Two more business leaders have put their names—and presumably their wallets—behind the second attempt to recall Mayor Sam Adams.
Last week, WW reported that former state Sen. Avel Gordly had agreed to be the spokeswoman and chief petitioner for the second recall campaign. Today, Gordly sent out an email seeking financial support for the campaign.
That email (below) included the names of two business leaders previously identified as recall supporters—Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle and car dealer Ron Tonkin. But today’s message also adds two more names to the list: Andrew Miller, the CEO of Portland-based Stimson Lumber and Peter Stott, the former CEO of Crown Pacific Partners and now the CEO of the Portland real estate firm SKB.
It is unclear how much money any of the four is going to contribute because the recall campaign has not yet begun filings with the Secretary of State’s elections division.
Dear, _______
I am writing you because I believe Portland is at a crossroads and being defined by a select few.
As you may have read, I have agreed to be the chief petitioner for the new recall campaign. This issue is important to me and others because Portland voters should have the opportunity to decide the city’s future. Whether you support Adams or not, it is important that we stand up and resolve this issue.
The city and region cannot afford three more years of weakened and unsettled leadership. The Mayor must have a mandate to govern effectively and tackle the pressing issues of job creation, business development, schools and the future growth of our city and region.
Our next step is to complete our initial fundraising goal in the next few days so that we can start paying petitioners and recruit volunteers to start collecting signatures right away.
As you may know the volunteer effort came very close with more than 30,000 signatures. Starting with this foundation and adding the paid signature effort, we no doubt will be able to collect the required signatures to put this issue before Portland voters.
Several prominent business leaders have stepped up to help fund our down payment. Among those are Tim Boyle, Ron Tonkin, Peter Stott, Andrew Miller, and others. These are their personal views and not views of their companies. Contributions range from $20,000 to $10,000 to $5,000. Either personal or corporate contributions are acceptable.
We are within striking distance of our goal and need your help to put this issue on the ballot.
Your financial help will make a difference. Please make contributions to Portland Future PAC and send to PO Box 5217 Portland, OR 97208. Together, we will reclaim Portland as the great place we know.
Thank you.
Avel
P.S. Attached is a form required by the Secretary of State. Please fill out the form when sending a contribution.
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Tags: Andrew Miller, Peter Stott, Portland, recall, Sam Adams
Great – this is good news!
The bottom line is that Sam lied to get elected. He admitted it. He knew enough to resign and wrote a letter of resignation. Unfortunately he let a small group of Portland elites convince him to remain in office and his ego got the better of him (once again).
It doesn’t matter why he lied, what matters is that he lied to the voters to get elected – period. And it wasn’t one simple lie, it was a series of calculated lies and cover-ups at the expense of other people’s reputations.
Sam should either resign or agree to a recall election so that he can run fairly and ‘honestly’ and that Portland can vote with full knowledge of who they’re electing.
Thank you Avel, Tim, Ron, Peter, and Andrew.
It’s great to see these business leaders getting on board. Let’s get Adams RECALLED.
A pretty exciting glimpse into “flexing of local muscle” on behalf of the city and “it’s peeps”. And another powerful public showing of hands signaling that we intend to enforce our desire for integrity from those we’ve elected to lead.
It would appear that Jasun Wurster’s “little engine that almost could” has been replaced by a sleek, high-speed locomotive.
Gotta say it’s rather liberating to see high profile citizens who actually care enough about our city to; step-up, speak-out and lend a hand to the recall, which is after all a effort to place “the power” back in the hands of “the peeps”, where it belongs, and to ensure an honest vote.
It is rather disheartening, and quite frankly gross to be held hostage by those who; direct nasty smears at responsible citizens and snuff-out our right to government leadership that exercises good judgment. And by those who fail to remain within the bounds of propriety and openly engage in sleazy misrepresentations, political manipulation, bullying, and oppression while operating from our government offices.
Big time business backing? How “grassroots!”
If a political campaign isn’t people-powered, than what’s it doing in Portland. Wurster had his chance. The effort is as dead as a doornail. Everyone promoting this thing is succeeding in one thing only: embarrassing themselves.
Among other things, Adams’ supporters really aren’t the best judges of what does and what does not qualify as embarrassing behavior.
tw says:
October 26, 2009 at 11:33 pm
“Among other things, Adams’ supporters really aren’t the best judges of what does and what does not qualify as embarrassing behavior.”
With no response from Calickizzle we only hear;
>@ Crickets Chirpping @@ The sound of high pitched yelping fading off into the distance obviously from a stunned canine with a rather obvious spacial disorder running scared into the dark of night in search of the rest of it’s pack @<
Student says:
October 27, 2009 at 11:39 am
“And cannot ignore the little vignette: asking the fat cats to give $20,000 to help unseat the elected mayor, the old lady petitioner complains that that “Portland is defined by a select few.” Crazy.”
Old lady petitioner? I read through the article and saw only one lady mentioned. Are you referring to Former Sentor Avel Gordly? Student – step-back from the computer and put your beer goggle’s down.
