Candidate statement:
As a physician committed to public health, crisis prevention, and community engagement, the work of 350PDX is close to my heart.
As a County Commissioner, in response to community members approaching me with their concerns, I put the seismic risks posed by the Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub (CEI Hub) on the County’s agenda.
This work was spearheaded by community advocates proposing innovative ways to address the unique and massive health, safety and environmental risks posed by our existing fossil fuel infrastructure. I inclusively engaged with advocates and community members throughout the process, and was buoyed by their dedication and support.
I sponsored the County’s original effort to make fossil-fuel companies financially responsible for the risks they create, partnered with Commissioner Susheela Jayapal to fund the landmark seismic-risk analysis that quantified the potential catastrophe, advocated for resulting state legislation, and later led development of a County financial-assurance policy intended to protect taxpayers from billions of dollars in potential damages.
Before I left the board due to term limits, I co-sponsored a resolution with newly-elected Commissioner Shannon Singleton to ensure continuity of the work after I left. Our unanimously-adopted resolution committed the county to pursuing a financial assurance policy before the county’s next budget cycle.
Unfortunately, the matter was not pursued for over a year, the county cut funding, and this year state legislative action was taken that pre-empted the county from exceeding restrictive limits.
As chair, I will not let crucial work languish. This work would align directly with the four elements of my comprehensive turnaround plan for Multnomah County that is the cornerstone of my campaign:
-Reorganize the county so it functions effectively to do its crucial work around public health, public service, and being the social safety net for the region.
– Measure outcomes that matter, instead of focusing on endless processes and activities.
-Tie spending to results.
-Account for every dollar spent.
I will work with advocates, experts and community members to leverage the county’s powerful role as Local Public Health Authority to drive innovative policy to address climate change.
