While the mayor has a legitimate concern, it's hard to imagine there'd be the same level of "fretting" if this were a Democratic candidates' debate in Portland. Also, something snarky/irreverent goes here.

This doesn't make Sam look good. We may not like the Repub candidates (I know I don't), but they have a right to come here and be obnoxious on OPB.

You'd think the candidates would be in favor of privatizing the security detail for the debate.

"We actually thought the mayor would welcome something like this."

You still probably should have asked, though.

@tk, I agree. That pretty much sums up the Mayors POV. Though OPB has been harping on this debate for quite some time.

Why don't we just not provide much security? Maybe an officer per candidate. How much could that really cost? Or just a couple officers at the event itself?

By then there won't be many candidates, so one cop should do it.

I REALLY LIKE SAM'S THREE PIECE SUIT WITH THE LIME-COLORED TIE. IT'S A GOOD LOOK FOR HIM.

@Andy: Your link doesn't work for me, but adjusting for inflation (between 2010 and 2011, it was 3.7%), that $2,776,081,347 in 2010 is $2,880,158,139 in today's money (according to http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/). So it is effectively less.

@#1, I plan on disrupting the proceedings regardless of party, because they're both so fucking absurd. It's going to be a FUCKING PARTY ON MACADAM! Seriously, it's going to be a riot. Who knows, maybe this time someone will be killed? Will there be premature round-ups of political activists? Just on that chance, my AK is going to be next to my front door from Feb 20th on out.

I like #6's idea. Adam's should flatly refuse to provide a large number of Portland Police due to budget problems, and demand that OSP and other agencies "chip in", OPB would simply move this event to Salem cause no one wants to pay, and that would avoid all of the problems with people like me, who are going to smashy-smashy all over the place. Adam's isn't up for re-election, so who is he going to offend? The Republicans?

OPB can't pay for security in its own facililty? Why not run another week of lame ass fundraising with doo-wap concerts and the same black and white Roy Orbison concert over and over and over....and then bring on the Celtic Women.

That should raise the necessary funds.

Wow, that Sandini post is the dumbest thing I've ever read.

Sandini, if your narcissistic idiot ass is reading this: maybe next time don't lead with a semantic argument of what "accosting" means. It tends to make it obvious that you really have no legitimate gripe whatsoever to follow.

I'm really, really happy to hear that something so stupid probably completely overshadowed your holidays. If that's what you chose to print, I would really love to hear all the arguments in your head that you decided against using in the intervening couple months.

Seriously, Colin. That whole thing read like a case study in borderline personality disorder. "He attacked me!" "Everyone is racist!" "They're all out to get me!" "Denis Theriault knows who I am!"

And yes, the cutting room floor must be positively alive with entertainment.

If I'm ever elected mayor I promise to dress like Peter Davison as the Doctor.