The legal advice texted to the Council president’s private cell phone about critical city issues raises questions about how well-connected figures quietly maintain power under a young government structure and recent charter changes that were supposed to increase transparency for Portlanders. It also highlights Wimmer’s behind-the-scenes efforts to whip votes and block any of the six progressive officials—colloquially known as “Peacock,” for “progressive caucus”—from the leadership position, despite her claims.