Here's how I see it:
SUCCESS:
> Opted out of Joint Terrorism Task Force after Feds refused to disclose information to Potter as required by law.
> Saved Portland from Francesconi.
FAILURES:
> Has defended the Portland Development Commission from increased public oversight, eventually losing to the Sten-Leonard-Adams coalition.
> Campaigned touting Chief Foxworth and supported him to the bloody end, despite evidence that Potter may well have known about Foxworth's history of sexual harassment. Now Capt. Foxworth is a lame duck cop doing low-profile community activities so he can collect his share of the sweet Police-Fireman retirement package. Potter should have fired him flat out.
> Despite coming in as a former Police Chief and campaigning on police reform, Potter has failed miserably in changing the almost criminally negligent investigations cops go through, even if they wrongly kill a young girl or boy. His plans to "change the culture" of the police and implement new training guidelines seem to have been completely forgotten.
> When it all came down the line, he ultimately sided with OHSU on the rediculous aerial tram.
> His hand-selected team to review and suggest revisions of the City Charter ended up looking like a Who's Who of the entrenched Portland elites.
> His visioning process gets more lip service than immediate issues and still has no defined milestones and objectives.
> The idea to amend the city charter to allow a city income tax to fund schools fell (rightfully) flat on its face.
The criticism thrown at Potter by the Mercury in its endorsement of Francesconi has proven to be valid as Potter's term in office has reflected his campaign--feel good rhetoric about community involvement and vision and leadership, but little tactical mastery of the political process. The first 18 months of his term, he basically coasted on visions and public relations, but by not tackling problems head on he has seen the crows come home to roost and seems incapable of saving any significant harvest.
Recommended listening for Tom Potter: Elvis Presley "A Little Less Talk A Little More Action"
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