Keith Wilson, the newly elected mayor of Portland, chooses the chain restaurant The Olive Garden in Mall 205 for dinner with three newly elected Portland City Councilors. (Inside Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s first days at City Hall, Feb. 16; real Ted Lasso vibes). Portland is well-known around the country for its exciting and varied dining options. Heck, it’s one of the reasons I pay taxes here, live here, and purchased a home here.
In addition to their taxes and permission fees, local eateries give their all to our community. They continue to be a vital part of our community despite closures, burglaries, declining tourism, and growing expenses. Wilson wants city employees to go back to work downtown, yet he doesn’t even back a restaurant there when he can? Our local government should be the first to promote “buy local.” This is a concerning beginning, so I hope he makes a more thoughtful decision the next time.
Portland’s Kyla Sweet
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