Former SPS board member Tom Miller will be stepping down as the Chief of Staff for Portland’s Mayor Sam Adams in order to replace the retiring director of the Transportation Bureau. Oregon Live reports that the position oversee 750 employees and has a $250 million annual budget. The picture above is credited to the Wall Street Journal but I found it over at the Portland Mercury where they call him “the mayor’s controversial, skateboarding chief of staff.” I didn’t know Tom was controversial. I mean as far as I know, he doesn’t push mongo or grab stinkbug. Congratulations Tom. I predict that in the not too distant future S&A will have the pleasure of reporting the first skateboarding mayor of a major city. I should be sponsoring him. I missed a golden photo opportunity. Looks like that’s a Scarecrow deck.
– Thanks to Sam for the tip.
10 comments
James Gill
Nothing against Tom personally, but what exactly has he done for skateboarding? I mean lately. There was the SPLAT committee – years ago, responsible for recommending to the PRIOR mayor they approve a skatepark system, but what’s happened since? Seriously: it’s been years; what’s the plan for getting the rest of the parks built? Do Portland skaters have an alternative plan? Because how exactly is the transportation guy going to help find money for the rest of the parks? I don’t see it, and am underwhelmed by this guy’s contributions in the years since SPLAT was dismissed.
kilwag
Are you really going to play the “what have you done for me lately” card?
Step up and fill his shoes. He’s done his part already, do yours.
It’s pretty naive to think he hasn’t done anything to help the cause of Portland skaters since then. Think of the difference it makes in talking to the city about something like B.S.S.S…. Just having someone knowledgeable and sympathetic to our cause in a potential advisory position.
In other words, it’s not Tom’s fault or anyone’s in SPS past or present that there just isn’t any budget. Turn on the news, Oregon’s economy is one of the worst in the nation right now, and the majority of the state’s population is in and around the greater Portland area.
Jim Gray
Super Big Congrats to Tom, a great skate advocate, a great skater, and damn he’s got great taste in Quality Wood…..
sgtskate
obviously he has not helped pass laws against skating,to “prove he’s a team player” which means selling out in and cashing in. he’s not a worn out skank of a politician who loses sight of his beliefs to cash in for his own greed. in fact he has been crucial in getting alot of skater run projects in portland legitimized and approved by the city. I hope we see more of this, skaters need to infiltrate the governing body that herds us and dictates our existence because someone else is doing it anyway. Its not just about skateboarding as true skaters we know that, i support him to make smart changes all over portland and maybe one day else where. I have faith in skaters especially from the older generations, as people. as for the 12 yr old, paint on pants,trend following greco factory replicates that california seems to be mass producing who dont “get” skateboarding and what it really means.. well they’re all image and soon wont even skate. i learned early on, not every person with a skate board is a skateboarder. and thats some releif since alot of the new generation flat out sucks, not because of differences in style or image but because they lack substance and originality and a true fire burning their skate addiction(for the most part)…..I dont know how you got such a big rant out of me, i guess it’s just cause i like miller and what he’s doing but hell i dont even vote…if i still lived in portland or if there was skaters or other reaonable trustworthy people in politics, i would vote. im not holding my breath
Butthurt for BMX
Riding Adam’s coattails is hardly a path toward the Mayor’s office.
lurchpop
he’ll probably make tougher laws against skating to prove he’s a team player.
kaos
scarecrow back in business?? loved that beveled board they made
talentlessquitter
Persuade him to ride Cold War,dammit!
shvitz
Amen!
Grover
Miller sure stays fit. Perhaps he could cut the bus stops in half. This would promote physical fitness and save on gas decrease global warming.