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Just Out has just received the following letter from former Portland Mayor Tom Potter. It is posted in its entirety, below.
To the Editor:
To my friends in the sexual and gender minority community:
You may have heard that I am supporting the recall of Mayor Sam Adams. Of all the communities affected by Mayor Adams’ actions, this community has deep and personal feelings about the outcome. I know there are strong feelings on both sides of this issue. Because I love this community, I feel it’s important to tell you why I made my decision to support the recall of our Mayor.
During his time as City Commissioner and Mayor, Sam Adams has demonstrated his serious lack of judgment, a complete lack of integrity, his serial lying to win an election, and his callous disregard for others.
My support for Mayor Adams’ recall is not about his actions with Beau Breedlove, because we may never have the complete information as to whether or not he committed any criminal act(s) with Beau. This is not about the Mayor’s sexual orientation. The only person I know who used his sexual orientation as an argument in this issue is the Mayor himself.
What this issue is about for me is the Mayor’s attempt to deny and cover up his actions with Beau before and after Beau turned 18. He lied to us all in order to win an election. He made false accusations about a gay man’s integrity while cloaked in self-righteousness. In the attempt to cover up his involvement, he lied right up to the time he recognized he could no longer hide the truth. He demonstrated a serious lack of integrity and ethical behavior. His actions caused many Portlanders to distrust him, and he was shunned by politicians at the state and national level. He was not invited to local events which necessitated other elected leaders filling in for him. Most every major print media has called for his resignation, including Just Out. He caused a division within the gay community in Portland and across the country that still sits heavy with us today. Today, there are many people who are afraid to speak out against Mayor Adams, yet feel they were duped by him.
I have heard people say the impetus for the recall campaign is from homophobic elements in our community. I have no doubt that homophobes take delight in Mayor Adams’ problems and some of the more vocal radio personalities have tried to insert themselves in the middle of this problem. But the truth is that when Sam ran for Mayor he was endorsed by most print media in Portland, and his sexual orientation was not an issue in any campaign debates. The Community to Recall Mayor Adams committee has been training volunteer signature gatherers. The signature gatherers agree not to collect signatures from individuals who base their decision to sign on sexual orientation or religious social conservative reasons. I would never participate in any recall, or other ballot initiative which is based in such idiotic beliefs.
For sometime I have been observing how this issue disgracefully unfolded. I came to the conclusion that Mayor Adams should resign and a new Mayor elected to carry out those duties. Sam has made it clear he will not resign and I feel it is important for Portlanders to vote for or against the Sam Adams they have come to know now versus the person they voted for in the Primary Election of May, 2008. I love Portland and its people and I know this issue has generated heated debates and strong passions on both sides. Which ever side you come down on I will respect your views and actions. I know when this is over Portlanders will have to reconcile a lot of strong feelings about Mayor Adams and each other. This recall question is about honest government, an honest City Council and an honest Portland.
Ultimately, the sexual and gender minority community has to come together and focus on the bigger challenges of ensuring full civil rights for our community. I believe Mayor Adams currently stands in the way of that progress.
Tom Potter
Southeast Portland
33 responses so far ↓
1 ric berrong // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:06 am
I have great respect for Tom and his lovely wife Karin, having worked with them during his own campaign to become Portland’s mayor. Though I have my own mixed feelings about the recall, it is clear Sam will not resign because he believes he has done nothing wrong, even lying endlessly during the election and who knows how many other times. I know Sam is a hard worker and loves Portland, but I question if he can truly run our city without running it into the ground. Portland seems to be a joke now with a mayor and his former boytoy telling different stories. Personally, I could careless who did what to whom and when if happen … HOWEVER … I do not want to see this beautiful city of Portland screwed by a mayor that has serious issues with trust and honesty. But I also question who will be our next mayor if Adams is recalled and if they can be trusted to move our city forward and beyond. Right now, I do not see anyone able to fill Sam’s shoes. Portland does deserve better, but where and who is it?
