A D V E R T I S E M E N T
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
Carole Archer / The Outlook
Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso, left, and Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer, right, put Portland Commissioner Randy Leonard in a bind during Gresham's Teddy Bear Parade on Saturday, Sept. 29.
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Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, above center, may have gotten a little more than he bargained for at the 25th annual Teddy Bear Parade.
The commissioner provoked the ire of local residents early this summer when he was quoted as saying that people from Gresham and Vancouver should be barred from using duct tape to cordon off spots at Portland’s Rose Festival parade.
Gresham Mayor Shane T. Bemis then wrote a letter to Leonard, saying, “In the spirit of fun, I’ve got to say that your words bordered on grumpy.”
Bemis then invited Leonard to attend the Teddy Bear Parade on Sept. 29, offering him a ride in the parade or, he wrote, “we would be happy to tape off a special spot for you.”
Leonard got to ride in a Gresham fire truck at Saturday’s parade, and when the truck came to an abrupt halt in front of the emcee’s table, everyone knew something was up.
Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer, above right, and Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso, left, bound and gagged Leonard with tape and led him down the street to have a little chat with Bemis.
The Gresham mayor read a lengthy proclamation declaring Sept. 29 “Randy Leonard Day” in Gresham, saying, “Thanks for being a good sport. I know you knew what was coming.”
When Leonard was given the microphone and asked if he had anything to say, he quipped, “I think I’ve said enough. I’m not a religious man, but I got on my knees last night and said, ‘God, this isn’t a big one. Please let it rain tomorrow.’ I guess God is on your side.”
At left, Peyton LeCornu, 4, of Gresham, and her teddy bear, “Gabby,” watch the parade go by. For more parade photos, see Page 15A.
The Gresham Teddy Bear Parade was a good turnout. The only thing lacking was NOISE! The spectators need to clap or cheer or yell or at least wave at the little kids and adults who are participating. Also it would be great to have more NOISE coming from the participants of the parade...like bands, boom boxes,just more NOISE!!! Randy Leonard gets a thumbs up for his participation and sense of humor.
(email verified)
Wed, Oct 03, 2007 at 03:00 PM
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Re: Teasing and tots at the Teddy Bear Parade
Wow, Portland Metro leadership, we should all be proud.
"This guy"
(email verified)
Wed, Oct 03, 2007 at 06:33 AM