Just a week ago we learned that our mayor admitted to lying about a brief affair with an 18-year-old, the unfortunately named Beau Breedlove.
By Wednesday it looked certain he would resign.
By Friday it looked like he wouldn't.
Today he went back to work.
In between, thousands of people lobbied, ranted and rallied. Personally, I did things I didn't realize I was capable of doing. I think many of us did.
Throughout it all, one thought predominated in my mind: THERE IS ALWAYS A SOLUTION. It may not be the one you want. It may be Plan B or C or Z, but there is always a way to solve a problem.
I mention it now because there are so many problems to solve in our city--not just the relationships Sam needs to repair, but, also the challenges of running this place, which mirror the sucky Bush-inflicted situation we find ourselves in as a country. But if there's anything I've learned this week, though, it's the power of our ingenuity and determination.
Friday night hundreds of us stood in front of city hall and told Sam to "Get back to work." We should all do the same.
Monday, January 26, 2009
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3 comments:
Marc, thanks so much for the role you stepped into throughout this"event"....I see the maturing of a new community leader. On some level it was a fitting, cathartic, humbling moment. Now to relearn the political and personal art of listening and co- operation and mutual respect. Our own local cleansing to start the new era.
And now he'll be an even better mayor.
We live in interesting times
Marc,
I'm really impressed with what you do, and how you say it. This political action of so many is the answer to: How can one individual make a difference?
We do need to get to work! Our communities are the greatest benefit we give ourselves.
The size of the stage has no bearing on the power of the message. Applause! Applause! To all who chanted: Get Back To Work!
Will he be a better mayor? Hopefully a more humble mayor. It will be extraordinarily difficult for him to operate effectively in a milieu which he has poisoned by lying to get elected. On some levels all who seek political office do so because of an oversized ego and a love of power and control. Sam got carried away with himself and this may be the karmic answer to an over active ego. It was apparent from the beginning Sam was going nowhere, so I wouldn’t spend too much time is self congratulatory commentary. Sam’s saving grace is that he is a handsome and charming man, his opposition, not so much. Whether he can restore confidence in the office of the mayor with those whose job it is to do business with Portland remains to be seen.
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