2 Don't Fret // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:15 am
There are qualified people to lead the city. Randy Leonard is NOT one of them. Ted Wheeler is. The head of Metro is. Nick Fish could, but Wheeler is better suited. Portland is run by a 5 person commission. WE do not have a strong mayor form of government.. We have a strong commission.
Adams supporters would have you think he’s the only one. He’s not.
3 Jim Gym // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:27 am
I can understand why someone would like to recall the mayor on moral grounds, but I don’t buy the argument about his lack of effectiveness. Shunned and flawed as he is, Sam Adams is more productive and involved in the City’s business than Tom Potter ever was.
4 Integrity Monger // Jul 15, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Sam is not more productive and involved in the City’s business than Potter ever was. He is able to maneuver so well within the “bubble” of city hall and politics because he’s been there his entire career. He has done nothing else besides staffing an elected official and being one. No real life experience outside the bubble. This is why he’s so used to spending tax money so un-wisely.
Most serious is the fact that he lied to get elected.
I like his as a person but if he wants to stay as mayor, he should earn it by being elected legitimately. The recall will make this possible.
5 Potterwasafailure // Jul 15, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Potter was a failed Police Chief and Mayor, and I do not care what he thinks about anything regardless of his support for the GLBT community.
What did Potter do as Mayor…………?
Sam has done more in six months than he ever did.
6 Bill // Jul 15, 2009 at 2:20 pm
You can appease you conscience by telling yourselves that this has nothing to do with the man being Gay, but that is clearly not the case.
Take a look around. Governor Sanford cheats on his wife, and his WIFE blames Gays for THEIR marital problems. Bill Clinton cheats on his wife, in the oval office no less, and remained our President. I could list 1,000 Heterosexual versions of this story, but I will not.
If this was a Heterosexual man who lied about his sexual proclivities with an 18 year old GIRL, this would be a non-issue. A news-bite, and nothing else.
This is nothing more than ‘the man’ thinking that they are going to get ‘the f@g’ out of office.
Silently agreeing to pretend that this is about anything BUT his ‘gayness’ is not only intellectually dishonest, it’s downright naive.
7 Luke // Jul 15, 2009 at 2:56 pm
Sam Adams’ lying had nothing to do with his job. Sam should stay in office.
I’m sick of heterosexuals (really should be HATERosexuals) dictating to gay people what we should do. A heterosexual male in the same position as Sam Adams would not be asked to resign, period. Heterosexuals are outsiders with prejudices to homosexuality.
8 ScottW // Jul 15, 2009 at 3:19 pm
FINALLY some hint of leadership from Tom Potter!!! Where has HE been the last 4-1/2 years?? Glad to see he has grown a backbone at last.
For those of you who maintain that Sam Adams is an effective leader, consider these words: OHSU tram; Hawthorne parking meters; Burnside-Couch couplet; major league soccer; Lents Park; convention center hotel; Cesar Chavez Blvd. All of them either boondoggles or bad ideas that never came to fruition, and each has Sam Adams’ fingerprints all over them.
The City of Portland deserves better than to spend the next THREE AND A HALF YEARS dragging behind it the impotent albatross that is Adams’ mayorship.
9 Grateful // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Thank you, Tom Potter, for saying so clearly what so many of us have been trying to say for months now. The Sam-ophiles continue to try and play their “gay card” and turn this into homophobia nonsense. I (and yes, I am gay) could care less what goes in Sam Adams’ mouth. It’s what comes out of it that I care about and what I’ve heard come out of his mouth is manipulation, lies, denial, and self-justification. Please just stop with the “homophobia” excuses because it only diminishes the real cases of homophobia that the LGBT community faces. The recall is about Sam Adams’ inability to own up to his poor judgment and his inability to be truthful. Let the recall decide if Sam Adams is going to continue as mayor. If there is a recall, Sam Adams can continue to be mayor if the people of Portland want him to be.
