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It is appropriate that the cover of the Oct. 30
is yellow, because Nigel Jaquiss' story "Sho Dozono's Rules" is a prime example of yellow journalism. If Mr. Dozono leads a life by a separate set of "rules" than the rest of us, it is not because, as the article would imply, he or his firm received special favors (these are state or city policy issues) or that he has broken the law. If Mr. Dozono leads his life by a separate set of rules, it is because he actually does what many people only talk about doing: He leads by example when it comes to civic duty.
Your paper and Mr. Jaquiss' article confirm why many people decide against pursuing a life in the public: It is simply not worth the risk of losing one's credibility based on innuendo and smear tactics. You should find someone more worthy of your wrath because, frankly, Portland and Oregon should have more people like the publicly minded Mr. Dozono.
Patrick Clark
Southwest 57th Avenue
Nigel Jaquiss responds: The story was built on documented facts, not innuendo. Sho Dozono's companies benefit from government contracts not available to others. But more importantly, records show that Dozono took loans of more than $1.25 million from a young child's trust fund without permission and without providing collateral. Dozono acknowledged that taking the loans was wrong.
BEST IN SHO
False praise and adulation of those above is often a quality and action that we all engage in. The media is certainly guilty of this more times than not. However, the flip side, to skewer a good man in such a tactless manner ["Sho Dozono's Rules," WW, Oct. 30, 2002], is both disappointing and irresponsible. Muckraking journalism has its place, but what Nigel Jaquiss wrote was a hack job reeking of the sensationalism most often found in the rags that border your local checkout stand.
The single legitimate issue raised as evidence of Sho's fault of character (his failures as a trustee), while disappointing, showed me the goodness and honesty of the man rather than the manipulative image that Mr. Jaquiss presents. Not only was Sho willing to extend to the author eight hours of his time to discuss a painful topic, but most importantly, he owned up to his actions and has consistently paid back or agreed to pay back all monies borrowed. In an era where corporate greed runs rampant and we are forced to sort through the daily litany of those who have lied to employees and the public with a straight face, this is the best you can do? Come on!
At the end of the day, I see a man who is human, and I commend him for his desire to help Portland and its people above all else. I wish that WW and Mr. Jaquiss would be so inclined.
P.S.: Take a look at the "Winners & Losers" column in the very same issue. PDX getting a non-stop from Frankfurt has Sho's efforts for the city written all over it. Funny that WW fails to connect the dots yet again.
Tyee Harpster
Northwest 21st Avenue
Editor's Note: With all due respect, the dots were connected. This sentence appeared on page 24 of the cover story in question: "As much as anyone, Dozono, who co-chaired a committee charged with returning international air service to Portland, was responsible for last week's announcement that Lufthansa will commence service between here and Germany in March."
WWeek 2015