An Open Letter to Portlanders

Bob Ball hides behind gossip, asking his listeners "not to tell anyone," and faxed missives to reporters after fours days of hiding out. What does he have? Nothing. Sam, I know this must be hard to go through. Hang in their! Your statement is open and dignified. Run for Mayor. KG

I am 36 years old, gay and a big brother to a 16 year-old gay male kid as part of the local Big Brother/Big Sister Program. I have made a three-year commitment to be his mentor as he finishes high school and goes on to community college. The inference that adult gay men cannot be trusted to mentor under aged gay male youth is a projection of how others might think of gay people but it is not my way of thinking. I thought we in Portland had moved beyond this outdated myth. The fact that thismyth is promoted by a gay man shows how much work we still have to do as gay men.

A developer? As in land and property development?Who would want a developer to have the reins to our beautiful city? Especially one who would stoop to such an underhanded tactic like creating a story that certainly seems like hate mongering.
Surely anyone can see that Ball is targeting the one person who has the best experience to be mayor of Portland; Sam Adams.

Well written, to the point and more importantly thanks for not stooping to the developers level.

Bob Ball is an egotistical jerk. I seem to remember that during the 2004 mayoral race that Jim Francesconi tried this sort of tactic and lost by a huge margin. Is Bob Ball so stupid that he doesn't remember that Portlanders don't go for this sort of mud slinging?

I think it speaks VOLUMES about the sort of person that Ball is. Not the sort of individual that I want running our city.

I've never trusted Ball - I've always thought he was insecure, jealous and secretive. That he would pull something like this, sadly, comes as no surprise to me, but I am surprised he'd start so early in what isn't even a real campaign yet. What a poor excuse for a man he is. You're an inspiration, Sam - we would all do well to follow your example, put fear and mistrust aside, and be good role models and mentors to the youth of our great state.

I'm sorry you had to deal with this, Sam. You can now count on me as a committed voter, and probably a volunteer, too.

It makes me sick to my stomach that a civic leader of sorts -- let alone someone seeking elected office -- would act so irresponsibly, innapropriately and surreptitiously. Thank you for your clear response, stay strong, and please know that our community will not tolerate this kind of malicious garbage. I'd also like to praise Commissioner Leonard for being very clear in his position and support as well.

Sam,

I want to apologize for this ridiculous and slimy attack from Ball that you are having to go through. We've got your back and you've got our votes for Mayor. Hang in their bud. Now announce your bid for Mayor! I've got my wallet ready!

I'm proud to live in a city where a man like Sam can become a respected leader. I am also proud to call Sam a neighbor. Sam has my gratitude, my vote, and my fervent support.

While I completely reject what appears to be nothing more than a smear tactic for political gain, I have to say that I don't know what kool-aid those of you praising Sam have been drinking. Wholly apart from this distasteful distraction, Sam is not the hero riding in a white horse. Based on my own interaction with him, I find him to be arrogant, abrasive, and abusive to those with whom he disagrees. It's Sam's way or the highway and if any of you thinks that he's "different" from other self-promoting politicians, you need to wake up. Your unnuanced adulation only encourages this kind of egotism and will corrode the good things about Portland politics as much as any smear tactics.

"Sam Adams, the leading contender to replace Mayor Tom Potter since Potter announced a week ago that he wouldn't run for reelection" -WW

Any truth?

This public statement is extremely well-thought out, heartfelt and a superbly framed. There is nothing for a smear attempt like this but to take it on directly, put it away, and get on with the work at hand.

You've had my support for a very long time, and I hope to see you following in Earl's footsteps.

I worked for Sam for two and a half years when he was Mayor Katz' chief of staff. Day in, day out. I thus believe I have more than just an opinion regarding this salacious gossip. I think I have an educated opinion.

Sam is many things. A driven man. An exacting task master. An unapologetic promoter.

I found working under him to be one of the hardest working environments of my life--and I'd been in DC for ten years, where politicians eat bowls of nails for breakfast! Sam is tough! Get it done or get off the boat! Frankly, I couldn't handle the pace.

Sam is a very attractive, smart, and charismatic person. A lot of people are attracted to him. Including young people who seek his counsel.