10 daflew // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Ask yourself this question… Why would a past Mayor (Tom Potter) come out now and fight so hard for so called “integrity” and “honor” on its own virtue? Unless there is a history to this whole thing. Well there is. Tom has had serious past issues and disagreements with Sam Adams before this scandal and smells blood for revenge. Who knows what is planned for the bid to take that empty spot.
This is nothing more than same ole vindictive dirty politics from a past mayor that has nothing better to do with his time make a transparent ploy to bring down Portland’s wonderful sub-culture.
Dont give into this. Take a stand for change.
11 Bob Christman // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:47 pm
The drive to recall Mayor Sam Adams reaks with hyprocarcy. True, Adams may have lied about his relationship but unlike the lies told by George Bush and Dick Chaney, no lives were lost as a result of Adams lies. Where were you poeple during the eight years of the Bush Administration. The lies they told coast thousands of lives but I did not see any petitions to have him removed from office. Why are you people not circulation petition to have Bush, Chaney, Rumsfeld, Rice, et all tried as Internation War Ciminals. Now that would be a petition worth signing. Compared to Bush, Adams is small potatoes.
12 Liz // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:56 pm
It’s VERY obvious that Potter has an ax to grind- he doesn’t like Adams- plain and simple.
Unless the law is broken, we can all lie about our private sex life- it’s nobody’s business!Adams has been cleared by the attorney general.
Governing the city has nothing to do with one’s private life.Let Adams govern- he is a good mayor.
13 Fools // Jul 15, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Integrity and honesty have everything to do with governing. Adams has shown none of that.
And to the person who now accepts lies as a matter of course, Shame on you. Because we have been lied to so often, we are finally stepping up and saying no more.
14 Tobi // Jul 15, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Homophobia is clearly at the root at each of the reasons given for his recall.
It has nothing to do with his sex life, but his lying about it — if you don’t care about his sex life, then his lying has no impact on you. Lying about his personal sex life is no indication of whether or not he would lie about policy.
“He’s ineffective” — Supposedly because he isn’t being invited places. Why isn’t he being invited when straight lying politicians are? What possible reason other than the negative public opinion based in homophobia.
“Lied to get elected” and “cover up” — I can name a dozen straight politicians local, state, and federal who have lied and whose lies actually had something to do with policy matters.
Potter himself lies in this very statement (on a policy issue nonetheless!). He says, “The only person I know who used his sexual orientation as an argument in this issue is the Mayor himself.” but later confirms that he does know people who used Adams’ sexual orientation against him when he discusses preparing signature gatherers for encountering such people.
There might be a few legitimate policy grievences some people have — there always are with any politician — but it’s clear they wouldn’t be holding any traction if it weren’t for the negative press and homophobic public reaction based on his personal sex life. I’m sorry, but when has a mayor ever been recalled because of policies he supported before he was elected.
You want a recall campaign, at least be honest enough to admit that you can’t prevent homophobes from signing the recall for homophobic reasoning and that the recall would have no chance of success without subtle and overt homophobia.
15 Really // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:25 pm
If you’re going to accept Sam Adam’s lies as one of degrees — forgetting I guess about the accusations he made of other people (that his ex had attempted to rape Beau and that he got Beau to lie for him, among many others) — you really have no room to complain when a Republican lies to you. Either we expect all our politicians to have some integrity in our democracy or we’re not much better than Republicans who lie to our face and act as though we’re the crazy ones. (Heard of Sarah Palin?)
This wasn’t just lying about sex. Had Clinton forced Lewinsky to lie and told the press the reason others were saying they did have sex was because he had confronted them about their attempting to rape Lewinsky… the result of that situation would have been very, very different than a President that merely lied about having sex.
And really. Stop with telling people who don’t agree with you that they are dealing with internalized homophobia. Adams did that when he was lying about his actions and apologized for it.
For good reason. It plays on the pain we’ve all been through and attempts to take our personal stories and destroy them simply for disagreeing with those who support Adams.
That’s not worthy of Portland.
16 How is it... // Jul 15, 2009 at 11:31 pm
That Adams was elected first as an openly gay commissioner and then as an OPENLY gay mayor if the entire city is so damn homophobic?
answers, please?
