Although it's not supposed to be revealed until a press conference on Monday, an unofficial report from a source close to Portland Mayor Tom Potter is that he's decided to retire at the end of his current term, on Dec. 31, 2008. According to the source, this was a really tough decision for the mayor, who wants to see his "visioning" process molded into reality, but he has concluded that at his age, there are more important and enjoyable pursuits in life than government service.

"Tom's got a lot he wants to do while he's still fit and able to do it," the aide confided. "Just to give you an example: He recently got a call from some longtime friends who need help reconstituting their family business -- one of the family members died -- and the mayor's always looking to help out in situations like that." The 67-year-old Potter also reportedly plans a great deal of international travel as an unofficial ambassador for Portland.