Avel’s gorgeous and incredibly powerful. I can’t think of anything more attractive than that…with the exception of her other characteristics you conveniently left-out which includes; her morals, her ethics, the fact that she “walks the walk” when demonstrating her concern for the city of Portland, and all of it’s little “peeps”.
And consider that she has no obligation to “fight in this fight”. She and the other notable recall supporters have made it clear that they are doing it, because it’s the right thing to do, and because it needs to be done. Yet another attractive feature about Avel and those she associates with. In great contrast I might add, to your leader and the flatulent porcines he surrounds himself with, all of which to date, have been weighed, measured and found lacking.
And Avel’s right. Since January, it’s become rather obvious that Portland has been defined by a select few. And ever since Sam admitted to lying to the public, and smearing a responsible and credible whistle-blower in order to get elected, we’ve been held hostage and oppressed by that select and mediocre few, because he refuses to step-down.
As for fat cats? =^..^= The only fat cats I’ve seen in this fight are the one’s who’ve supported (enabled would really be a more appropriate verb) Adams (funny how it’s only in silence) either because his “ethics”, is also their “ethics”, and/or because they want to be able to continue to fill their bellies at the public trough, with Sam’s assistance.
You’re wrong about Avel. She’s a tiger that can bring home the bacon, AND fry it up in a pan.
It would appear that Jasun Wurster’s “little engine that almost could” has been replaced by a sleek, high-speed locomotive.
Gotta say it’s rather liberating to see high profile citizens who actually care enough about our city to; step-up, speak-out and lend a hand to the recall, which is after all a effort to place “the power” back in the hands of “the peeps”, where it belongs, and to ensure an honest vote.
Dear “30PackOfAbs:”
You damn right it’s exciting, talked personally with one of these good men last Friday..he is a hell of a man, and will put his money and name out there.
My recall of Vera Katz was promised a good bunch of money, but they wilted when push came to shove, afraid of city hall.
These men, and women, will be heros in future history lessons in Portland…COURAGE, and the desire, to clean up a stopped up toilet at city hall.
Thanks..and much respect.
Calickizzle says:
October 26, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Big time business backing? How “grassroots!”
If a political campaign isn’t people-powered, than what’s it doing in Portland. Wurster had his chance. The effort is as dead as a doornail. Everyone promoting this thing is succeeding in one thing only: embarrassing themselves.
Dear WHATEVER:
You see, it is people powered…justnot your people.
Here is an example of your people…”Tree-Hugging, Birkenstock-Wearing, Dope Smoking, Red-Headed Sustainable Stepchild of the Pacific Northwest.” local blog
Here is an example of our people..”Click here: Columbia Sportswear | Shop Direct for Jackets, Pants, Shirts & Shoes. local business
Yes, there is a difference. THANKS
Avel is right on!
These people didn’t care enough when Wurster and his volunteers were out there doing it unfunded.
Where were they?
Another group of Portland “Johnny Come Latelies”, check which way the wind is blowing before committing to an issue.
Great that another recall action is going forward, but had they put their money where there mouth is back in June, we would already have the signatures. Instead Adams gets to extend his time in City Hall.
Ralph,
Maybe “These people” were expecting His Eminence to show some ability to perform under pressure. Maybe they thought he would learn from his past (as he, uh, said he would…) and focus on the real needs of the true citizens of Portland. Ya know, job creation, function before form, maintenance of infrastructure, reducing the tax burden instead of adding to it, caring instead of catering, etc., etc., etc.. Maybe “these people” gave Adams a chance. And maybe, Adams blew it. Again.
Sorry but that doesn’t cut it.
“These people” could have joined Wurster any time during his attempt to gather signatures.
You know when Sam was blowing it again, with the convention center hotel, the soccer/baseball fiasco, and trying some quid pro quo with the county.
There was plenty of time for them to get in on the original recall, but they didn’t.
A bunch of right-wing fat cats are again attempting to cancel the democratic election. Are you surprised that the group includes one Ron Tonkin who was just accused by the Oregon attorney general of massively defrauding his customers, and Mr. Boyle who is also busy battling the law to raise the minimal corporate tax in Oregon over the current $10 rate? (The goal of the law is to keep the schools open and maintain basic services in recession). And WW is providing free advertising. Whatever.
“A bunch of right-wing fat cats are again attempting to cancel the democratic election.”
Yeah, and don’t you hate it when those right-wingers lie to get elected, trash opponents, lie to their staff (and about their staff), falsely accuse others of rape (and later recant)?
“Are you surprised that the group includes one Ron Tonkin who was just accused by the Oregon attorney general of massively defrauding his customers”
I’m sorry, stop ranting about Tonkin, you’re distracting everybody from important city business. Move on.
And cannot ignore the little vignette: asking the fat cats to give $20,000 to help unseat the elected mayor, the old lady petitioner complains that that “Portland is defined by a select few.” Crazy.
