A glimmer of hope

It's been depressing to see how many artists and art supporters in this town aren't bothered by a mayor who lied to get elected. Fortunately, some are beginning to see the light.

As the July 1 deadline to begin circulating petitions to recall Mayor Sam Adams inches nearer, the mayor has lost the support of one of his most visible backers — local musician and man around town Thomas Lauderdale. The pianist repeatedly denounced Adams during the Tuesday open house on redeveloping the Rose Quarter. Lauderdale says he cannot believe Adams is willing to tear down the iconic Memorial Coliseum to make way for a Triple-A baseball stadium, and he also opposes the version of the Columbia River Crossing bridge Adams is supporting.

“The mayor has lost it,” Lauderdale said at the end of the open house, where most of the people who spoke also opposed tearing down the coliseum.

Before the event started, Lauderdale told recall campaign spokesman Jasun Wuster that he now supports removing Adams from office. Wurster was handing out leaflets supporting the recall when Lauderdale walked up and took one.

“I was shocked,” said Wurster, adding he is relieved that even some progressives now agree that Adams needs to go.

Source

It really sucks that citizens have to wait six months to recall a politician. But July gets closer, and hopefully the mayor will be gone soon thereafter, though a recall election surely will divide the city. But with one of his most vocal supporters switching sides, I am encouraged that liars may not win after all.