17 Davis // Jul 16, 2009 at 12:19 am
Really Bill? What world are you living in?
Bill’s Falsehood “Take a look around. Governor Sanford cheats on his wife, and his WIFE blames Gays for THEIR marital problems. Bill Clinton cheats on his wife, in the oval office no less, and remained our President. I could list 1,000 Heterosexual versions of this story, but I will not.
If this was a Heterosexual man who lied about his sexual proclivities with an 18 year old GIRL, this would be a non-issue. A news-bite, and nothing else.
This is nothing more than ‘the man’ thinking that they are going to get ‘the f@g’ out of office.
Silently agreeing to pretend that this is about anything BUT his ‘gayness’ is not only intellectually dishonest, it’s downright naive.”
The Truth
Regarding Governor Sanford – “Fellow Republicans issued sharp calls for the disgraced Sanford to step down” (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31522908/). By the way, the only place I could find any news about Jenny Sanford saying Gays wrecked her marriage was on the NEWS PARODY site “diSCust” (http://thediscust.com/?p=547 and http://thediscust.com/?page_id=2). That’s parody Bill – it means it’s not true.
Regarding Senator Ensign – “Just in: Ensign will resign his GOP leadership post as head of the Republican Policy Committee. Only one word to add to what I’ve already said: Good.” (http://michellemalkin.com/2009/06/17/ensign-resigns-gop-leadership-post/)
Regarding President Clinton – “Bill Clinton, President of the United States, was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 19, 1998″ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impeachment_of_Bill_Clinton)
Bill – it sounds like you have a lot of anger built up inside you. Calm down. Deep slow breaths. Calm blue ocean.
Now, can’t we all agree that a leader’s integrity is more important than his sexual orientation?
18 pdxrocks // Jul 16, 2009 at 8:51 am
Not one honest defense of Sam here by any of his supporters, just more of the same old “attack the messenger” ploys.
Sam’s defenders are clearly the hypocrites and refuse to face reality: Adams is a dishonest and unethical politician and deserves to be recalled for violating the public trust and abuse of political power.
The fact that other politicians are dishonest and unethical doesn’t excuse Sam. I’m gay and I’m collecting signatures to recall the mayor. I want my vote back!
19 Batty // Jul 16, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Sam Adams is a fine mayor. He is doing his very best to run this city in a shrewd and responsible way. He is making big decisions, raising big money, and attempting a unifying vision of Portland’s culture as we go through this critical time in the growth of our city.
The one and only thing obstructing his very important work is the consistent hate-filled attack on him by the press and by his political enemies. Every issue of the WW must include a content-free article rehashing the accusations against him, with a silly-looking photo of him at the top of the page. And the most vocal supporters of the recall outside of the WW are right-wing homophobic radio hosts and religious conservatives.
Tom Potter was an all right mayor – I liked it that he disbanded the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and he paid lip service to gays and poor people. But what he’ll be most remembered for is the personal and professional meltdown that characterized the end of his term, when he was barely able to hold a City Council meeting without storming out or blowing up. Like the WW’s choice of “Jim McIntyre, formerly the senior deputy district attorney in charge of prosecuting violent crimes for Multnomah County” to comment on the adequacy of the Kroger investigation, this is a case of an individual with limited authority or involvement in this case thrusting himself into the public eye long after it has passed him over.
20 Enough // Jul 16, 2009 at 1:06 pm
At least when Tom Potter was mayor, Portland wasn’t a joke waiting to be made on the national stage, as it is today. Adams needs to go. I don’t care if he’s gay or not – he’s a poor leader, a liar, and, in my opinion, a termite on the foundation of the gay community’s sympathy, on which he’s more than happy to feed. If he doesn’t get thrown out in a recall, which I hope he does, he surely won’t be elected to a second term.
21 Q_cyclist // Jul 16, 2009 at 1:06 pm
I feel I need to address a few issues I have with the former Mayor’s letter. And, these issues are frequently discussed.