Speaking of people giving away money.. How about the Fifty Thousand dollars the mayor gave to the reporter to shut her up?
Commissioners Fish, Fritz, Leonard and Saltzman-
Please explain to the Citizens of Portland, in great detail, the cause of your continued silence on this issue.
Please explain your silence regarding upholding and enforcing our City’s Code of Conduct.
PortlandNative – It appears each of the commissioners copies of the City’s Code of Conduct were commandeered when City Hall ran out of toilet paper. Hence their silence on the tissue… I mean “issue”.
Hopefully they’ll read your post and have someone from archives dispatched to provide them each with a “clean” copy.
=^..^=
While I would vote for Adams again, I’m starting to see the wisdom in WW editorial. Let’s put the question to a citywide vote so we can have a mayor with some legitimacy, whether it’s Adams or someone new.
Erik says:
October 28, 2009 at 5:33 am
While I would vote for Adams again,
Dear Erik: Do us all a favor, Please tell us why you would vote for Sam again, and do outline all his high points in office.
Lets see how the low points and the high points weigh on the scales.
Good question, Jack. Sam supporters never give specific reasons why Sam should stay – just generalizations. Just because he was elected (with no real opposition) doesn’t prove that he’s any good. What exactly has he done so far to demonstrate his worth?
Seems to me, with all his flip-flopping, he’s doing nothing more than following the political winds for self-preservation. How is this good for Portland?
pdxrocks says:
October 29, 2009 at 11:00 am
Good question, Jack. Sam supporters never give specific reasons why Sam should stay – just generalizations. Just because he was elected (with no real opposition) doesn’t prove that he’s any good. What exactly has he done so far to demonstrate his worth
Dear pdxrocks; Thanks…you noticed that as well..either no response as is the case here, or “talking points” right out of city hall.
My conversation with two people to get involved, and another person waiting for their turn to speak, will pretty much have him packing for Denmark, and with Avel gunning for him, all I can say is I’m glad it isn’t me she is after.
The “local” paper with circulation problems printed a hit piece on the second recall.
I hope you will allow it here.
With full knowledge my consistent serial “emailing” may have already got me deleted, I will take the chance that one way or another this will reach you.
Dear Anna:
I’M AN ADAMS RECALLER. Okay, that’s out of the way, and unless you really don’t know, or perhaps don’t care (judging by your piece) I was a recaller before Sam got to his chair at city hall. I led an all volunteer recall of Sam’s old boss/mentor/godmother, Vera Katz.
If I were writing a piece on the recall, I would have started with who and why there was a recall. I filed the first recall in many years on a sitting mayor. That research would have answered many of who we are and why.
PERHAPS A LIST:
1. Leading a city and pandering to the “chosen few.”
2. Stealing federal dollars for a “feel good” piece of construction called the ESPLANADE.
3. Many, way too many, money issues not addressed by something other than higher taxes.
PLEASE NOTE. This was just Vera Katz’s doing, but it has carried way over to Sam.
4. 100 percent, no business climate.
5. A dirty downtown, and I don’t mean tossed paper cups.
6. A disjointed, basically out of touch city council, that needs a firm hand of leadership, and Sam has no firm grip on that.
SAM’S LIST:
1.Lies and more lies, first and foremost to get elected.
Anna, it’s not forgivable, DEMOCRAT OR REPUPLICAN.
2. His consistent arrogance.
3. SPENDING, on things other then the basics of the needs of the city.
4. Bob Ball — Sam tried to destroy Bob for personal gain.
I want you to know that the men you mentioned all have reasons for recalling Sam. If I did speak for them,and of course I cannot, I’d say it’s not personal, IT’S JUST BUSINESS.
All have invested more than money in Portland, and they think the direction that the city is going really stinks, and those are my words.
Why do they need to speak to you? Why waste time with a Sam supporter, when the real issue is the people who don’t support him, and making sure their voices are heard.
My recall was going to have paid people as well. WHY? the people then as is the case now, are working people who really didn’t have the time then, or now to do the work, but the money we were promised then was held back, because the cowards were afraid of city hall, all had pending business.
The men now need wheelbarrows to carry their courage, then there is Avel, a person that will not allow her city and the people that elected her, and the people that call this city home, to be abused and not heard anymore.
Yeah, the next election cycle maybe the correct timing for some, but for us, it’s cutting the damage done, and the damage he could do now.
My guess is this will be deleted if it gets that far, cause you’re only interested in SAM, and by the way, you and the failing newspaper you work for — where were you during the recall, except to verbally abuse Jasun, the recall people who put up with crap from city hall, and in a couple of cases, physical abuse, WHERE WERE YOU?
I hope this email will get to you. If not, then a bunch of people will still know I tried, and that is good enough for me.
Delighted to continue the recall of Sam Adams.
Jack Peek Sr.
PS: I live in SE, why don’t get in your Prius, and come out to see some other things that need to be addressed as well.