This was the best public meeting I've ever attended, that is until Potter in a cowardly move refused to allow a vote on the resolution to approve reasonable oversight of the PJTTF.
The city council chambers were packed, standing room only.
Mayor Potter opened with a strong statement in favor of the resolution. Commissioner Leonard supported Potter's statements and further expounded reasons for passing the resolution. Portland police chief Foxworth testified and expressed no arguments against the resolution. Regional FBI agent Jordan said very little but opposed the resolution. US Attorney Imergut expressed her desire for compromise without necessity of passing the resolution. Andrea Meyer(?) from the ACLU testified strongly that oversight is imperative particularly because she recently received confirmation that the FBI/PJTTF is surveiling peaceful organizations and individuals in Portland (ACLU made a FOIA request regarding 18 people/organization - 8 of them are under surveilance). There was impassioned testimony from dozens of citizens in favor of the resolution to approve oversight with only a few (three I remember) objecting to the resolution. During the council debate Commissioner Salzman encouraged Potter to hold off the vote and Commissioner Leonard argued for the resolution.
It looked like the resolution would pass - around 100 people stayed the 4 long hours for the vote. Then in a move that will forever keep me from attending another public meeting or participating in "democracy" Potter equivocated, vascillated, got weak in the knees and started yammering away about reaching a compromise. His disappointing decision was to block the vote and "delay" it for 3 weeks What's sad it that Potter, the mealymouthed coward had the opportunity to do the right thing to stand up and protect Portland citizens but backed down and is now going to engage in backdoor dealing. So much for public debate and citizen input.
I particularly enjoyed the ass-whooping Sten gave to the Feds (reminding the audience of how deceptive the Feds have been in past dealings with Portland) before deferring to Potter's judgement to delay a resolution vote.
However, to be fair to Potter, he will be having the ACLU at the negotiating table, and likely another (yet to be named) party. That means at the table in the same room with the Feds--as in a live-action smackdown. I say you're being too hasty to condemn Potter. Wait and see what happens in three weeks. If we still get a resolution of substance, then I suggest that Potter is stronger and has more character than you thought going in to this meeting? Fair. And if not, then I come closer to your current stance.
It feels like waiting for a diplomatic response sent to the Nazis about an ultimatum of complience relating to the exchange of power for the SS. So are we the Danes or the French or the ex-patriotes in Casablanca Morocco. Do our "leaders" turn us in or fight along side us? "Hey Potter there is plenty of room here on the blockade if you wish to join us". We can at least go out in a song (maybe sung by the Decemberists)
for instance, in the Katz-days, WE THE PEOPLE coulda been sold down the river w/o the
least trace of a blushed face whatsoever...it'd been well acted and flawlessly performed
and while all were left glowing with "smiley faces", the fact that we'd been screwed was
lost on the vast majority, who had not a clue! Things are getting BETTER, believe me!
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The city council chambers were packed, standing room only.
Mayor Potter opened with a strong statement in favor of the resolution. Commissioner Leonard supported Potter's statements and further expounded reasons for passing the resolution. Portland police chief Foxworth testified and expressed no arguments against the resolution. Regional FBI agent Jordan said very little but opposed the resolution. US Attorney Imergut expressed her desire for compromise without necessity of passing the resolution. Andrea Meyer(?) from the ACLU testified strongly that oversight is imperative particularly because she recently received confirmation that the FBI/PJTTF is surveiling peaceful organizations and individuals in Portland (ACLU made a FOIA request regarding 18 people/organization - 8 of them are under surveilance). There was impassioned testimony from dozens of citizens in favor of the resolution to approve oversight with only a few (three I remember) objecting to the resolution. During the council debate Commissioner Salzman encouraged Potter to hold off the vote and Commissioner Leonard argued for the resolution.
It looked like the resolution would pass - around 100 people stayed the 4 long hours for the vote. Then in a move that will forever keep me from attending another public meeting or participating in "democracy" Potter equivocated, vascillated, got weak in the knees and started yammering away about reaching a compromise. His disappointing decision was to block the vote and "delay" it for 3 weeks What's sad it that Potter, the mealymouthed coward had the opportunity to do the right thing to stand up and protect Portland citizens but backed down and is now going to engage in backdoor dealing. So much for public debate and citizen input.