Rex for Metro

When I ran for re-election to the Metro Council, I laid out specific areas where I wanted to make a difference: land use, economy, housing, transportation and protecting nature. I’ve been keeping tabs, and I’m happy to report I’ve made real progress in each, as you’ll see below.

Of course, none of it could have happened without the support of other Metro Councilors, local organizations, and you. It’s a testament to the power of working together, and an indication of how much we might yet accomplish.

That’s why I’m running for President of the Metro Council, and why I’m again turning to you for support. As our past successes prove, we can forge pragmatic, common sense solutions to the challenges we face, but only if we set aside what keeps us apart and focus on what binds us together. Yes, there are times when the line must be drawn, and I think you know I’ve drawn it. But more often than not, it’s collaboration, not confrontation, that gets tangible results, and it’s the core principle that’s helped me successfully champion new programs and strengthen existing ones.Let me give you a few examples:

• Climate change is a daunting challenge. During my tenure at Metro, we reduced greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels. What worked? Building MAX, bike lanes, and sidewalks, and improving bus service. Smart zoning and a strong urban growth boundary encouraged mixed use, re-investing in our main streets and planting over 2 million trees. We still have a long way to go – that’s why I’m spearheading economic development strategies that create jobs and sustainable business practices.
• Meeting these challenges will require that our children understand environmental issues with a solid grounding in science. That’s why I worked to fund outdoor school for every 6th grade student in the region. Thanks to my fellow Metro Councilors, shuttered outdoor school programs opened their doors again, and threatened programs were saved.
• Transportation is both a huge source of carbon and a huge expense for families, second only to housing. Clearly, more and better choices are needed. As one of the founders and an executive director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, I helped overcome skepticism and short-term thinking so that today, tens of thousands of Portland area residents save money and keep fit by biking to work. And we are poised to do more. As part of our Active Transportation Strategy, we’re seeking millions in stimulus funds to build out bicycling and walking paths around the region. And in addition to putting the finishing touches on the MAX Green Line, we’re jump starting the next streetcar and MAX Yellow Line to Milwaukie, giving even more metro residents cleaner, greener options for travel.

I couldn’t be more proud of the role I’ve played in fostering these and other important changes. I’ve worked hard, always tried to take a thoughtful approach to the issues, and kept my focus on a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous region.Thanks for reading, and let me know what you think.