‘Whoops’ Greet Portland’s Maverick New Mayor

Bud Clark, the tavern owner known for his “Whoop! Whoop!” campaign cry and his “Expose Yourself to Art” poster, was sworn in as Portland mayor Wednesday and succeeded in making even the oath of office funny.

Clark, who garnered more than 50% of the vote in a primary election in May, has never before held political office. He succeeds the more conservative outgoing Mayor Frank Ivancie.

Informality was the rule of the day, with Clark riding to the swearing-in on his bicycle.

Clark was greeted by “Whoop! Whoop!” cries from the audience immediately after his swearing-in, and he quickly answered with a “Whoop! Whoop!” of his own.

He looked extremely solemn when he stepped up to take the oath of office, but his bearded countenance did not stay serious for long.

When he got to the part about being not directly or indirectly “pecuniarily interested in any public service corporation engaged in business in the city of Portland” he cracked a smile, which elicited a big laugh from the crowd.

Popular With Voters

Clark has constantly said he thinks government should be fun. It may have been this part of his platform as much as any other that made him popular to voters.

His “Expose Yourself to Art” poster, featuring Clark holding open his raincoat, supposedly exposing himself to a nude statue in downtown Portland, was famous even before Clark began his campaign.

After he took the oath, Clark took a small camera out of his pocket and began taking pictures of the audience, much to its delight.

His speech may have been the shortest on record for an incoming mayor. Clark said it is “an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Portland.” Then he added: “I’m all aflutter this morning, and I just want to thank you again.”

Incumbent City Commissioner Mike Lindberg, who was sworn in for another term, said: “As you can see from Mayor Clark’s remarks--this is going to be fun.”