(Photo © J. Maus)
Mayor Sam Adams has decided to get back to work as the leader of Portland (read and watch him read the official statement below).
After reading speculation about the decision on the Willamette Week’s blog, I contacted a high-level staffer a few minutes ago and was able to confirm that Adams will stay.
The decision comes on a day when The Oregonian published an interview with Beau Breedlove with more information about the nature of his relationship with Adams.
We’ll have more coverage this week. For now. Discuss.
UPDATE: Here’s Mayor Adams in a video statement (text below):
Tomorrow, I go back work as your mayor. I know I have let you down and made mistakes. I ask your forgiveness. I believe I have a lot to offer the city I love during this time of important challenges.
Beginning tomorrow morning, I will be back in my office doing the work that the last 20 years of public service have prepared me for. And my pledge to you is this: I will work harder than I ever have in my life to meet the challenges facing our great city. Tough economic times are creating record unemployment, strained city services, and the worst financial landscape for businesses since the Great Depression.
— in the coming weeks and months, Portlanders will rightfully judge me not by my words, but by my ability to deliver results for them: To prioritize city spending to protect vital services such as public safety;
— to deliver on the 500 million dollar economic stimulus strategy to put Portlanders back to work;
— to improve our schools; and
— to continue to position Portland as the hub of this nation’s green economy;As we push ahead together on these issues, each and every day – with lessons learned in hand – I will strive to regain your trust and faith in my ability to serve this city.
Thank you.
A video message to Portlanders will be available shortly.