Oh, Puh-leese

Good grief. From Anna Griffin at The Oregonian‘s City Hall blog, “Commissioner Dan Saltzman says he’s decided to stay neutral in the spring campaign. “I’m just too close to it to be somebody other than an ordinary voter,” he said.”

What a cop out. So much for the vigorous debate on the campaign trail he promised when voting to refer the measures only three months before the May election. Surely being inside city government might make a person elected to lead, someone other than an ordinary voter? Someone with insights pro and con, even if he chooses not to settle on one side or the other? Someone who might help further public understanding?

Oh well. Welcome back, Anna! And thanks for the news that Sam Adams is opposing the change in form of government. “I support a strong mayor. But this creates an imperial mayor”, Sam is reported as saying.

Now that’s part of a vigorous debate.