1. “He made false accusations about a gay man’s integrity while cloaked in self-righteousness.”
Fair enough. He did do that. However, if you are speaking about Bob Ball, plenty of the blame also needs to fall on his shoulders. Ball is a reserve police officer and police officers have a reporting procedure when they hear of potential abuse of a minor. He did not follow that and instead ran to the media instead of filing a police report. I am also a mandatory reporter and if I did the same thing, I could have very easily lost my job and never be eligible for a license.
2. “The signature gatherers agree not to collect signatures from individuals who base their decision to sign on sexual orientation or religious social conservative reasons.”
I am sorry, but to think that a group can collect the needed signatures in 90 days without getting any signatures from the religious right is a major fallacy. Furthermore, if the recall campaign gets just enough signatures and later finds that members of one of the evangelical congregations collected signatures from its members, are those signatures going to be tossed? Just curious.
3. “He caused a division within the gay community in Portland and across the country that still sits heavy with us today.”
Mr. Potter, this is the not the first issue that has ever divided the GLBT community nor will it be the last. The community is far too diverse for us to every be in agreement on many issues. We have members from every race, nationality, religion, sex, socio-economic status, and political persuasion. And, I have never felt that dissension and disagreement are bad things. If that was absent, only white, upper-class, straight-acting gay males would have be the only ones with a voice.
Mr. Potter, if you and the recall people feel Sam needs to be booted out of office, I wish you luck with the recall. I am glad we live in a nation where we have the ability to do such things and it is the way democracy was designed to work. But, please no more pandering to the GLBT community and telling us what is best for us. I don’t believe that Tom Potter is a homophobe, but i do believe he needs to allow us to figure out what is best for the GLBT community. And is his last paragraph certainly suggests that we don’t.
22 OhReally Really // Jul 16, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Oh Really when Clinton Lied noone died!
When Sam Lied it was about himself, and noone died!
When GW Bush (et al Republicans) lied hundreds of thoudsands died!!!. Yes really!
Lying about personal sexual activity no matter how sorid is simply not the same thing. Everyone lies about sex and if you say you do not, your a liar.
23 Wacky Mommy // Jul 16, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I support the recall effort, and I appreciate Tom & Karin for being so forthright about everything. IMHO, screw whoever you want, as long as you’re not screwing anyone over.
24 marc Delphine // Jul 17, 2009 at 11:10 am
As an aspiring state-wide public office holder and a long-time activist for the LGBT Community, I find it impossible not to comment on the tragic story of the first openly gay Mayor of a large US-Metropolitan city, his sexual malfeasance and the ensuing consequences to an entire movement.
Sam Adams’ lack of awareness, discipline and responsibility for his actions and the far-reaching ramifications thus resulting show just what kind of a politician he truly is. I’ve met the Mayor several times and each time, he has not only been utterly condescending, but he gave the impression that if I wasn’t going to provide him with something (before I thought it was just information), that I should “move on.” Much like many others of his time, he thinks not of those he represents, rather, what and/or who can satisfy his needs at the current moment. Mr. Breedlove isn’t the only victim here.
Nor is the entire city of Portland. The LGBT Community, as a whole, has suffered yet another slap in the face based on the actions of yet another self-serving politician who happens to be gay. Suffice it to say, I actually was pulling for Sam when he was campaigning for Mayor. Admittedly, it was for the wrong reason. Just as I was happy that Barack Obama became this country’s first African-American President, I wanted Adams only for his minority status. While I’m admitting it, others are cowering in their own guilt because most of us just wanted the underdog to pull through and allow us to believe that we, too, can become what we want if we see another with whom we identify do it first. It’s not that I agreed with anything that Adams – or Obama, for that matter – said or necessarily did politically (I’m a Libertarian; Adams & Obama are near-Socialists). But because I’m gay, I wanted Sam to pave the way for people like me who do have ambitions of becoming a leader in the world in which we live. With this recent tragedy hitting yet another low in the wake of former-Mayor Potter’s comments, I see Adams’ stint as the Mayor of the state’s largest city not only a failed one, but one that has pushed the movement of the LGBT Community back an incalculable number of years.
