June 21, 2004
Pay Raise Quickie
We thought about doing this as an update to our previous item rather than a new item, but it's a slow day, and that was three days ago, so here it is.
Today's Oregonian picked up on this, finally, and only after Francesconi's office issued a press release on Friday. But speaking of this move being political (either in its origins or in the reactions its prompting):
Commissioner Erik Sten attributed Francesconi's move to politics. Sten supports Francesconi's rival for the mayoral seat, former police chief Tom Potter.
"My wife and I make a lot of charitable donations," Sten said. "We just do it privately."
A similar remark was made by a reader here who asked, "Are we all publicizing our charitable donations now?"
Comments (4)
Steve on 22 Jun 2004
Oh heh, look what's new. Erik has a comment about the Mayor's race that is unfavorable to Francesconi.
Why exactly didn't he run again?
Erik Sten on 22 Jun 2004
Steve is right. I'm no supporter of Jim's mayoral ambitions, and have been quite open in sharing that point of view. It should be relatively clear that his strategy in this instance is to pick a fight with the Council and not the other way. When asked would I be donating this year's cost of living adjustment, I simply said that my wife and I make our charitable donations privately. I actually didn't seek to get in the middle of it. I think it is great that Jim is donating money to SUN schools and said that as well.
I thought I was relatively clear on my reasons for not running this time around. I won't be self-important and rehash them.
Cheers.
B on 22 Jun 2004
Eric: While you are at it. I don't understand what Jim has done to upset you and your good friend, Steve Duin, so bad. Can you clarify?
Erik Sten on 22 Jun 2004
I don't think it's wise to speak for Mr. Duin. He does that himself.
As to my point of view on the Mayor's race, you can find the text of my endorsement of Tom at his website, tomformayor.org