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John Branam: Strong Values, Bold Leadership

[photo: American flag on wall]

Environment

Now is a critical time for Portland to assert itself as the model city for environmentally sustainable growth. I see this election as an opportunity to accelerate smart environmental choices and expand transportation alternatives, initiatives for the city’s parks, and green development.

[photo: park trees]

Transportation

With bottleneck congestion in cities across the country and a significant portion of greenhouse gas emission coming from automobiles, efficient transportation is one of the most important issues we face this century. We must aggressively pursue green alternatives to gas-powered forms of transportation. I strongly support the Bicycle Master Plan, as well as creating more opportunities for alternative forms of transportation—like setting up public plug-in hybrid stations. Moreover, as City Commissioner, I will continue to push the city’s fleet to be 100% fossil fuel free. I also believe that we need to better understand broader issues like city planning and affordable housing. If we fail here, we will continue to suffer from suburban sprawl, whereby individuals and families move away from the city core to less expensive housing, and then commute to their jobs. Please check out my platform on-line for additional, specific ideas to meet these goals.

Parks and Open Spaces

As a City Commissioner, I will work diligently to preserve our outdoor treasures. Green spaces and flourishing natural habitats are essential to our quality of life and for attracting families and businesses to locate and stay here. For our city’s parks, we must expand the pilot program to make them pesticide-free and explore replacing gas-powered mowers with non-polluting alternatives. Although the city has wonderful natural features, we need to do more to protect, clean up and properly use them. There is no reason that Portland should be home to one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Over the past few years important steps have been taken, such as working hard to remedy sewage overflow problems and supporting the Holman boathouse, a public space that provides access and increases stewardship for the river. But more needs to be done. For example, City Council should look to replace roadways with permeable surfaces to better absorb oil drainage from cars.

Green Development

Portland leads the world with its sustainable practices, but we are just beginning. Our city is living proof that using less and better forms of energy is not only good for the environment, but is good for business. Currently, the City’s Office of Sustainable Development is preparing two new sets of policies. Commissioner Saltzman has proposed a new Green Building Policy that will focus on reducing carbon pollution created by the construction and operation of buildings. Later this year, we will also see proposals for an updated, more aggressive Global Warming Action Plan. These initiatives should become a blueprint for how cities can transform their built environment.

Portland must continue to lead the nation in our response to global warming. Future leadership at City Hall must make this a priority. Regardless of portfolio assignments, I am committed to doing just that.

Read more of John's thoughts on these and other issues.

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