Peterson‘s supporters plan to rally at Terry Schrunk Plaza, opposite city hall tomorrow morning at 8:30am, before Doug Peterson delivers his testimony to council on why they’re making the wrong decision by evicting his business. Commissioner Randy “stand up for the little guy” Leonard has been very quiet on this, which is surprising, because he’s supposed to be the guy “fighting for the people.” And Doug Peterson is definitely one of the people. Perhaps he’s just the wrong kind of people. Anyway, I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s discussion. You can expect the city commissioners to regurgitate the Portland Business Alliance’s reasons for why Peterson’s is evil, down pat. There’ll be hypocrisy. There’ll be small town fraternity and lots of “greater good” talk. Not much backbone or consistency, sadly. But what do you expect?
Peterson says he has collected more than 3000 signatures at a petition in his store, and that he plans to tell the city commissioners about the public comments he has gathered. “They say things like landmark, and asset, and staple, needed, part of the character of the community, vital to a livable downtown, I live in the neighborhood, feel safer waiting for the MAX, and so on,” he says.
Of the street kids who tend to congregate outside, Peterson says; “All of downtown has these types of people. Any time a crowd gathers, they’re there.”
More disturbing still, Peterson has dug up a Trimet study encouraging the opening of 24-hour convenience stores on the new bus mall. “The city’s own studies have indicated we’re good for downtown,” he says. “And I’ve received absolutely no response from the city commissioners on this.”
Randy just won re-election, so his “I’m for the little guy” routine goes on the backburner for a couple more years.
Randy has done very little for poor man. God bless ’em…Have you ever met a non-narcissistic fire fighter? Randy fits the stereotype like a glove. Randy could do SO much more; leaking info when the council and company try pulling shenanigans, voting no when he believes a contract lines the pockets of rich/large business, etc etc. Anyone who believes Randy is of this mindset should get their head checked.
Sadly, he has the right gruff and toughness to be a stand up guy for the citizens without a voice. He hasn’t done it yet, we ain’t gonna see it now.