Candidate statement:
I am still learning more about the CEI Hub and I’d like to learn more about what the discussions have been about. Until we can transition off fossil fuels, we need to make sure that hazardous waste and liquid fuels are stored safely. It is not enough for us to transition to clean and renewable energy; it is not in the foreseeable future. We need to start talking more about building a more secure hub that protects against earthquakes and other natural disasters. We need to start implementing how we can upgrade our storage facilities to be more resilient to accidents and leaks. It is old and we can’t expect it to last forever and we need to plan for it accordingly.
I support the Portland Clean energy Fund. Portland has a reputation of pivoting away from policies prematurely and preference is that we do not redirect or re-appropriate funds to the general fund. In fact, I think we need to make sure that we are holding people accountable for the appropriate spending. We need to make sure that money is spent on the people that it is meat to serve. We need to utilize our auditors and oversight authority to ensure that we are using the funds appropriately and timely. I would not put it on the ballot at this time.
I also think we need to focus on shade equity. Tree canopy shade protects its residents from high heat and helps alleviate flooding in our neighborhoods. We are planting trees and not spending adequately on maintaining trees. The trees that we are planting are not surviving due to a lack of care. We need to provide funding to ensure that our investments aren’t being wasted.
Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?
Yes
