Move Over David Letterman: Erik Sten is in the House

I know a great comedian when I see one so hats off to Erik Sten who came up with this statement on an old website: Among his general goals in office is to “insist that the city government is an accountable manager of taxpayer dollars.” Now a lesser comedian might try and tag that too soon, but Erik wisely leaves a few blank spaces and just lets the laughter grow.
Erik also turned in a brilliant comedy set during a recent interview with the Portland Mercury. City commissioners are trying to avoid sounding like they’ll give any more money for the Tram. This is where Erik really dropped a gem. He said he’d consider giving more to OHSU for the Tram if they give up some land for Affordable Housing. Now, just today the Oregonian is reporting big problems for Affordable Housing in the South Waterfront district. So Erik knows what a joke this is. Not only is there a 50% shortfall in funding for the South Waterfront, but guess what’s being put off?
That’s right: Affordable Housing. See Erik doesn’t just know how to sell a project; he knows how to sell a line. Affordable Housing is what we call in comedy terms a “callback.” I predict that one day, this could be Erik Sten’s signature bit. It’ll be like Rodney’s “I don’t get no respect.” Erik will just say “Affordable Housing” and everyone will crack up. Then he’ll do a few jokes about the Tram, and go with the big finish: “I insist that the city government is an accountable manager of taxpayer dollars. I don’t request. I don’t suggest. No, I INSIST!” I can hear the howls of laughter already.

District's affordable housing at a crawl