Evidence continues to rise to the surface that Voter Owned Elections are nothing more than a means of a select few to dig into the pockets of taxpayers. And as we see deeper and deeper into the management of Portland and the PDC, this is small potatoes compared to the millions being thrown around by our leaders (?) Pet Project Potter, Silly Sam The Tram, Mad Dog Leonard, and Dan The Man Saltzman. (And "no", I don't want to repeat all of the research available right here at Bojack.org to support these observations.

Am I crazy or does the average Portland voter purposely avoid the corruption in our political system, the ineptitude of our city officials, and the present financial mess we are in?

All I want are good schools, the ability to travel around my part of town without destroying my car's suspension from the potholes, and a police and fire department to protect my family. In other words, get back to the basics, boys.

I'm of the opinion that an independent, rational thinking person who has a good dose of common sense could win enough votes for Mayor.

The request is surprisingly badly phrased and badly worded. Can the City not afford someone to proofread these letters? Should be smart enough to know its going to be circulated.

I just e mailed the auditors office to inquire whether the expense reports from these publicly funded candidates indicate that the proper state and federal payroll tax withholdings are taking place. I do not think these people meet the IRS test as independent contractors.

Branam got divorced about a year ago. This whole campaign has the stench of a personal meltdown waiting to happen.

Divorces can be expensive too, so I imagine there is a strong temptation to use the public funds for what are generally non-campaign purposes. For the good of the city, I appreciate the auditor's close look into the Branam campaign.

Also - has any body seen the guy's campaign materials pumped out by Phil Busse? Here's a clip of a recent speech. Never mind the use of generic phrases and the fact that this campaign is clearly an ill-fated attempt to boost his own flailing ego - rather - watch the utterly bizarre face Branam makes at about 45 seconds into the vid. People are already referring to it as the sip that lost an election:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9elXftGgJvs

Also - weird that the guy from No Country for Old Men is a Branam campaign supporter.

Dave, we should elect you as auditor since you are the only guy that has any balls to look into these issues and call it as you see it. We know the auditor's office isn't going to do anything unless someone files a complaint.

Part of the reason the Branam campaign continues to flout the law (turning in their response to the auditor's office late, not turning over any paperwork etc) is that they know neither Gary or Andrew has the cajones to do anything. They basically tell the auditor's office to go f-themselves with their responses.

Meantime VOE goes down the tubes and everyone in Portland laughs at how impotent the auditor's office is.

I don't know who is more underqualified, the Branam campaign staff or the powerless un-dynamic duo known as Gary and Andrew.

I guess if Branam's campaign can get away with what they are doing, more power to 'em.