PORTLAND — The new mayor of Vancouver says he's very interested in talking about a possible move of the Triple-A Portland Beavers across the Columbia River to Vancouver.

Newly elected Tim Leavitt said Tuesday he would like to speak with Beavers' owner Merritt Paulson and that the topic is "worthy of a conversation in our community."

The Oregonian reports that Paulson declined to comment specifically on Vancouver but that he's committed to finding a home for the Beavers.

The Beavers have been looking for a new home since PGE Park was picked to become the exclusive home of the Portland Timbers when they begin play in Major League Soccer in 2011. Previous plans called for a new stadium in Portland and when those fell apart, Paulson spoke with Beaverton officials before breaking off talks.