Sho Dozono inches closer to running for mayor of Portland

Popular businessman expects to make a decision in January

By Jim Redden And Nick Budnick

LocalNewsDaily.com, Dec 17, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (45 Reader comments)

Sho Dozono, right, led nearly 1,000 Oregonians on the first Flight For Freedom in Manhattan’s Columbus Day parade weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, disaster.

L.E. BASKOW / TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO

It’s all but official: Portland travel agency owner and ambassador-at-large Sho Dozono is on the brink of running for mayor.

Dozono says he has not yet made a final decision.

“I am still in the process of testing the waters,” he told the Portland Tribune Monday morning. “I am looking at a January time frame for making a decision.”

Despite Dozono’s unwillingness to officially declare, the Portland Tribune obtained a copy of an e-mail sent by Dozono during the weekend recruiting support for such a race and referring people to a pre-campaign Web site, www.showyoursupportforsho.com .

The Web site features pictures of Dozono and his family, his biography and a list of accomplishments, such as spearheading the March for Our Schools effort that raised $11 million for Portland schools. It also includes a testimonial from a supporter identified as “Nancy” saying, “I am pleased that Sho is considering running for mayor of Portland. Having another significant candidate is a huge plus!”

In his e-mail, Dozono writes, “We are hoping to get at least 1,000 people to sign up as supporters by the end of next week. It’s just the beginning of our grassroots campaign. People can vary the comments as they send it along to others. Thanks for your help.”

A good debate

If Dozono runs for mayor, he will join a field that included 10 candidates — including city Commissioner Sam Adams — as of last Friday.

Asked about a potential Dozono candidacy, Adams said, “If he decides to run, I’d welcome him into the race. We will have a good debate of the issues.”

Given the low-profile of Adams' opponents who have officially declared, several people have been casting about for an opponent for Adams, including Mayor Tom Potter — who has clashed with Adams on several issues.

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