PORTLAND, OR - Mayoral candidate Sho Dozono issued the following statement regarding his endorsement by the Multnomah County Republican Party.

“Although a life-long Democrat, I am pleased to receive the endorsement from the Multnomah County Republican Party for Mayor of Portland.  As they state, Sho is respected around the State. He creates jobs, met payrolls, saved schoolteacher jobs, and brought industry to Oregon. He has a sound plan for our future economy, a sensible attitude toward spending, a rational concern for the housing of working people in Portland and an understanding of the role of schools in Portland’s prosperity,” stated Dozono.

“Sam Adams has been severely vocal regarding my endorsement by the Republican Party and is proud of the fact that he refused their request for an interview,” continues Dozono. “This is yet another example of Sam’s narrow focus and inability to tolerate opinions different from his own.  I ask, how can this city come together to create a better future without tolerance of all our citizens?” 

“My opponent states that this endorsement displays a clear contrast between us.  He may be right, but not for the reasons he cites. As a successful civic and business leader I prefer to look for common ground and shared beliefs in all citizens, then build from those. I am willing to work with everyone for the betterment of Portland and the region.  Based on Sam Adam’s actions and comments, he obviously is not,” Says Dozono.

“Sam Adams also implies that due to this endorsement I am opposed to civil liberties.  Civil rights are a basic, unassailable part of our society. We are all entitled to them, whether we are a newly arrived immigrant or a third-generation immigrant running for mayor of the city.”  Sho adds, “As mayor, I will continue to vigorously defend equal freedoms and promote civic engagement and involvement among everyone.  I will enforce the idea that discrimination in any form has no place here or anywhere.”

“My unequivocal commitment to the civil liberties of all has been well documented,” states Dozono.

• Metropolitan Human Relations Commission: 1979-1989
• Task Force on Equality appointed by Governor Kulongski: 2006   - This landmark report laid the groundwork for the historic Senate Bill 2 “The    Oregon Equality Act” and House Bill 2007 “The Oregon Family Fairness Act” both were signed into law May 2007.
• Spirit Mountain Community Fund: Trustee 1997-present
• United Way of Columbia-Willamette: Board member, 2001, Board Chair 2006, United Way Campaign Chair, 2004
• Multnomah County Task Force on Aging: August 2007 - present
• Co-chair of Basic Rights Oregon’s annual business lunch, 2006 (member and sponsor since the 1990’s)
• Co-Chair Equity Foundation’s Annual Investment in Dignity Fundraiser:  2008

Recognition:

• Distinguished Service Award, Metropolitan Human Relation Commission in 1989
• Community Service Award, Oregon Minority Enterprise Development, 1993
• Honored by Basic Rights Oregon for his leadership in ending workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in 2005 
• Angel Award in recognition of “outstanding volunteer service,” Cascade AIDS Project in 2005
• Torchbearer Award in recognition of “profound commitment to building a strong and diverse Oregon”, Equity Foundation in 2006
• Spirit Mountain Community Fund Award in recognition of his “generosity and commitment to the continued growth of The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Spirit Mountain Community Fund,” in 2007

NOTE:  Basic Rights Oregon Equality Pack Green Light’s Sho Dozono for Mayor, 2008