A former Portland City Council candidate accused of misusing public funds has blamed the local media for her inability to repay the city.

KGW photo

Former city council candidate Emilie Boyles.

On her Web site, Emilie Boyles posted a notice to the media, in which she writes, “I am once again a private citizen and conducting the business of For the Good of Portland as a private citizen. I will not respond to questions regarding this springs elections. However, in response to the recurring interest, here is a statement which may be used ONLY if it is quoted and/or reprinted in its entirety:

I am a person in poverty with a disability. Until now, I have managed to support myself and my family. Thanks to the methods of yellow journalism employed in this city (which have even been recently referenced by our Mayor ) I am now also unemployable. I want to thank the efforts of good Christians in this city who have assisted me in being housed and fed through this tumultous time of termoil. The body of Christ at large, whether Methodist or Baptist or Assembly of God is truly a gift that all citizens should explore.

The issue has never been will I repay the citizens of Portland....the issue has been how damaging the work of the local media has been to allow continued income to be able to pay the City back. Should the City choose to continue leaking information and keeping this issue in the press it will only defeat their purpose. Eventually it will result in the citizens of Portland paying for my upkeep through the homeless shelter system adding to the burden of the citizens rather than allowing this issue to be resolved."

This is not the first time Boyles has blamed someone else for her problems. She previously blamed the campaign system, saying the regulations weren't specific. She has also said her poor finances and epilepsy complicated her ability to follow rules.