From SoWhat to Bagdad, they've got it covered
Portland's architects don't like people who call them out on the way they're ruining Portland, and stealing from its taxpayers. So it's no big surprise that they don't like me, and the feeling's pretty much mutual.
Here's an interesting blog post by Amanda Fritz about the latest shenanigans with Planning Commission appointments. What shinola -- it's got that Sam the Tram smell all over it. Goldschmidt Network galore. Anyway, the post reveals that the vice president of the commission works at one of our area's fine architectural firms. They've done so well in Portland, and -- I am not making this up -- they haven't been shy about turning a quick buck in Iraq, either. My kind of people. Build those condo towers, boys -- make us a world-class city. And enjoy your time in hell with George Bush.
| Posted at 9:22 PM | Permalink |
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Comments (10)
Sam didn't have anything to do with the Planning Commission nomination - Mayor Potter is in charge of the Bureau of Planning and selection of Planning Commissioners. Most confirmation votes are a formality passed without debate, so it was good of Randy Leonard to ask many questions on this one - and of Sam to ask some, too.
Posted by Amanda Fritz | June 14, 2007 10:12 PM
I'm sure Sam is just appalled to have development interests over-represented on the commission.
Posted by Jack Bog | June 14, 2007 10:30 PM
Can we get rid of the planning commission right along with the PDC?
Thanks
JK
Posted by jim karlock | June 14, 2007 10:33 PM
Condo's in Bagdad? Thank god the troops can now come home!
Posted by dman | June 14, 2007 11:41 PM
Sure, the sequestration of sovereign resources and properties through conquest and occupation is illegal and immoral. But what a yard sale! "The key message on Iraq since we got here," said Paul Bremer, "is Iraq is now open to free trade."
That's good news for go-getters and self-starters! And since I anticipate competition from Maya Lin, I have already developed several proposals in anticipation of the Otak, Inc. Iraq War Memorial Courtyard Design Competition.
Posted by telecom | June 14, 2007 11:56 PM
Amanda's post exhibits a problem that our regional government boards and commissions have occuring too often. With the CoP Planning Commission's explicite definition of correct commission's makeup, it is sad that it isn't being followed and liberal interpretations are being made.
We have many examples of the lack of across-the-board, neighborhood, average joe, average taxpaying members on boards/commissions/committees. This point has been made several times concerning urban renewal advisory committees, and other committees PDC or CoP formulates. They are mostly "stakeholders"' then they vote on issues that directly put money into their pockets; and many times without declaration of conflict-of-interest.
I hope Leonard pursues the issue beyond just asking the questions. For many of the average Joes, this is a form of corruption.
Posted by Jerry | June 15, 2007 12:31 AM
Jack:
Maybe we could get Otak to focus more of there efforts in Iraq (where one could argue that type of work needs to be done)and do less for Portland.
Posted by Lc Scott | June 15, 2007 3:59 AM
What's the working definition of developer here? Otak does not buy property, sell property, or invest in property to turn its profits. They provide design services. Sorry to focus on the details, but it's not an insignificant distinction.
Posted by DE | June 15, 2007 7:16 AM
If you don't already no it, the main principal of Otak, Nawzad Othman is from Iraq. Also, Otak opened two offices in Iraq in 2004.
Posted by Richard S/ | June 15, 2007 8:26 AM
I believe Otak has been partners in limited positions and otherwise on development projects.
Posted by Lee | June 15, 2007 6:45 PM