Politics & Government
Ted Wheeler: Will He Be Yet Another One-Term Portland Mayor?
As Wheeler walked off-stage Thursday at forum, an Oregonian reporter heard him utter, "I cannot wait for the next 24 months to be up."
PORTLAND, OR β Portland is developing a reputation for one-term mayors. It looks like Ted Wheeler could be the latest.
While he has more than two years left in his term, he's beginning to talk like someone who may not run for reelection.
When Wheeler spoke Thursday morning at the Oregon Health Forum, he was greeted by protester, an increasingly familiar sight for the mayor.
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As he left the stage, Oregonian reporter Molly Harbarger heard him mutter to himself, "I cannot wait for the next 24 months to be up."
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While that's not saying that he does not want to run again, 24 months is roughly how long before the next election for mayor.
Wheeler's office later issued a statement from the mayor attempting to clarify.
"If you know me, you know I mutter quite a bit," Wheeler said. "Not one of my most redeeming qualities. I will make a decision next year with my family if I am running for re-election."
If Wheeler leaves after one term, he'll be the fourth straight mayor to do so.
After Vera Katz left office in 2004 after three straight terms, Tom Potter, Sam Adams, and Charlie Hales all left after one term.
Photo of Ted Wheeler via the mayor's office.
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