But no, no way. I just don't see any attraction like that moving to "an underage affair," much less first base.

Sam just wouldn't go there.

Not because it's a "bad political decision." Not because he's "too smart." He wouldn't do it because he just wouldn't. Just like you and I wouldn't do it.

Case closed, as far as I'm concerned.

In the future, I hope to see Ball disgraced, forced to move to the outer reaches of Siberia. I also hope to see Sam Adams as our mayor-governor-senator. This only reinforces my faith in Sam.

I haven't made up my mind who to support for Portland's mayor, although I do greatly respect Mr. Adams, and I have to say that I completely agree with his comment about this kind of trash not being a part of Portland or Oregon's politics, for the most part anyhow. When I saw the report on the news last night, I was immediately and completely disgusted and turned off by anything that Ball may have to say, about anything, much less about why he should be my mayor. I deserve a better mayor than that, and so does Portland.

About my political future: this attempted smear will not deter me from serving Portland in the best way I know how.

Well put, Sam. I moved here in 2006, so (after 30 years in Washington, DC) I'm getting my first taste of mayor/council politics. I was shocked by Ball's smear -- I did not expect it here in PDX. Let's hope your open letter puts an end to the issue. There are enough real issues to discuss.

Soon I will be with sharing with you my future political plans.
And I hope you get on with it and let us know very soon. I hope you run; at this point I'd be inclined to vote for you over any of the current hypothetical opponents.

I don't care if a candidate is black, white, yellow, brown or a nice shade of green.
I don't care if they are straight, gay, undecided or asexual.
What I do care about is the fact that I refuse to vote for anyone who stoops to slinging mud on anyone for any reason. If their only platform is what the "other person" has done wrong, late, backwards or just stupidly, they are not going to get my vote.
Why should the gay issue even come into the conversation unless you are also gay and would like to date the person in question?

Well spoken, Sam, and good luck.

Well done Sam. You can count on my support as long as you choose to serve this great city. Bob Ball is a slimeball, not worthy of a second thought.

This is news? Sounds like a slow news week at the Willamette Week.

Hi Sam,

WoW how crazy is Bob! If this is a example of the way he works strategy to get a one up on a persons vote.. he just dug a hole that is going to take a while to fix.
I think one of the best things about Portland people is that they tend to see though smear tactics. It truly reveals his ugly side early and hurts him badly on any political level. And he has nothing to back up his story! Portland is to smart for that move Bob. I wonder if Bob is smart enough to realize what this has cost him. This bit of smear will likely cost him the vary thing he wants. He is going to need some help, and a good P.R. person to clean himself up. If he keeps on going he will need more help than if Bush could run for office again!

Thank you again Sam for helping lead Portland to the next level...

You are going to be the best Mayor Portland has ever had! Woo Hoo!

Considering the source, especially - a condo developer, with political aspirations. Ugh.

You're as popular locally as you are because of your demonstrated integrity. You may, in fact, be the only person currently in politics about whom I'm never inclined to assume the worst.

The only result of this is that Developer Boy is going to be forever reviled in Portland, and rightfully so.

Bob Ball is a liar. Everyone living in one of the old buidings he 'restored' knows that. He donates money to Historic Preservation and then rips the lighting fixtures and french doors out of building before smearing latex paint over untreated lead paint. He is a thief and a liar. Shameless social climber that he is, he may actually believe people don't see through his fraud and deception.
Sam Adams doesn't have anything to worry about. Bob Ball has made a fool of himself.
Again.
It's sad that the gay community has people like him trying to represent them. If there's one thing we can admire about the gay community, it's their commitment to honesty. Coming out as gay requires great veracity and dignity.
This is NOT a reflection of the gay community. This is a caricature of a little man with delusions of grandeur and a cruel and corrupt soul.

Sam-

I'm so very sorry to hear this is being done to you. Please know there are those of us who support your efforts, and you can call on us to help you out in any way!!

