PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Mayor Sam Adams said Sunday he will not resign despite calls for him to step down after admitting he lied about a sexual relationship with a teenager. "Tomorrow, I go back (to) work as your mayor. I know I have let you down and made mistakes. I ask your forgiveness," Adams said in a statement. "I believe I have a lot to offer the city I love during this time of important challenges."
| Even though the article doesn't say, you know he's a Democrat -- a Republican would be hounded from office. |
Adams informed the four city commissioners of his decision earlier the day. He met separately with them on Saturday to privately discuss his political future just three weeks after being sworn in.
The scandal has resulted in an investigation by the Oregon attorney general and has divided the city and its gay and lesbian community. Adams has found strong support to remain, including a Friday rally on his behalf at City Hall that drew more than 400 people.
Earlier this week, Adams publicly apologized for lying about his sexual relationship with an 18-year-old man in 2005 as he began his campaign for mayor in 2007.
The city council planned to meet Monday. Commissioner Randy Leonard has been in charge of the city as president of the city council, and he told the AP he would like to get the issue resolved as soon as possible to make sure city business gets done. "At a minimum, this is very distractive," Leonard said. |