Many Portland voters likely thought, or hoped, that the trials and tribulations of Portland Mayor Sam Adams ended with the release of the Oregon State Attorney General’s report. This report, five months in the making, was issued on June 22. With it came AG John Kroger’s conclusion that there was not sufficient credible evidence to justify criminal prosecution of Mayor Sam Adams.

At last the story ends. Adams issues a final apology, his supporters celebrate. Relieved citizens reunite with goodwill towards all. The City That Works returns to work, and Portland enjoys a warm yet cooler than normal summer. There is dancing in the streets, extending the length of the popular carless-sustainable-nude-bike-riding Cesar Chavez Blvd.

Yeah, no. Not quite folks.

This unfortunate story is far from over. Adams still faces a recall movement. Portland is guaranteed a minimum of 90 more days of summer angst, starting July 8, the first day of signature gathering.

And, to further keep Adam’s heels to the fire, Oregon’s most famous former legislative intern, Beau Breedlove appeared on a Portland TV news program on July 1 proclaiming with ire and irritation that Adams has been lying about details of their relationship from the get-go. Breedlove’s own credibility was challenged in the AG’s report; the next few days will tell if this latest public exercise in verbal nudity will result in further damage to Adam’s standing in the community. Complete details of the recall can be found on page 14 of this issue.

As stated above, Adams & Co. are truly becoming the Never-Ending Story. I now fantasize that soon, very soon, Ashton Kutcher pops up on the steps of City Hall proclaiming joyfully “Portland, you’ve been punked.” We’ll all have a good laugh and then turn on him with sharp objects.

The AG’s report brought a renewed surge of Adams-related questions and comments my way. Mayoral supporters who took the report to mean that the matter was over took to their favored method of communication; anonymous and generally unpleasant blog post comments.

To those who chose more intelligent forms of discourse I thank you. I am learning from you. I do listen. Earlier this week a great conversation with a local gay leader brought forth his theory that it’s natural and normal for the gay community to rally to the defense of Adams. It is, after all, what a community does; protects their own when under attack. That part yes, I can see value and logic in that. But is Adams under unprovoked attack or under intense scrutiny due to his own actions? Should community reaction be the same for both situations?

We have all spent the last five months listening, challenging, arguing and debating Sam Adams. We have cried, organized, fought, lost trust, and by most accounts, grown weary and tired. It’s summer, it’s hot, people want to move on. Sadly, we’re not there yet.

Reiterating five months of arguments for and against Adams is not necessary at this point. There are few people left standing in the undecided column. You know what you feel; you know what you believe.

In light of the AG’s report there are a couple of still unanswered questions that have been asked of me. Most often I have been asked if I regret, recant or apologize for the January call for the resignation of Portland Mayor Sam Adams.

The answer is no.

Will there be any more calls from Just Out for the mayor’s resignation?

The answer is no.

At this point asking for the mayor’s resignation is pointless. Resolution now lies in the hands, the signatures, of Portland voters. 50,000 signatures are needed, not to recall the mayor, but to bring the issue to the ballot

And finally, to those who ask if I will sign the recall petition, I say this. Folks, have we learned nothing these last few months? My answer to this question is simply, “Voting is a personal and private matter; I have no need or obligation to discuss this with you.”

Thanks for asking.

While the Adams situation has caused painful rifts in our community, we have not lost our ability to come together to support friends in need. Such as been the case with activities surrounding the “Find Veronica” movement, the very sad case of a stolen dog.

Veronica is a Miniature Yorkshire Terrier who lives and works with her family at The Funny Bone, in downtown Portland. Owner Gary Hopping sadly describes his missing pet as “an icon to downtown business and merchants.” Veronica was discovered missing on Thursday June 11, about 5 p.m. In the time since, friends, neighbors, shop owners and strangers have come together to search, rally, blog, post fliers and provide support for Veronica’s distraught owners.

Veronica is a small dog lost in a big scary world. She is dependent upon special food and medicine. There is a large reward available for her safe return. Please help find Veronica, and let’s give ourselves something to celebrate.