Pardon my , well, English, when I say I have so much disgust for Bob Ball. He is showing such exemplary behavior. Typical fight or fuck mentality. Its one of the main reasons that I, as a gay man in a long term stable relationship, do not have a large number of gay male friends. Either you are a potential conquest or an enemy.
As the volunteered mentor/co-parent to a non-biological child, an 11 year old boy let me say that Mr. Ball's comments are particularly inflammatory as they again play into the heterocentic, homophobic ideal that all gay men are pedophiles.
Gay youth need mentors. I would have loved a mentor like Sam Adams when I was 17. Hell, nearing 30 I love knowing there is someone in local politics I can look up to, let alone relate to.
Mr. Ball should be ashamed of himself, and quite frankly as a developer in the Portland market and a gay man himself in the company of Portland "A-Gays" I feel more than confident he knows quite a few men who are legitimately inappropriate with underaged young men. This is a smear campaign plain and simple and such a pathetic low-brow move that I feel assured that the most he's done is reveal what a catty self absorbed drama queen he realy is.
Speaking of catty,forgive me but, sounds like Bob's just pissed he isn't NEARLY sexy as you Sam.

Dear Sam,
Please trust that the people of Portland can see right through Mr Ball.
He has made a fool of himself, and given you a platform to shine. Good job standing by your actions. You have done nothing to make us question your integrity, so obviously no need to apologize or have regrets. Mayor of Portland? You have my vote!

Sandra

No worries Sam-- Any two way breather can see this for what it is- This Ball character is just trying to add some plural to his name and it did NOT happen... the only votes he'll get next cycle with be his own, his mommy's, and those teetotallers who think a Boston beer has been nominated-
I may not always agree with your politics, but I do appreciate your spine- Keep on arguing-
-Scott-

Sam, I have known you most of my adult life; you are a man of integrity and substance. While political views may vary, no one worth their salt will believe you are capable of such behavior. I'm glad to see you're taking the high road and not responding to such an unbelievable tactic in an effort to discredit you. Good luck on your campaign!

Persistence of Myths Could Alter Public Policy Approach

love ya Sam!

As a Portlander who respects the dedicated hard work you've given freely to this city. As a downtown office worker who appreciates you reaching out to the businesses community to insure not only high paying, but mid and lower level workers continue to have fair jobs in this city. As a gay man that looks up to the accomplishments and the many paths you've paved (in green fashion of course) for all of us, gay and straight...Sam, I am terribly upset by this smear, not only because of the disgusting substance coming from another person who should know better, but because I didn't expect to see a 'swift boat' style campaign in Portland. However, I am glad the Portland community as a whole rejected this rumor for the Rovian slime tactics it is, and my hope is that this will be the end of a short beginning for that kind of conduct.

Keep on shakin' up Portland Sam. We need someone like you carrying forward the visions of a better Portland and representing the values of our diverse community...count on my support, and of course my vote, as you continue forward with whatever road you bicycle up...

I just heard Randy Leonard describe that Bob Ball's "reported" of his concerns as he said is required to do over a beer and hot dog at a public picnic. And Bob Ball told Leonard "not to tell anyone." This is what the law requires Bob Ball to do?This is what his attorney "advised" him to do!?

B.S.

Bob Ball is just now trying to cover his tracks at smearing Adams. Bob Ball only cares about Bob Ball.

Sam,

So many others have said it, but I want to add my words of support. I've been very impressed with the work you've done for Portland so far and I think you would make a great mayor. I'm also pleased that you haven't backed down from your values because of this junk. Good luck!

It's too bad politics have to be like this. Portland needs none of this, and he has definitely "shot himself in the foot". You have my vote!

I am grateful to your dedication to the well-being of our city and our community. It is heart warming to hear about anyone standing up for themselves and is even more so when it is a public figure. As a lesbian, I don't come across as many people that are reluctant to take my word that I am not corrupting the youth that I work with. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for you do your job while every friendship you have is put under a spotlight simply because you are gay. Thank you for having the courage and the heart to do what you do.

As an over 40, heterosexual male, I have difficulty imagining myself mentoring a 17 year-old girl about sex. Can't you see that this is bad judgement?

Utterly ridiculous. He wasn't "mentoring about sex." How on EARTH anyone could come away with that particular impression is really beyond me.

Do heterosexuals do nothing but have sex? No? Neither do gay people, Einstein.

