Cornett hit reply all, and wrote the following:

"Commissioner Saltzman,

Maybe the brand of disdain you displayed works well for your wealthy friends that are funding your campaign, but most of us in Portland feel differently.

To suggest I’m trying to “start a career” is as legitimate as you running as an outsider candidate. Neither could be further from the truth. If you took the time to look at my bio, you’d see I had a successful career that I decided to put on hold to run for City Council because I feel like downtown fat cats grip on City Hall is too tight. As a consequence, decisions rarely reflect the needs of everyday Portlanders.

While I’m disappointed that you refuse to debate me on the issue of utmost importance to your constituency, I’d like to thank for your vote of confidence in my campaign. To date, I haven’t heard whether I will be included in the City Club Debate. I hope you are indeed correct assuming my inclusion. I would look forward to a forum where voters can consider whether your service warrants a 21st year as a professional politician."

Moot point. Saltzman wins on a walk in the primary. The opposition votes are split between too many candidates and it is impossible to beat an incumbent unless you outspend them at least ten to one. Cornett's public financing makes it an even money race so he has no chance.

How did the Saltzman response letter end up at the Merc? Did it come from Saltzman's office or via Cornett?

@Tony: Saltzman's campaign manager sent it to the local press.

As a vegan, I'm outraged that you didn't ask for my opinion in the poll.