PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams announced Tuesday that he is running for Multnomah County Council to address “dysfunction” in the county.
Adams, who is running for the District 2 seat, is committed to ending unauthorized outdoor homelessness, creating “more humane and effective” addiction and mental health treatment services, and addressing the lack of affordable housing. He said addressing the issue is a top priority.
“The current dysfunction in Multnomah County needs to end immediately. I am running to fix this,” Adams said in a statement. “The county lacks focus, urgency, partnership and accountability. I am running to solve this problem and have a track record of tackling big bureaucratic problems.”
Detailing his plans for his appointment, Adams said he wants to create a mass reception system for people in need of addiction and mental health services, and a system for first responders and support workers to deliver people in crisis. He said he aims to build a calm center.
Adams said it's not a lack of funding that's holding the county back in addressing homelessness and mental health treatment, but rather “good results.”
“Our system is patchwork and there is little accountability. Many of the decision-making processes in the county lack focus, urgency, partnership, and accountability. The public wants more results; It’s worth it,” Adams said.
His other priorities include combating gun violence and crime, building affordable housing, reducing homelessness, people at risk of homelessness, and the three- to five-year waiting list for housing for seniors. is included.
Adams also wants to increase transparency within the county, saying he plans to require public registration for lobbyists and require a public schedule from commissioners.
The District 2 seat is currently held by Interim Commissioner Jesse Beeson. Sushila Jayapal When he resigned in November to run for Oregon's 3rd Congressional District.
In 2020, Adams ran unsuccessfully for City Council and then worked in Mayor Ted Wheeler's office. Resigns after sexual harassment complaintThat charge was later found to be unfounded, according to records obtained by . oregonian.
Adams previously disputed the charges, stressed the importance of an investigation, and singled out Mayor Wheeler, saying the mayor had made allegations against him that were not investigated.
“This case highlights the critical importance of investigating such allegations and how we should all avoid blanket judgment on them until they are properly investigated. Portland “It's a stark contrast to what Mayor Ted Wheeler did to me in January,” Adams previously said. “Mayor Wheeler often asks people to judge by facts, not just perceptions, but last January he announced allegations against me that have not been investigated, witnesses that have not been interviewed, and searches for relevant documents. Due to negligence and other reasons, the mayor did not agree to speak, giving me a small opportunity to present my side of the story. A few days later, he expressed interest in running for re-election. Is that a coincidence?”
This is not the first time Adams has been embroiled in a scandal while on the city's staff. In an interview with KOIN 6 while running for City Council in 2020, Adams admitted that he lied about having a sexual relationship with a teenager when he was elected mayor.
“When I was asked if I had an affair with an 18-year-old adult who never worked for me, I lied that I didn't, which was ridiculous,” Adams told KOIN in 2020. He spoke at 6. It was thoroughly investigated by the Oregon Attorney General for over six months and I was cleared of any wrongdoing. ”
