Hales Halts PBOT Job Rumored for Amy Ruiz

Sam Adams' former chief of staff goes to Basic Rights Oregon

Amy Ruiz
By AARON MESH

Mayor Charlie Hales has told the Portland Bureau of Transportation not to fill a public affairs manager position that was reportedly set to go to ex-Mayor Sam Adams aide Amy Ruiz.

The Oregonian reported in November that PBOT director Tom Miller was looking to fill the position—essentially a deputy director of the bureau—and that he had set his sights on Ruiz, a former Portland Mercury reporter turned Adams staffer.

But Hales, who took office Wednesday, demanded the resignation of the controversial Miller, who turned in his letter of resignation hours after the new mayor's swearing-in.

Now WW has learned that Hales has also told PBOT officials not to fill the public affairs job.

"Until such time as a [new] director is appointed, there's no point in pursuing the assistant," says Hales spokesman Dana Haynes. "It's the not the same as saying, 'We hereby forbid.' It's a recommendation."

Oregonian reporter Beth Slovic broke news on Twitter this afternoon that Ruiz has taken a communications job at gay-rights group Basic Rights Oregon.

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.