Businesses leaving progressive, dangerous Portland

Portland, Oregon -- Columbia Sportswear is considering closing its downtown office in the Democratic-led town after multiple encounters of the homeless person kind have threatened their employees and caused other problems.

There have been car break-ins, human feces deposited by the doorsteps of the business, direct threats to employees and garbage strewn about.

The Oregonian had an op-ed piece this month in which Tim Boyle, Columbia Sportswear President and CEO, voiced his concerns over these conditions and questioned whether he made a mistake opening a headquarters for the company's Sorel footwear brand downtown. He called the situation "outrageous and unacceptable."

"In fact, I am so concerned about the safety of our employees at the Sorel headquarters that we are taking the next 90 days to re-evaluate our location decision," Boyle wrote.


After moving 50 employees downtown, they immediately reported being threatened and harassed by homeless people near the new location. 

Boyle wrote, "A few days ago, one of our employees had to run into traffic when a stranger outside our office followed her and threatened to kill her. On other occasions our employees have arrived at work only to be menaced by individuals camping in the doorway."

There have also been so many employee car break-ins, the company began to refer to parking downtown as its "laptop donor program."

What a yuk!

"Given these experiences, it is a relief when the only thing we are dealing with is the garbage and human waste by our front door. Think about that for a minute," Boyle wrote.

Other businesses, such as Judith Arnell Jewelers, has decided to close up shop after concerns of panhandling and safety of Arnell's employees and clients became too much.

"It's very difficult to do business here right now. Our customers are afraid to come in," Ms. Arnell said. She had been in business there for over 20 years, but the large decrease in sales due to the homeless population has sent her packing.

Anne Bocci, a boutique owner in the Pearl District was threatened by a man when she confronted him as he stole clothing from an outside rack.

"Everybody saw it and everybody called the police," she told Fox12. But she said the man came back later and threatened her life once more.

Boyle met with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, a progressive Democrat, with whom Boyle is a "big fan." 

A representative of Wheeler's office said the mayor is "dedicated to improving public safety," as attested to by the huge rise in homelessness and lack of public safety.

I suspect he condemns the current problem in the strongest possible terms.

"As we prepare for the holiday shopping season, the Mayor is dedicated to improving public safety in the downtown business district," the statement read. "People from around the region and beyond come Downtown for a great retail, culinary and cultural experience [if they can get past the odor emanating from the human excrement dumped liberally in doorways]. We are working with our partners in the business community to provide visitors a great experience this holiday season."

So consumers, don't shop online or cook at home . . .  come on down! It's worth the risk.

And don't forget--vote Democrat and never show 'em you're scared.



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