Thanks, Sam!
Marc Delphine
25 pdxrocks // Jul 17, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Thank you Marc. I agree with you 100%. Sam has turned out to be exactly the kind of politician we’re so very tired of. The fact that he’s gay makes no difference – he’s still an unethical self-serving politician and will throw anyone under the bus to save his own political skin.
I voted for Sam and am collecting signatures to recall him – he’s not well-liked by most who are paying attention to who he truly is rather than following blindly the image of the ‘gay leader’ some wish him to be.
There are better leaders in Portland.
26 Martycontinuesherobsession // Jul 18, 2009 at 3:29 am
After Clinton LIED about Monica, it took me a long time to get over that. Then one day it came to me, it’s nobody’s fucking business who they sleep with. As long as they do the job well, who gives a fuck? Marty is obsessed…still sore about the election? Why don’t you run for office Marty and let’s have your personal life in the media. The thought of that is nauseating, but I have a feeling miss thing, or mr. thing whatever she goes by, isn’t a saint either…
27 curious? // Jul 18, 2009 at 11:19 am
Number 26,
Are you attacking all newspapers, publishers, editors and reporters who are covering the Adams story, or just the one?
28 Correction Q_cyclist // Jul 18, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I just have to make a correction for Q_cyclist.
Bob Ball did NOT “run to the media.”
Randy Leonard ran to the media.
29 Remember Police Chief Derrick Foxworth // Jul 19, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Foxworth was shoved out of his job by Adams and demoted over his consensual affair with a 40 year old city employee.
Black folks see a double standard here. Why is Adams still in place for lying and commiting sex acts with a minor. Adams wont be getting any support from the black community.
30 samsgottago09 // Jul 20, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I am queer, voted for Sam and am supporting his recall. I agree with everything Marc Delphine has said, and am tired of Portland being a late night tv joke.
I believe you can have integrity in politics, Sam has shown none. It’s time to go Sam.
31 Q_cyclist // Jul 21, 2009 at 12:46 pm
#28: Not sure where you are getting your info, but this was directly out of the mouth of Leonard when Sam confessed six months ago: http://www.blueoregon.com/2009/02/literature-and-film-are-rife-with-stories-of-friendship-and-betrayal-tales-of-trusted-bonds-laying-shattered-and-strewn-are.html
It is the seventh paragraph down.
Bottom line is this: It doesn’t matter if Bob Ball or Randy talked to the media first. Bob Ball heard about it and did not report it through the proper channels. If he had done this, the information would have come out and Bob Ball would not have been smeared by Adams.
32 Elwood P. Suggins // Jul 21, 2009 at 7:26 pm
LOL! Tom Potter has the conneries to accuse Sam Adams of “demonstrating his [...] callous disregard for others?” This from the man who callously disregarded the safety of everyone in downtown Portland last August when he forged the secret agreement that allowed the Dept. of Defense/Navy Seals to conduct dangerous, unannounced “urban warfare” training exercises in the skies and on the skycrapers in the city center, exercises that risked the lives of everyone who lived or happened to be downtown that evening? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
(Not that I’m an Adams loyalist by any means, mind you; I simply refuse to allow Potter’s hypocrisy to go unchallenged.)
33 Judy Redden // Aug 15, 2009 at 5:51 pm
WHAT IN HELL DOES SARAH PALIN HAVE TO DO WITH ANY OF THIS MESS??? LEAVE THE POOR WOMAN ALONE. IT IS RIDICULOUS THAT EVERY SCANDLE THAT COMES UP, HAS SOME IDIOT LIKENING IT TO SOMETHING, USUALLY UNTRUE, ABOUT SARAH PALIN. GIVE IT A BREAK ALREADY!!! AND KICK THE LYING MAYOR OUT OF OFFICE IF THAT IS WHAT THE PEOPLE IN PORTLAND WANT.
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