The Portland City Council defended going double or nothing on a $2 million settlement package, claiming it was “fiscally responsible.”

The proposed settlement package was to settle a 2023 lawsuit by the descendants of black residents who were displaced by urban renewal and the construction of a freeway.

“Look, we had a 50-50 chance of not having to pay anything, but they took heads and won,” Councilor Loretta Smith said. “So then we were on the hook for $4 million. So, we figured, what the hell, let’s go for double or nothing again. They called heads and danged if it didn’t land their way again.”

After pointing out that the council has been wrestling with the city’s large budget shortfall, Smith was asked where the money would come from?

“The police,” of course, Smith said. “The staff we just added to each councilor and the funding for homeless services is untouchable, so it’s either parks or the police and that’s a no-brainer.”

At publishing time the police union was requesting a chance to go double or nothing on their budget cuts.