Climate Action.
The science is settled: We are living in a climate crisis of our own making. And while there may not be much a single city councilor can do to fight global climate change, a city like Portland should come together to stop wasting time and start making haste. If we can’t do it here, what hope do we have that the rest of the country will get on board?
It requires political will and a lot of work on the part of our elected officials. Elect me and I will champion climate action at city hall, in particular:
Implement a Climate Action test for all city policy, not only some. According to the most recent report, only 2 of our 47 priorities have made progress. Adding clearer objectives is part of improving the success of the workplan.
Increase and protect the Portland Clean Energy Fund. Using these funds for costs not approved by the voters is unacceptable. We need to work with PCEF to ensure they have the staffing they need, and we must protect these funds and ensure they are focused on what Portlanders voted for.
Decarbonize and Electrify all city government departments and functions. Start with transportation and current infrastructure, and ensure decarbonization and electrification are required in all future development.
Clean up the Willamette River. It’s currently so polluted that the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is proposing to regulate it under the Clean Water Act.
Tank the Tanks and revise the contract with Zenith Energy, which happened behind closed doors. Although Linnton is part of District 4, I believe it is every councilor’s duty to engage on this issue which poses an existential threat to all of Portland.
Restore the contract with Friends of Trees.
Subsidize sustainable farming, pollinators, and tree planting.
