So new Portland Mayor Keith Wilson takes three new Portland City Councilors out for dinner and chooses chain restaurant The Olive Garden at Mall 205? ("'Real Ted Lasso vibes': Inside Portland Mayor Keith Wilson's first days at City Hall," Feb. 16). Portland is nationally known for its diverse and thrilling restaurant and bar options. Heck, it's one of the reasons I live here, bought a house here and pay taxes here.

Local restaurants pour their heart and soul into our city, not to mention their permit fees and taxes. They have endured shutdowns, break-ins, slumping tourism and rising costs and are still a key driver of our city. Wilson wants city workers to return downtown, but doesn't even support a downtown restaurant when he has the chance? "Buy Local" should start with our local government. I hope he makes a more mindful choice next time, because this is a worrying start.