Gladstone City Council – Mindy Garlington, Position 6

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: For Gladstone; Water & Parks.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I would like Gladstone to initiate and follow thru on strict guidelines for recycling solar panels when updated, replaced or removed for any reason.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I believe the first step to the environment is recycling. I would like to see metro do a better job of educating every household to better recycling. The second would be ensuring all businesses follow strict and environmentally friendly building codes along with better recycling before, during and after new or updated construction projects.

Happy Valley City Council – David Emami, Position 4

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: One of the top priorities for our campaign is to bring a climate action plan to our city.  Earlier this year I fought to make this a priority for Happy Valley, and the rest of our council has signed on.  Other goals include protecting our parks, natural areas, green spaces and wildlife habitats.  Through proactive land use zoning and responsible growth management, we can achieve a resilient and environmentally sound community.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Earlier in 2020 I proposed that our city form a climate action plan and by partnering with neighboring cities, elected officials and utilities in our area, I believe we can create proactive policies that will help shape our communities future and lead us towards the path of 100% clean energy.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: As a father of two young children, I will do everything I can to make sure future generations are able to grow up in an environment with clean air, clean water and resilient green-spaces.  As someone who has served on our parks advisory committee and fought to protect our natural areas from being over developed, I am committed to protecting our community and Enviroment.
  

Oregon City Commission – Denyse McGriff, Position 2

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1) Ensure that the on-going update to the Oregon City Comprehensive Plan 2040 update addresses environmental justice. 2) Work to make sure that sustainability/environmental incentives proposed by the City, Clackamas County, and Metro are inclusive of working-class and POC in our community 
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Like most Oregon municipalities, Oregon City currently has no climate action plan. I will work to change that, focusing on direct action by the City of Oregon City. The model climate action plan recently developed by the City of Milwaukie makes for an invaluable blueprint from which to start climate planning in Oregon City.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes. I will work to see that the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan update includes provisions supporting access to a clean and healthy environment for our residents, in addition to access to adequate transportation and elimination of food deserts.

Oregon City Commission – Jeff Akin, Position 3

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Reinvigorating our commitment to reducing and, eventually eliminating single-use plastics and ensuring infrastructure improvements to the City emphasize water conservation and cleanliness are my top two environmental priorities for Oregon City. I will work with local businesses to eliminate their use of single-use plastics. I will be a champion for sustainability as we work to improve our infrastructure.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Oregon City is updating its Plan, “OC2040.” In my role as a Commissioner, working through the development of this plan, I will consistently work to emphasize clean energy use; acting as an influencing agent to power providers that are beyond our jurisdiction.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I do commit to actively identifying environmental justice issues in my community. I will do this by closely reviewing plans, applications, updates to municipal code, etc. to be sure all people have had an opportunity for meaningful involvement in the process.

Sandy City Council – Jan Lee, Position 4

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: A resilience plan for the community and development of a smart growth strategy.  I’m the chair of a working committee developing a resilience plan for the city and working with a cohort of cities to move to a broader plan, with a goal to join the county plan actions.  The city is updating its comprehensive plan, TSP and other ordinances in the near future and smart growth changes can be accommodated.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Our resilience plan and the broader community plan tying into the county plan in 2022 moves to that goal. 
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Our city held a public forum on zoom last month for community members to speak to the issue.  We then developed a statement against racial inequity (see city website).  The forum is on YouTube. 

Sandy City Council – Linda K. Malone, Position 6

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Reducing the waste produced in our city and eliminating where possible our cities contributing to green house gas production. I will be working with our current contractor on incentives and ideas for reducing the amount of trash our citizens put in the landfill. I will continue the work already started on converting our city vehicles, including our city bus fleet, to greener fuel systems including electric cars and buses.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: We have been moving in that direction since I was Mayor 10 years ago but we have gotten a bit off track. I hope to put us back in line to acting on the truth of climate change instead of denying its existence. We can create policies to respond it climate change and not just call is sustainability. It doesn’t help to avoid the words.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I will work to see the areas that need addressing in our city and rely on the resources at the both the state and county levels to achieve the environmental changes we can at the city level. Being one of seven votes will require a level of education and information sharing to make sure the entire council or at least four votes have the knowledge necessary to make those decisions.

