Rex for Metro

The primary is getting close (May 18th), so it’s time for Rex to put down the kick-stand and get on over to Metro! Today, for your viewing pleasure, the series finale of “A Ride with Rex.”

In Episode 6, Rex stops by the site of the former Northeast Community School, an innovative school he and his wife Lydia helped get off the ground. “Kids are really important, and they’re going to be here long after we’re gone. And that’s what Metro talks about: planning for that 50 year future.”

Then, in the Final Episode, he winds up his ride on Mississippi Avenue, where Lydia and a group of fellow teachers helped organize the first Mississippi Street Fair. Over a cup of coffee, he talks with pride about helping connect people with programs and ideas to make things happen, and the value of dialogue and differing ideas about where we need to go. “One of the key things I’ve learned from being 53 years old is the fact that I don’t know everything, and some people can really teach you a lot if you just open your ears.”

So treat your ears and eyes to the series finale of “A Ride with Rex,” and then consider opening your pocketbook to help Rex these critical last couple of weeks before the primary May 18th.

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.

As a former high school science teacher, Rex has always been a strong advocate of children’s programs. In the early 90’s, Rex helped organize a large grassroots movement to save public school funding, including a rally that brought thousands of concerned citizens to Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. Then in 1995, Rex and his partner, Lydia, rolled up their sleeves to build The Northeast Community School, a public-private magnet school focusing on urban issues and community service. He also volunteered in his children’s schools weekly for 20 years.

Today we are proud to announce the Portland Association of Teachers has endorsed Rex’s campaign for Metro President!

Look at what Rebecca Levison, President of the Portland Association of Teachers, has to say about Rex:

This race is important for both children and teachers in our region, and it is clear that Rex Burkholder is the best candidate for Metro President. When funding became scarce, Rex worked tirelessly to save Outdoor School so that more than 18,000 children could benefit from this wonderful program.

As our region grows, we need to ensure the health and safety of our neighborhoods. Everyone wants to live in a community where their children can bike and walk safely, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn about the world around us.

We’re so happy that teachers have joined the campaign!