This is Sam's blog, with all due respect, please use it to communicate with Sam, and take your thread discussion to a more suitable site.
It would be much appreciated.

I will go on record to say that I generally do not comment on what goes on in PDX Politics (being as I work closely w/ the development community - I try to be a bridge builder in bridge town), I specifically sought out this forum today. I must say I am appalled by Mr. Ball's, well, balls, to perpetrate such a shameful rumor. Completely "un-Portland" like behavior. I suppose Mr. Ball will get his Karmic come-uppatance when the Lender’s who financed the Wyatt come calling (Gee, I wasn’t selling these units, so I guess I will alienate all of Portland to ensure no one buys them or rents from me!) and treat him in a manner similar to what he alleged when on. Bravo to Sam for taking the high road (and in the bike lane no less)

Damn, quite a statement! Sam, you've definitely got my vote - and I'll do my best to spread the word should you run!

The Oregonian printed my letter to the editor this morning with some editing. Here is the letter I submitted:

As an openly gay former elected official, I was stunned by the report in this morning’s Oregonian about the rumors being spread about Commissioner Sam Adams. I have known Commissioner Adams both professionally and socially for several years now and believe his character to be above reproach.

I can sympathize with the unique position Commissioner Adams is in as an elected official to the people of Portland but also as a defacto representative of the GLBT community. It makes you consider all of your actions more closely due to the added responsibility of representing a community that is often mischaracterized or maligned.

I too availed myself of the opportunity to mentor young people, and I too understood that there was always the risk of it being rumored to be something more than it was. Sick minds like to imagine sick scenarios that couldn’t be further from the truth.

I am confident that Portlanders will recognize Mr. Ball’s efforts for what they are—a craven attempt to smear the character of a perceived political rival and respected City leader. Mr. Ball’s behavior is further reprehensible for perpetuating the unsupportable myth that gay men are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to engage in sexual activities with minors. Mr. Ball should be ashamed of himself.

I hope none of this will cause Commissioner Adams to rethink the incredible work he does for the City, the GLBT community and for young people.

I believe Sam Adams to be a stand up person and an excellent civil servent. When I met him as a young adult over ten years ago he was a great person to turn to for advice. Although I have not had contact with him for many years, I know him to have all the qualities we as voters should look for to represent our city. It is a good thing Sam is such an ethical person, it would not take much digging to paint a very grim picture of Mr. Balls private life!

When someone says "I heard" with no facts or proof,that person has no credibility of any kind.If Mr. Ball had any future in Portland politics,he just flushed it down the toilet.Sam,thank you for your integrity.You have my full support.

Best Ron Worthington.

Rarely is a story such as this fabricated out of thin air. As an aspiring middle school teacher, I have learned that there is always some truth to every lie.

I am not saying Mr. Adams had a sexual relationship with this boy, but its professionalism is highly in question.

I am a firm believer that NO ONE has the right to help a minor "come to terms with his sexuality," except for his or her parents. Period. End of discussion.

If, as a parent, I knew that one of my children were being "mentored" by an openly homosexual man; and that he was teaching my child that a questionable [to most] lifestyle is acceptable, I would be beyond appalled. Who gave you the right?

Stick to the trams Sam. We don't need another Goldshmidt.

Why is it that the particularly lousy politicans in Oregon were all imported from somewhere else? Let me see, we had our governor Tom McCall from Massachusetts who moved here and then in a hypcritical fashion told other people they couldn't move here. Vera Katz from Manhattan and her hairbrained ideas. Sam, what rat hole did you come from? Get out of my state.

Anthony it is people like Sam who can be mentors for are children when their parent aren't around or understanding of a situation. Thank God for people like Sam. I applaud his compassion and his honesty about his own life. I also helped a young man come to terms with his sexuality when he was 17 if not for a few chat and some understanding he probably wouldn't be the successful man he is today...

...and as far as where is Sam from well I believe from Oregon, but if that is not the case who cares...Sam does about a lot of important things affecting us all.

I am also new to Portland Oregon and I am going to make it my business to help make a difference. It is now my home and I love it.

Dear Sam....please go away. We don't want a faggot for governor here in Oregon. Please let someone who doesn't practice a deviant lifestyle take your place. Thank you.