West Linn City Council – Kim Bria

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: My two top environmental priorities are clean transportation and energy, which are also the top two contributors of greenhouse gas emissions. The most immediate step is to add a city sustainability staff position to carry out identified goals. Second is a baseline energy audit for all city buildings. This allows prioritization for projects like retrocommissioning and other energy savings.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: As a member of the West Linn Sustainability Advisory Board, I testified before council in 2019 the importance of PGE’s pilot Clean Wind Program, which we were accepted into. I will lead West Linn as Councilor to implement Sustainability Board goals towards clean energy, in buildings, parks, and fleets. I will also work with stakeholders and strategic partners to capture opportunities for support and funding to achieve 100% clean energy prior to 2050. 
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Environmental justice issues are crucial to be identified as part of our Sustainability Goals and Community Development; which includes housing, transportation, and health. I am committed to working with city and community stakeholders to identify and address issues with the tools available for a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

West Linn City Council – Alexander Juarez

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: This is a difficult question to answer, I think one of the primary concerns is to proactively address the air quality issues presented by ongoing fires that most likely will manifest seasonally. I would propose putting measures into place such as smaller controlled burns that will alleviate the issue. Additionally in the event of a high wind event creating lots of dry kindle I would have advised that we use street sweepers to clear that debris from the street.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I think offering property tax insensitives and funding power companies to by encouraging them to loan the money to build out solar panel systems for eligible single family and commercial real-estate would be a great first step towards in creasing adopting. Beyond that I would like to participate in building a road map build with goals, so that through incremental changes and the correct incentives we can reach that goal.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes, absolutely. I think that environmental health has large impact on community health. And my plan is to work with the other city councillors and come up with a viable solution, In this case I believe in the wisdom crowds.

West Linn City Council – Jenny Koll

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: The first environmental priority I have for West Linn is to have comprehensive fire prevention policy and programming. My second environmental priority for West Linn is the use of naturally derived pesticides in our parks, schools, and public spaces. As Councilor, I will work to create community workshops to build awareness in our neighborhoods. I will also partner with our Parks and Rec Department to have responsible policy.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: It is no secret that innovation spurs economic activity, and I will be a strong advocate to require new developments, such as housing and business, to aim for the highest LEED Certifications and generate the energy used in their buildings. I will also collaborate with our county and energy providers to create tax incentives and discounted rates to our residents and small business owners who install and use clean energy in their existing structures homes.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: As City Councilor, I will strive to alleviate the inequities across our city. I will work with environmental experts locally and regionally to address the concerns of our underrepresented communities and elevate their needs. I will work collaboratively with the West Linn Sustainability Advisory Board, listening to their recommendations on sustainability efforts for our city. I will also push for measures to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and promote clean energy access for all.

Wilsonville Mayor – Julie Fitzgerald

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: My goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the Willamette River. I am committed to ensuring that city infrastructure projects advance environmental equity, including exemplary stormwater management, protection of fish habitat and sustainable recreational use of our natural areas. I will engage with citizens and business to develop demonstration programs that show how Wilsonville can lead by example as a healthy place to live, work and play.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I commit to supporting the 2019 decision by the Wilsonville City Council to participate in PGE’s Green Tariff clean-energy program. The 15-year commitment is allowing the City to receive 100 percent of its power from renewable energy sources after PGE’s 100MWh solar facility is complete in 2021.  
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I am committed to environmental justice. I commit to enforcing codes that protect our environment for all citizens, and to identifying areas of our policies and practices that need to be strengthened to ensure that all of our citizens experience equitable access to a healthy natural environment.

Wilsonville City Council – Kristin Akervall

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: During my first term, I was happy to support options for sustainable choices including electric charging stations at our public library, increased recycling and composting options, participation in PGE’s Green Tariff program, and protection of our natural areas. When continuing my work on City Council I would like to further reduce the use of chemical pest control treatments as defined in our Integrated Pest Management Plan and support the development of our Urban Forest Management Plan that will aid in maintenance of our ecosystem, soil erosion, and conservation of wildlife.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: While on Council I voted for an agreement to participate in PGE’s Green Tariff clean-energy program. The 15-year commitment allows the City to receive 100% of its power from renewable sources after PGE’s 100MWh solar facility is complete in 2021. However, our leadership in clean energy should also include incorporating renewable energy features such as solar panels on city buildings where appropriate and encouraging community conservation of natural resources such as water and energy.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I believe everyone is entitled to protection from environmental harms and risks and I believe that all community members must be able to have a voice in the matters that affect their quality of life. In our growing city and region, this often means careful attention to Oregon’s land use laws. Having open and transparent public processes and welcoming public participation, also supports equitable outcomes and the long-term health for all in our community.

