April 14, 2004
Voters' Guides And Endorsements From Elsewhere
As we continue to work out our endorsements for City Council, we'll pass along some relevant election information in the meantime.
First of all, this week The Oregonian made its endorsements for Portland's upcoming May 18 primary election.
This past Sunday, they endorsed Jim Francesconi for Mayor, citing a "knowledge of the city and passion for the job." Along the way, they also called Tom Potter a "strong rival," called for James Posey to run for City Council, and credited Phil Busse for "pizazz" and "innovative ideas."
Then on Monday they endorsed Sam Adams and Randy Leonard for City Council, citing Adams' "decade-plus of experience at City Hall" and crediting Leonard for shaking things up at City Hall. Along the way, they called the insurgent candidates running against Leonard "impressive Portlanders," and referred to Fish's "polish" and "potential."
Meanwhile, on Tuesday the Portland Business Alliance announced its own endorsements.
They endorsed Francesconi for Mayor, citing "experience, knowledge, and ability to work with the entire community to get Portland on the road to recovery and strong economic growth." For Commissioner No. 1, they endorsed Fish, who they said has " outlined a strong platform for economic recovery and growth." They did, however, say this endorsement was "a close call." And for Commissioner No. 4 (which their news release mistakenly refers to as No. 3), the Alliance picked Leonard, saying he is "willing to do what it takes to reform the bureaucracy, support a stronger economy, and make tough choices."
Switching gears from endorsements to guides, the League of Women Voters of Portland Education Fund's Voters' Guide (pdf) is now available, and includes statements from most of the Mayoral and City Council candidates.
And of course, this election's Online Voters' Pamhplet is now available as well, and also includes statements from about half of the Mayoral candidates, and about half of the City Council candidates.