Rex for Metro

One of the most important races on the ballot this year is the one for Metro Council President.  Metro is the regional government that plays a key role in determining land use issues, managing growth and maintaining open spaces.  We often see Metro candidates who are pushing an anti-land use, growth-at-all-costs agenda.   For once, we have three top-notch candidates for Metro President and can choose the best one, rather than a lesser of evils.

My vote is going to go to Rex Burkholder . Rex has been my Metro Councilor and I’ve been impressed with his ability to create an agenda, gather support and get that agenda through. And he knows that issues don’t just affect his North and Northeast Portland district.  Metro stretches across the entire region of Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas counties. That’s a diverse area with wildly different perspectives and interests.  When Rex was elected to Metro in 2000, frankly the agency was not well-respected.  But that’s changed and Rex has been at the forefront of that change, supporting current Metro President David Bragdon.  I believe Rex is the candidate that can ensure that Metro truly represents the entire region by crafting strong policy that has a broad-base of support.

Another key issue that has impressed me in listening to Rex is his knowledge of the details, whether about policy or running the agency.  Rex not only has a vision of sound land use policy, he has the nuts-and-bolts knowledge to implement the policy in a way that makes sense.  Rex will be able to hit the ground running to actually administer the agency, protect its workers, and make sure that its wide-ranging responsibilities are well-managed.

The only issue that is raised in question to Rex’s candidacy is the Columbia River Crossing. His position has been cast as being in favor of a “mega-bridge.”  I have to admit that I originally held this view.  But it is not correct.  When Rex asked me for an endorsement, I asked him some very specific questions about the plans for the bridge.  He said that the issue has been framed as being for or against the “megabridge.”  He said very clearly that he is not for the “megabridge.”  He does believe that a new bridge is needed (a view I share) but it needs to be designed in a way that’s affordable and fits within the greenhouse gas emissions reduction standards that are in place for Metro.  When I asked about the claim that emissions projections predict greater emissions with a new bridge, he answered that the model being used does not consider changes in land use, automobile and truck fleet technology, and transportation patterns.

I asked Rex if he had it to do over again, what would he do differently in the debate around the bridge.  He said that the project had been tagged as a $4.2 billion boondoggle when everyone involved knew that number was unrealistic from the start.  He said he should have insisted on a real budget.  Going forward, he said he remained committed to a project that fits in with the larger transportation plan for the region – one that recognizes the needs of people and business but also remains true to avoiding sprawl and greater greenhouse gas emissions.

Go ahead and read Rex’s position. And if you’re still not convinced, know that there numerous environmentalists among Rex’s endorsers, folks like state Sen. Jackie Dingfelder, Mia Birk, Charlie Burr, Multnomah County Board Chair Jeff Cogen, Glenn Lamb, Oregon Wild and many others.  I’m proud to count myself among them.  We will be holding Rex accountable as Metro President for all his positions as President.  But I don’t think that will be a hard job since Rex shares our values.

Rex Burkholder is ready to be Metro Council President and ready to lead the region’s development of livable communities, good jobs and clean environment.

I urge you to vote for Rex Burkholder for Metro President.

My name is Jackie Dingfelder. I’m a State Senator and former board member of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters.  I want to tell you why I’m supporting Rex Burkholder for Metro President.

My friend Rex has a 30 year record of protecting the environment.  He helped pass the largest bond measure in Oregon history to protect wildlife habitat and open space critical to our air and water quality.  Rex also worked to secure funding to protect over ten thousand acres of natural areas, and to fund investments for local parks and recreation areas.

As our next Metro President, Rex will:

- Invest in mass transportation choices, expanding light rail to every part of our region. This will make it easier for people to get around without use of a car and will also promote smart growth – building up instead of out.

- Help businesses become more energy-efficient. Not only will this save companies money for economic growth and job creation, it will also reduce our impact on the environment.

- Work to foster our green economy. As we put our region back to work, Rex is the only candidate that understands how to promote industries that will protect our environment, supporting green building and renewable energy.

Rex knows exactly what it takes to preserve and protect our neighborhoods and our environment.  I know Rex will expand the environmental movement, bringing people from across the region together to protect this place we love.

Join me today to support Rex Burkholder and our environment.  Please, however small or large, make a contribution today.

All the best,

- Jackie Dingfelder

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.