January 29, 2003
(Updated) Is Leonard Literate?
Note: This post has been updated. Any and all updates appear at the end of the original post.
Tomorrow's Portland Mercury includes a slam of the Portland City Council, especially Randy Leonard, in the wake of that body's failure to pass an antiwar resolution:
Despite Francesconi's "no-vote" and Leonard's apparent inability to pick up a newspaper and inform himself on current political events, the resolution's grassroots movement has been seized by major media outlets as proof-positive that an anti-war sentiment is growing in America. National Public Radio has referred to the resolution several times while conducting interviews with opponents of the US involvement in Iraq. Three weeks ago, the New York Times ran a page one, column one story about the dozens of cities that had considered and passed the resolution. (For the benefit of Mr. Leonard, the New York Times is a daily newspaper that occasionally prints informative stories about the current political situation.)
While the Mercury mentions that Leonard claimed he "didn't have enough information" they neglect to mention the misinformation he used to justify voting against the resolution.
They do however report a juicy slam of Council members uttered by a Sten staffer.
Update
This publication has been around for some time now, and has gradually adopted a certain voice, a certain tone. In this regard, then, and while I stand by my opinions of Commissioner Leonard's rationale for his vote on the antiwar resolution, I feel it's important to indicate that the headline used here was inappropriate, and needlessly ad hominem.
In keeping with my editorial policy of not deleting or changing material after publication, I will not be striking the headline here. But some indication of its inappropriateness was warranted at this time.
Reports have indicated in the past that Leonard himself has on occassion been known to say things in a way that ruffles feathers, or is found to be improper by the audience. So should he or his staff ever read this item, perhaps they can let it slide.
Update
Interestingly, those who manage to find their way to this old post should click through to the Comments for a response from Commissioner Leonard.
Comments (3)
Randy Leonard on 15 Jun 2003
You are absolutely right...I am -and will continue to be- the last one to critcize someone for a comment that may ruffle my feathers...I do enjoy your articles....
Commissioner Randy Leonard
The One True b!X on 23 Jun 2003
Well, that makes that situation less problematic then. Which will make it easier on me if and when I get around to asking for an interview about the vision for the Office of Neighborhood Involvement.
Randy Leonard on 26 Jun 2003
The One True b!X-
I have good relationships with people in the media who have said one hella of a lot more harsh things than you did....I would enjoy meeting with you and talking about ONI, BDS or whatever other subject you want to talk about. Since finding your web site, I am a frequent visitor...you have great stuff...Commissioner Randy Leonard