John Toran — Candidate for City Council, District 4
Candidate statement:
Bicycles:
Invest in safe, accessible cycling infrastructure, balancing bike lanes with the needs of other road users. Prioritize safety while maintaining efficient vehicle flow.
Climate Change:
Tackle climate change with practical steps like emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and supporting green technologies. Ensure solutions align with economic well-being.
Climate Resilience:
Invest in infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and mitigate climate risks. Collaborate with government, businesses, and communities for a more resilient city.
Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub:
Modernize the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub for safety and sustainability, ensuring energy security while transitioning to cleaner energy.
Electrification and Energy Transition:
Support the transition to electrification, incentivizing electric vehicles and technologies while ensuring the energy shift benefits all communities equitably.
Emissions Reduction:
Implement realistic strategies across sectors for emissions reduction, focusing on renewable energy, cleaner transportation, and energy efficiency, with achievable goals for all.
Environmental Justice:
Ensure environmental justice by addressing disproportionate burdens on underserved communities. Balance environmental protection with economic opportunities and job creation.
Freeways:
Maintain freeway infrastructure with minimal environmental impact. Use smart transportation policies, including public transit and alternative options, to reduce congestion.
Oil by Rail:
Enforce strict safety regulations for oil transport by rail to protect the community and environment, while supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Pedestrians (Safety, Walkability):
Enhance pedestrian safety with improved sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic-calming measures. Promote walkability in areas with heavy foot traffic to reduce accidents.
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF):
Support PCEF’s mission to fund clean energy projects and workforce development, ensuring the fund is transparent and focuses on communities most impacted by climate change.
Public Health:
Reduce pollution and improve air quality to protect public health. Ensure access to healthy, outdoor spaces for all, with special attention to vulnerable populations.
Shade Equity:
Increase tree coverage and shade structures in underserved areas to combat heat islands, promote livability, and ensure equal access to cooler environments.
Sustainability:
Promote sustainable development by encouraging green building practices, renewable energy use, and waste reduction. Partner with local businesses to integrate sustainability into economic growth.
Transit:
Improve public transit reliability and accessibility while transitioning to electric buses to reduce emissions. Make transit affordable and convenient for all Portlanders.
Zenith Energy:
Enforce strong oversight of Zenith Energy’s operations to minimize environmental risks. Gradually transition away from fossil fuels and explore cleaner alternatives for energy logistics.
Will you ensure the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) remains climate-focused in line with what voters intended?
Yes
