Dozono to file for Portland mayor
Businessman to seek public campaign funds
Capping weeks of growing speculation, Portland businessman Sho Dozono will offically file to run for mayor Monday morning.
According to lobbyist and Dozono advisor Len Bergstein, Dozono will also file the paperwork to qualify for the city's public campaign finance program. Under the rules governing the program, Dozono will have until Jan. 31 to collect 1,500 individual $5 contributions to qualify for $195,000 in public funds for the primary election.
The most prominent candidate to file for mayor so far is Commissioner Sam Adams, who chose not to run for re-election to his City Council seat.
"Sho believes Portlanders want a real choice in the election," said Bergstein. "We wouldn't be surprised if some Adams supporters contribute to the campaign, juat to have a choice."
Dozono is a well-known business and civic leader. He owns the Azumano travel agency and has helped organize a number of public activities, ranging from rallies for the schools to shopping trips to New York afer the 911 terrorist attacks and New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.