Oregonian columnist, councilor square off over Moda funding

Zoom in: It started Sunday with a column from Bill Oram accusing local politicians of "signing the Blazers' death certificate" for arguing against using city money for Moda upgrades.

• "This is what happens when a generation raised on Aaron Sorkin dialogue and majestic cello crescendos is handed actual power," Oram wrote, singling out City Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Angelita Morillo.

The other side: Morillo hit back on social media, saying Oram's column amounted to "licking the bottom of Tom Dundon's boot," referring to the Blazers' new owner, while she loses sleep over cuts to city staff and services "because we always find money for the rich and never for the poor."

Yes, but: Oram led off a follow-up column on Monday saying Morillo seemed to be living in a "timeline where extreme naïveté and reckless grandstanding are precious currency."

• Morillo said Oram was doing more than just licking the boot, but giving it a "sloppy toppy."

The bottom line: Between the barbs, both Oram and Morillo made substantive arguments about city funding priorities during a budget shortfall, Portland's dismal pro sports business climate, and how those things intersect.

• Which side wins the day will be decided over the coming months.