Sources Say • A former ally sours on Sam

By Jim Redden

The Portland Tribune, Apr 16, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (14 Reader comments)

LAUDERDALE

As the July 1 deadline to begin circulating petitions to recall Mayor Sam Adams inches nearer, the mayor has lost the support of one of his most visible backers — local musician and man around town Thomas Lauderdale. The pianist repeatedly denounced Adams during the Tuesday open house on redeveloping the Rose Quarter. Lauderdale says he cannot believe Adams is willing to tear down the iconic Memorial Coliseum to make way for a Triple-A baseball stadium, and he also opposes the version of the Columbia River Crossing bridge Adams is supporting.

“The mayor has lost it,” Lauderdale said at the end of the open house, where most of the people who spoke also opposed tearing down the coliseum.

Before the event started, Lauderdale told recall campaign spokesman Jasun Wuster that he now supports removing Adams from office. Wurster was handing out leaflets supporting the recall when Lauderdale walked up and took one.

“I was shocked,” said Wurster, adding he is relieved that even some progressives now agree that Adams needs to go.

Thanks for the call

State Sen. Mark Hass was less than amused by the press conference Adams and State Sen. Rod Monroe held on April 11.

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