June 07, 2003
(Updated) As Expected, Francesconi To Run for Mayor
Note: This post has been updated. Any and all updates appear at the end of the original post.
While I consider the mayoral race in many ways to have already begun with the launch of two recall campaigns directed at Vera Katz, KGW is reporting that Commissioner Jim Francesconi, as expected for months, will indeed be seeking the office:
Francesconi said he has started fundraising and expects the race to be expensive and competitive.
"Yeah, I've decided I will run for mayor. We have a terrific city and I want to help take it even further and make it even better," he said.
...
"I do think it may be a time for some more energy and to bring people together with a focus on the economy, with jobs for all of our citizens...on continuing to move all of our schools forward, and strong neighborhoods," said Francesconi.
Francesconi also claims that Katz's own decision will come in July. With his confirmation of his intent to run, Francesconi becomes the second person to have officially announced such an intention
Second?
According to the city's Elections Division, a James Smothers of SE Portland filed back on April 30, and is listed as "currently gathering 100 required signatures."
For my part, I'm still holding out for Earl Blumenauer.
Update
Beginning with this item, I am inaugurating my 2004 Mayoral Campaign category. While relevant items will continue to be posted to City Politics, the forthcoming mayoral race will be one of the single biggest local stories over the next year, and is therefore deserving of a category unto itself. And now that the first major candidacy announcement has been made -- with more to come this Summer -- there's no time like the present to begin.