Oh, for Christ's sake. Yeah, the major problem with this city isn't the leeches infesting the sidewalk asking for money -- it's the businesses who are creating jobs and providing tax revenues.

Grow up and join the real world.

Matt brings up a really good point about the 'Consent Agenda' that has troubled me for years. City council passes a lot of legislation in the 'Consent Agenda' that never gets a hearing or public testimony.

For example: most of the claims settled with the city are passed this way without citizens learning what corrective actions have been taken to rectify the situation that caused the city to essentially 'settle out of court'. Then there are the contracts that are awarded or amended.

Also, be wary of emergency agenda items ( they have an * next to them) in the 'Consent Agenda'.

jasun

"As much as the Portland Business Alliance gets slammed by Matt and others on this blog."

way to solve that? don't let Mike talk in crowded rooms... with no one to quote and make look like an idiot, maybe Matt will wander on to Sam Adams full time.

"Raised $70,000 to save the Washington Park Concert series last week"

thanks, I will tell that to the people that when Blackwater-Portland (the PBA's bully boys PPI) sweep out from under the bridges when I see them across the river over the next few weeks... I am sure they will be happy to hear about the concerts you have given to visitors to our city.


"Led a trade mission to China in April to help grow this foreign market to increase and keep jobs"

was this Bill Clinton's China? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/campfin/stories/china1.htm
or George W Bush's China?
http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1067801.html

either way you deal with some nefarious folks...

"Funded $150,000 to open day access shelters, which have provided services for hundreds of people that didn't exist before, as part of SAFE during the past two years"

oh yes, the blood money you gave the city to get rid of the homeless out of Mike's downtown dream... thanks again... of course, I wonder how many apartments that could have rented.

"Connected 14,000 business professionals over the last year to help them build their businesses"

do you tell these 14,000 folks that you deal with oppressive governments, have your own private security forces and want to remove any blight that is not sunny and fun from your downtown? when I come downtown do I have to wear a black uniform Megan?

The Portland Business Alliance is a legal entity engaged in the bribery and intimidation of Portland politicians to get what it wants, when it wants it, and how it wants it regardless of the impact on the rest of Portland. The Portland Business Alliance does NOT contribute to our community in a positive way.