Oregon Public Broadcasting

A week after Mayor Sam Adams admitted he lied about a sexual relationship with an 18 year-old, Portland’s top official says he’s returning to work. Rob Manning reports. 

Sam Adams canceled what would have been his first public appearance Sunday, since withstanding a barrage of questions last Tuesday.

Instead, in a statement, Adams promises to work harder than ever before to restore the confidence of Portlanders. The statement again acknowledges “mistakes.”

The decision to return defies calls from police union leaders, and editorial boards for Adams to resign.

In 2007, Adams said that he and Beau Breedlove – who is now in his early 20’s – had a platonic, not a sexual, relationship.

After a reporter with Willamette Week, confronted Adams earlier this month with evidence that the then-city commissioner had slept with Breedlove – and then covered it up – Adams admitted he lied. But Adams said that he didn’t have sex with with Breedlove until he was 18.

Breedlove told The Oregonian newspaper Adams kissed him twice before he turned 18, but that they did not have sex until two weeks after his birthday.

Oregon Attorney General, John Kroger has begun an investigation. Some of Adams’ opponents may still attempt to recall the mayor at the ballot box.

But Adams says he’s going to continue to push for a $500 million local spending package, to stimulate the Portland economy.