Yes, we do have a mayor. But he is ineffectual, as has been demonstrated all too well for the past two months. We are stalled, in the midst of fiscal crisis on one hand and opportunity to make use of new political leadership at the level of the city, county, and nation on the other hand. Everyone I've talked to wants Adams out, but people are queasy about not knowing who might be next. So thanks for starting this discussion.

My deep hope is that Bragdon would run. He's a true public servant, and he brings people together well. His term at Metro is winding down, and it would be great to see him expand on what he's achieved there to take on the broader charge (though narrower geographic area) of mayor.

He's also got the clearest shot of the list. Leonard says he doesn't want it. Cogen is desperately needed at the County (he'd have to resign even to run for mayor). Francesconi couldn't win even when he had a million dollars in the war chest. Hales left public service for the private sector, which is certainly a fair thing to do, but makes him less electable than someone voters have kept in office through the present.

The question is, can we get Adams to stop dithering away the entire city's future on his disillusioned belief that his career can rebound? And once we do, can we get Bragdon to run?