Sam Adams Was Prepared to Resign

As Oregon Attorney General Kroger announced that he would not be seeking charges for the embattled Mayor Sam Adams, ThePortlander has learned that Adams had at one time written a resignation letter. The letter was found in items Adams voluntarily turned over for the states investigation into his conduct surrounding Beau Breedlove. Those items included his personal computer, cell phone and various memory cards.

The supporting documents that accompany Kroger’s report include a letter addressed to Portlanders and City Auditor Gary Blackmer, dated Jan 21st, 2009 with the subject “Letter of Resignation.” In this letter Adams appears to have made a final decision about his then short term as Portland’s Mayor, though the letter was never officially submitted.

It also appears that Adams had shared his intentions with at least one city council member, Randy Leonard. In the letter he states that Rand “will do a great job as Interim Mayor.” He goes on to thank Leonard for “agreeing to keep on [his] mayoral staff through May.” These statements suggest that Adams and Randy where preparing for an imminent change in leadership.

Adams issued a statement via his blog immediately following the release of Kroger’s report, apologizing for his actions and promising to continue the fight to get Portlanders back to work.

Below is the full, unedited text of Mayor Sam Adams resignation letter.

January 21, 2009

To: Portlanders and Auditor Gary Blackmer

From: Sam Adams

Re: Letter of Resignation

I want to reiterate my apology of yesterday to all Portlanders for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an 18 year old and for lying about it over the past 17 months. Again, I deeply regret my actions.

In the weeks and months ahead, it is of paramount importance that city government be fully focused on helping its people and businesses through the most pressing economic recession in 60 years.

Since I returned to Portland yesterday I have taken stock of the big mess I have created. I do not need any more time conclude what is best for Portland. At this time of economic crisis this city can ill afford the distraction it would create if I was to continue on as Mayor so I resign as of 2:00pm today.

Having worked closely with Randy Leonard for many years I know he will do a great job as Interim Mayor.

I want to thank Randy for agreeing to keep on my mayoral staff through May; they are a fantastic group of hard working public servants and they will serve him well. I want to reiterate that the only role played by Amy Ruiz in this matter is that of another victim of my lies. My chief of staff Tom Miller hired her based on her smarts and extensive knowledge of Portlanders, period.

Also, I want to thank interim Mayor Randy Leonard for agreeing to take on the role of host for the Mayor’s Winter Gala on Saturday, January 31st to benefit the Q center community center. It is a very worthy cause and deserving of support.

As I return to private life immediately ahead for me I will cooperate fully with the investigation of my relationship with Beau Breedlove. And I will take time to reflect on my poor judgment in these matters and to fully learn all the lessons I need to learn from my mistakes. I will work hard to come out of this experience a better man.

I want to thank Portlanders for putting their faith in me as an elected official. I am very sorry I let you down. Now, we all need to support our great city council in its work to move Portland forward.

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