Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams is tossing his hat back in the political ring, angling for a seat on the Multnomah County Board. He aims to combat what he describes as the "current dysfunction" at the county level. Adams, who previously served as mayor and city commissioner, made his announcement on Tuesday, targeting the District 2 seat currently filled by Jesse Beason, as reported by KATU News. Following his announcement, Adams quickly pointed out the issues that he plans to focus on, which include tackling unsanctioned outdoor homelessness and improving addiction and mental health services.
According to an OPB report, Adams said, "The current dysfunction in Multnomah County urgently needs to end,” adding, “I’m running to help fix this, and I have a track record of tackling big bureaucratic problems." Beason, the interim commissioner who replaced Susheela Jayapal and previously worked under Adams, has opted not to stay on come the next term. His run for the county board may prove contentious, given Adams' history of internal complaints during his tenure as an adviser to Mayor Ted Wheeler, in which staff characterized his approach as intimidating.
In discussing his priorities, Adams has specified that he wants to address the affordable housing shortage and work on creating a more efficient system for social services, such as a single-intake process for addiction or mental health. He emphasized the need for boosting results rather than funding, stating, "We have a patchwork system with scant accountability. Too much of the decision-making process at the County lacks focus, urgency, partnership, and accountability. The public wants and deserves more results,” he told KOIN.
Adams' foray back into the political landscape does not come without its share of baggage. While running for mayor, he landed in hot water over a relationship with a teenage legislative intern – a scandal that he weathered without charges after clarifications regarding the nature of the relationship. His departure from Mayor Wheeler's office was also not without drama, as six women had filed complaints against him in 2021. Adams suggested in a KATU News interview that the full story has yet to be told regarding his resignation, hinting at possible legal actions against the city. Not one to shy away from controversy or a challenging political climate, Adams underlined his drive to "deliver improvements, constant improvements for Portlanders."
Despite the rocky paths and looming competition – including hotel owner Jessie Burke and Shannon Singleton, an advisor to former Gov. Kate Brown – Adams remains steadfast. A steamroller-like attitude as seen in his past may not be appealing to all, but with Wheeler not seeking re-election, Adams looks to re-establish himself within the county's political framework, focusing on reform without the need to mend fences with the outgoing mayor.
