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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 21, 2007)
just out by Marty Davis J Mudslinging in Puddletown VOL. 24 NO. 22 NEWSMAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 21, 2007 Mayoral race causes sudden news surge ow and then there are times in the media industry when there just however. Long-term ramifications will be felt. Reputations have been damaged, isn’t a whole lot going on. One will sit endlessly and forlornly, star friendships have ended, and distrust could become pervasive. ing at Sn empty blog page, realizing with horror that the dreaded All of the major players in “Ballgate” have been interviewed endlessly in the slow news week syndrome has infected the building. Worse yet, I’m past few days. There's little left for them to say. There does remain one missing quite sure that symptoms of this malaise are visible to our readers. piece, however, and that’s hearing from the purported former Adams staffer who Past outbreaks of slow news week, or SNW as it’s called, had found me brought chroni- the original concerns (read: accusations) to Ball, who then, well, we all cling such seemingly endless topics as possums being born, sheltered and raised know what he did next. in my garage. Little did 1 know, then, that the sharing of these deeply personal Allow me now to repeat an oft-told belief of my own. Be wary of the journals placed my furry guests and myself directly in harm’s way. At any credibility of the “disgruntled former employee.” I hold it to be true that this moment state wildlife officials migRt have broken down my garage door, source of information is rarely viable. Indeed, their interests are too often self tranquilized the possums and hauled them off in sacks to live their lives in state- motivated and misguided. The “disgruntled” are frequently the employee for approved sanctuaries. I live on the edge, 1 tell you, on the edge. whom the employer went the extra mile—only to find that two miles had then Today 1 can tell you, with much sincerity, that the past two weeks in become the expectation. Portland have most decidedly not been lacking in news to report. Our own news surge began with the kickoff event for the 2008 Portland mayoral election, s much as I’d like to use the remainder of this space to discuss the problems which started promptly at 11:30 a.n). Sept. 10. This is when Mayor Tom Potter other people are having, 1 would be regrettably remiss if 1 didn’t address announced that he would not be running for a second term. My immediate a few small brush fires that 1 managed to set off myself in the past few weeks. On reaction to his words was a quick moment of sadness, accompanied by one, just at least two occasions I have been found guilty of careless thought and action. one, sneaky and spontaneous little tear of sentiment. Potter has been a tremen Both instances—one a photo that probably should not have been published and dous friend and ally to our community, and we really can’t thank him enough the other a blog headline with perceivable racist connotation—caused or had for his support and years of dedication. His term as mayor was exactly what the potential to cause discomfort for others. 1 could make a wishy-washy Portland needed—a reflective and thoughtful planning period for what lies argument for intent—or, in these cases, lack of intent—to cause harm or pain ahead. or damage, but the fact is, intent and lack of knowledge are not excuses worthy Potter’s decision not to run was anticipated to be the starting point for of hiding behind. mayoral candidates to emerge and announce their intentions. Portlanders are One of the readers expressing her displeasure wrote to me, “Just because you eagerly awaiting this next round of elections and are keen to participate and can do something, it doesn’t mean you should.” She’s quire right. choose the next mayor, a person who must be dynamic and vital and possess Several times a day, my e-mail system reminds me that I’m about to cause great leadership abilities. offense to someone. I always ignore it and plow ahead with my immediate But before there’s even any formally announced candidates for this race, the thought. Now would be a good time for me to take that reminder and that mudslinging and drama begin. As first reported by Willamette Week, Pearl District message and get out there and see what it feels like from the folks on the other developer Bob Ball, an openly gay man, was identified as the person questioning end of the messages. a relationship between openly gay City Commissioner Sam Adams and a then 17- I know exactly who I want to talk to first and what 1 need to talk about. year-old youth who had approached Adams for mentoring and advice. I know she’ll have a lot to say on the subject. How do 1 know this? Because The minute this story hit the Willamette Week Web site, all hell broke kx>se. we’ve already started the dialogue. In my next column I’ll be talking with (For a recap of who-said-what-about-whom, please see Page 6 of this issue.) And Kendall Clawson, executive director of Q Center, who will explain to me, again, as quickly as this story flared up, it also appears to be dying out. In today’s age exactly why “Black Thursday" is not a good headline for a blog entry about an of electronic reporting and immediacy, it could appear that this sudden firestorm injured Trail Blazer. of animosity could bum itself out in mere days. That will be in appearance only, In the meantime, I’ll see you all Sept. 24 at Gay Skate. N A FEATURE 22 CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT Drag court enters its 50th landmark year NEWS 6-18 NORTHWEST Mayoral battle preheats; PBS documents gay journalist; musical benefit planned; nonprofits shack up; following the Buddha; Pride of the Rose scholars announced; pee- in supports trans people in Seattle; nonprofit galvanizes volunteers; wedding expo is gay-friendly; vintage shop has tales to tell (and to sell); new mixed bar closes; pioneering activist honored at gala; petition signers held accountable 19 NATIONAL Marriage bill hits California governor’s desk; Chávez wins leadership award; Craig withdraws plea; Canadian marriages recognized in New York 21 WORLD Hungarian radio station fires anti-gay editors; MCC’s founder silenced in Singapore; Malaysian court voids marriage ARTS & CULTURE 39 FILM Jodie Foster goes on a vigilante killing spree in The Brave One 40-41 CULTURE Gay and lesbian square dance club approaches age 25 44 NIGHTLIFE Girls, get your dance on COLUMNS 31 EPIQUEEREAN Campus Cravings 33 MS. BEHAVIOR Butcher Than Thou 36 OUT OF MY MIND Home Sweet Homeshare 37 OUT GOING Homo Away from Home The commissioner, the mayor and the developer. 46 JIM’S CLOSET Mix It Up, Vol. 2 PAGE 43 43 DANCE White Bird celebrates 10th season with the return of acclaimed choreographer
