Thank you Sam for making the hard choices and doing the right thing. There certainly will be people on here screaming at you, and now probably me, however I don't believe the city had a cheaper option even without weighing in the economic hit the city would have had to take because of failing to complete the tram and lawsuits that would follow. Past councils, mayors, and PDC staff should have demanded more, and I appreciate that you have introduced new safeguards to prevent this kind of embarrassing mishap from happening again.

I also appreciate your more open look at all aspects of the deal. Lord knows the Oregonian didn't give us that much insight. I can support this deal, having fixed cost so no additional surprises should be expected in the last 7 or 8 months of construction, is a relief. I am also pleased to see additional district improvements including the greenway and affordable housing.

Hopefully Portland can put this behind us as we watch an incredible new district rise, our economic prospects raise, and our higher education system grow stronger. I have full confidence that the vote I cast for you in 2004 was the right one. Thanks!