Voters reject a change in city government

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Voters overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to create a strong mayor form of government in Portland.

Portland has four commissioners who carry almost as much power as the mayor, with each running at least one city bureau. More than 70 percent of city voters went against a plan that would take power away from commissioners and give it to the next elected mayor.

Mayor Tom Potter ran for office in 2004 promising to streamline city government. He said Tuesday night that he would no longer try to centralize executive authority.

"I've done what I said I would do," Potter told supporters. "The voters have spoken very clearly, and I'm going to live with it."

Portland is the largest city in the U.S. that still uses the commission form of government.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)