Sam,

I appreciate that you have to walk a fine line between getting citizen buy-in and voting your conscience. I understand that there are concerns about implementing a strong mayor form of government to replace the commission style currently in place. But I think you should keep in mind that the issue should be about what style will work best in the future for the citizens of Portland, not about who the current office holders are. It is very hard to do some times, I know. I think that I would lean towards the citizens on this one. Trust their judgement. They are the ones that will be impacted the most and they should have a say in how their local government is set up. You are doing a fine job. I like your independence.