Mayor Wheeler Says Goodbye To Longtime Aide, Tom Rinehart Forced Out

PORTLAND, OR —"We are prepared to build on everything that Tom Rinehart and his team have accomplished to make the City of Portland more effective, more efficient and more equitable."

Mayor Ted Wheeler used those words to describe what happens next or Portland now that sources say he forced his long-time aide, Tom Rinehart, out of his job at city hall

Rinehart, who is widely regarded in city and state circles, has worked for Wheeler since he was hired to be chief of staff for Wheeler in 2008. Wheeler was Multnomah County chair at the time.

When Wheeler was elected state treasurer in 2016, Rinehart went to Salem with him. And he became Wheeler's chief of staff when he was elected mayor. In 2017, Wheeler made him the city's chief administrative officer where he oversaw more than 700 employees and city budget approaching $600 million.

While the mayor's office has offered up a litany of Rinehart's accomplishments, it does not offer a reason for why he is leaving at the end of May other than stating that "a leadership transition is underway for the city of Portland."

Rinehart's departure is just the latest in a line of people who found the exit door at city hall Wheeler has lost two communications directors, a chief of staff, a deputy chief of staff, two public safety directors, and more.

The mayor's office said that Rinehart will receive a full year's pay as severance. He was making more than $200,000 each year.

Rinehart, who did not return calls, said said in a statement that "I am very proud of what my team and I have accomplished over the past five years.

“We laid a strong foundation for modernizing local government, meeting our community’s needs and serving Portland’s elected leaders.”

Wheeler said that he will name a replacement before Rinehart leaves next month.