The Rev. Jesse Jackson Is Welcome In Portland
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Today the city of Portland will receive a visit from The Rev. Jesse Jackson, the veteran civil rights leader. Rev. Jackson will be in town to help shine a national spot light on a crisis within the Portland Police Bureau that has resulted in unnecessary deaths and injuries that have been brought about by a lack of training and a lack of leadership and oversight by the mayor and city council.
As a Portland minister in the United Church of Christ who helped to preside over the memorial of James Chasse, I welcome Rev. Jackson’s visit. I had the honor of serving with Rev. Jackson as part of the Clergy Leadership Network in 2004 and know that his visit to Portland will further raise awareness regarding these difficult issues.
As I have said before, Commissioner Saltzman and Chief Sizer have proven ineffectual in their leadership roles (and I say that with sadness, as I have personally previously supported Commissioner Saltzman in his election efforts and publicly praised Rosie Sizer’s elevation to chief).
Mayor Adams should step up to the plate and show some actual leadership by assuming the duties of police commissioner and reforming the bureau.
That reform is needed now.
As a Portland minister in the United Church of Christ who helped to preside over the memorial of James Chasse, I welcome Rev. Jackson’s visit. I had the honor of serving with Rev. Jackson as part of the Clergy Leadership Network in 2004 and know that his visit to Portland will further raise awareness regarding these difficult issues.
As I have said before, Commissioner Saltzman and Chief Sizer have proven ineffectual in their leadership roles (and I say that with sadness, as I have personally previously supported Commissioner Saltzman in his election efforts and publicly praised Rosie Sizer’s elevation to chief).
Mayor Adams should step up to the plate and show some actual leadership by assuming the duties of police commissioner and reforming the bureau.
That reform is needed now.
UPDATE: I spoke on the phone with Rev. Jackson this afternoon and it is clear that he understands the issues involved and is looking forward to meeting with Mayor Adams before his press conference and rally later this evening.