Rex for Metro

Episode 3 of “A Ride with Rex” is rolling!

As we re-join Rex, he’s on his way up SW Broadway to PSU, his alma mater, where he talks about the value of education, and the challenges we face with climate change — and the opportunities for job creation and sustainability, if we’re smart. Using his unique background in science, environmental activism, and creating jobs at Metro, he believes “there are some really positive things that we can do that will also be fighting climate change and helping protect our future generations.”

Find out what Rex has in mind in Episode 3 of A Ride with Rex (it’s a little less than 4 minutes long). And to catch up on previous episodes, visit Rex’s Vimeo channel.

What’s it really like to ride with Rex? Find out with just a few mouse clicks in Episode 2 of “A Ride with Rex.”

On his way from the Rose Quarter to the Steel Bridge, Rex talks about what it takes to be a successful Metro President, the ingenuity of the Esplanade project, and what it was like to be one of just 15 bikers traversing Portland’s bridges.

“I feel very much the duty and responsibility to make sure that every penny we spend is spent wisely, and for the things that people care about, and that what we do makes lives better for everybody in the region.”

Take a look, and then help spread the word:

• Embed the video on your blog, website or Facebook page
• Tweet about the latest episode with the hashtag #rexdoc
• Tell Vimeo you like the doc by clicking "Like" on the screen. The more people like it, the more visibility it will get
• Endorse Rex! Now that you know him better, stand with him and endorse him on his site. It’s quick and easy, but it makes a big difference.

By the way, the first episode is here.

I thought I would never see the day, but yesterday, Congress finally took historic and concrete steps toward changing our inefficient and inequitable health care system. There are at least three reasons why I am excited that this long-sought change has finally happened:

• The rising costs of providing decent health care for the employees at Metro, increasing more than 10% per year for several years running, threatens my ability to make sure our citizens are getting the services that they pay for. High health care costs means fewer employees to do the work and less resources for caring for our natural areas, for taking care of animals at the Zoo, for keeping the Oregon Convention Center humming and bringing in money to the region and more.
• On a personal level, my son turned 25 last year and he was dropped by my insurance company. Because he had hurt his back and been treated many years ago, he became one of the statistics as a person with a “pre-existing condition.” He had a heck of a time finding any company that would insure him (he is a temporary employee and gets no insurance from his employer). He finally found a company that would cover him: but only after he pays the first $2500 of any single claim. Essentially, he has no health care coverage, only help if he really gets sick or hurt.
• I know many families that are struggling to make ends meet and having to choose between rent, food and expensive private insurance for health care. You can imagine what they don’t buy. This puts them at risk and all of us, as well. If they get sick or injured, they will have to go to a doctor and if they can’t pay, the rest of us will through higher insurance premiums or taxes.

Of course, the new law isn’t perfect, but at last, we’re taking a resolute step in the right direction.