono said he planned to hand over the signatures to the city by next Friday, almost a full week before the Jan. 31 deadline. In the meantime, he thinks the signatures will keep flowing in—“there’s over 8,000 blank forms out there,” he said.
With the signature situation seemingly under control, the emphasis at Grant was on the election itself, not qualifying for it.
“It feels good to connect with my roots,” said Dozono, who taught at Grant High School in the ’70s. “I’m very pro-education,” he said, stressing that this election is really about the future of Portland, and that the future hinges on the schools.
The Azumano Travel owner also spoke about the importance of his experience in both the public and private sectors, pointing out the need for collaboration between the two. “I don’t know when the last time was we had a mayor with a long business career,” he said.
Speaking of his long and experience-filled career as another plus, he joked, “Many of my former colleagues are retired.”
He added, “I don’t feel like I’m old, but I think part of this is that I’m older. I’ve worked for six mayors and five governors.”
Dozono has also been to North Korea three times as a sort of citizen ambassador, and he expressed concern about issues outside Portland like the war in Iraq. He made sure to reaffirm his interest in the welfare of minorities, and, so to speak, their interest in his.
He seemed genuinely pleased with what he perceived as an outpouring of support from citizens over the past few weeks.
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Support Sho! Kick SCAM ADAMS to the curb.
Dozono seems like a breath of fresh air. He may not have the political polish of Mr. Adams, but he seems genuine and passionate about Portland. I think he would be honest. Compared to what we know about the other candidate’s arrogance and wreckless, irresponsible fiscal qualities I think I’ll take a chance on Sho.
Folks thought Tom Potter would also be a breath of fresh air and what have we seen from him? An overpriced "vision" project, a failed attempt-backed by big business-to change the city council power structure, a beard and not much else. Most of the real vision has come from his council mates. Sam has proven that he has what it takes to lead, even if those choices are not always popular
Sho might be a nice guy and a good businessman, but I’m concerned the politics of City Hall will eat him alive just like it did Tom Potter. If he does get elected, I suspect Randy Leonard will become the most powerful person on the council. He is a political streetfighter and without Adams and Sten around he’ll run the show.
Like I’ve said elsewhere, this man counts the slimiest lobbyist I’ve known as his major advisor, Len Bergstein. I find it hard to look at his candidacy as outsider or community-based.