Mayor Wheeler Calls for Investigation into False Claims Against Commissioner Hardesty

Press Release
Published

Mayor Ted Wheeler today called for an independent review into the events surrounding a report to Portland Police of an alleged hit and run incident that falsely named Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty as a potential suspect.

“What happened to Commissioner Hardesty is wrong and unacceptable,” Mayor Wheeler said. “It’s a reflection of broader systemic racism and it must be addressed. We need to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible. No one should be subjected to false accusations publicly.”

The Mayor reached out to Commissioner Hardesty during the evening of March 4th. He also is working with the City Attorney and Police Chief Charles Lovell and Commissioner Hardesty to create a thorough, independent review of the facts and actions surrounding the incident. The Mayor asked the chief to expedite collection of all relevant information and to ensure that every record related to the incident is preserved pending the completion of an independent review.

“We need to meet our toughest critics’ every test with a comprehensive, detailed and independent review,” Mayor Wheeler said. “I deeply regret what Commissioner Hardesty experienced and I’m determined to find out what happened and to prevent it from happening again.”

The Mayor will announce specifics about the independent review after additional collaboration with Commissioner Hardesty, the Police Bureau and the City Attorney.

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