Adams' Admission Reaction: Firefighters' Union Boss Criticizes Mayor, but Union Will Not Take Action

The head of the politically powerful Portland Firefighters Association says for now, his union won't call for Mayor Sam Adams to resign. But the union boss says he has doubts whether Adams can lead the city effectively after Adams admitted he lied to the public.

"We're very disappointed," says Ken Burns, president of Local 43 of the PFFA. "He's a leader of the city. I think it will affect his ability to provide leadership."

Burns stopped short of calling on Adams to resign. He said union leaders agreed this morning to await the outcome of Attorney General John Kroger's criminal investigation before the union decides whether to bring the issue before their executive board.

"If a crime's been committed, that would definitely be a reason for a resignation," Burns says. "I'd like to think we're all held accountable. For a firefighter, even off-duty conduct can have a negative impact on employment status."