Looks like Mayor Tom Potter took a page from John McCain playbook, suspending a planned trip to Africa, citing the shitty economy. Except in this case, there's a legitimate reason for Potter to stick around--tomorrow, the city council is getting a crash course on the current state of city and state finances.

MAYOR CHOOSES NOT TO JOIN DELEGATION ON HUMANITARIAN MISSION DUE
TO ECONOMIC VOLATILITY

Mayor Tom Potter will not accompany the 19-member delegation leaving October 15 on a humanitarian mission to Portland Sister City Mutare, Zimbabwe.

While the Mayor remains deeply committed to the mission, he decided late last week that, due to escalating concerns about the economy, it is best for him to remain in Portland.

The Mayor informed the rest of the delegation of his decision Sunday evening (October 12) at a "packing party" to prepare donated medical and other supplies for the trip. According to the Mayor "The global nature of the current economic crisis reminds us just how small a world we live in. While I believe it's important for me to remain in Portland, I believe it's equally important for the rest of the delegation to complete its mission."

The Mayor's wife Karin Hansen and Chief of Staff, Austin Raglione, will make the trip as planned and will serve as the Mayor's official representatives.