Wilsonville City Council – Imran Haider

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Educated our community members with a more wide-spread knowledge and use of green energy in Wilsonville and I hope to establish a dialogue with PGE for ideas. Wilsonville has some of the best water in the state! So I would like to continue to provide clean water to our community by actively managing resources devoted to stormwater runoff.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I would like to create an active working relationship with PGE and see how we can possibly establish more incentives and motivation for households and businesses in our community to sign on with Green Source. (electricity which is 100 percent renewable and generated from wind, solar, and geothermal power). We live in a state where we are lucky to have these options, we should try to utilize them.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes I am. All people from any background should have access to (Maslow’s) core needs. I support our Wilsonville SMART program and am also happy to work with the HBA and other developers on where it makes the most sense to implement a diversity of housing options in Wilsonville.

Wilsonville City Council – Joann Linville

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: (1) consistently considering environmental and habitat preservation in City land use development decisions and (2) seeking and supporting conservation alternatives to providing public transportation, utilities, and City services.  I am committed to environmental stewardship and support City policy to decrease our environmental footprint and promote a culture that values the environment and acts to protect it.  This includes supporting move to electric buses, street light replacement with LED, Green Energy partnership with PGE and others.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Although Wilsonville has yet to make a public commitment to 100% clean energy by 2050, I will continue to support and advance policy and programs to reduce local fossil fuel use both in the City’s own operations and through community-wide initiatives including move to electric buses, street light replacement with LED, Green Futures Impact partnership with PGE, encouraging low carbon industries to locate in Wilsonville, food scraps recycling, and access to electrical vehicle charging.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Elderly people are more susceptible to toxins and pollution as their bodies are more fragile and have greater number of health issues related to the aging process. The Wilsonville Charbonneau district, primarily comprised of this population, is currently at risk from toxic air emissions, noise pollution and transportation vehicle pollution related to adjacency to the Aurora State Airport.  I will continue to advocate for sound environmental impact analysis for any proposed airport expansion.

Gresham Mayor – Eddy Morales

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: On city council I am leading the effort to create a parks and recreation district, which is now in the works. I am also the City Councilor liaison to Urban Forestry, Johnson Creek Watershed Council, and serve on the board of the Regional Water Consortium. In these positions I have been an advocate for a greater tree canopy, creating and preserving more green spaces, uncovering and restoring natural watersheds, and preserving our water. Gresham needs more green spaces that do help fight climate change, but also provide opportunities for better personal health for our residents. By making sure they are accessible in all neighborhoods, we of course hope more people are able to walk instead of drive for recreational activities. Lastly, we have found a way to turn our sewer waste into renewable energy and make that processing sustainable, energy-saving, and generating more funds for the city. I have been supportive of investments in clean energy at the city, helping to lead exploring wind and solar energy.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Regarding Gresham, I would include all that I have listed above. Every city needs to bold agendas around green spaces, trees, watershed restoration and protection, water quality, and investing in renewable energy. I’ve been the source of a lot of the energy behind this work, and will continue. In Oregon, I did support “cap and invest” and was pleased that the governor took action when the legislature did not. Carbon needs to be regulated. Period. 
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes – and I have done that as a councilor with regard to my work on parks and on water issues. Also, I welcome the new energy efficiency goals for residential and commercial building set by the Governor’s executive order. Given the investment the metro region just made in affordable housing construction, this can now be part of the conversation as projects are identified and designed. 

Gresham City Council – Dina DiNucci, Position 1

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Brownfield area at Vance Park Pit, (Center for Creative Land Recycling/partner) and secure funding for investment in Parks/Greenspace
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Gresham has a long way to go. I believe my top 2 priorities are important first steps, with a brownfield in our poorest community being ignored for far too long.  I am committed for equity/inclusion practices  in our most marginalized populations with a 30% poverty level, food desert issues and very little engagement from our populations in that area. In city-wide policy I will work with all opportunities to incentivize renewable energy for buildings and business.  Another priority of mine is livability across neighborhoods, and promoting more walkable neighborhoods, effective mass transit for our food desert area and promotion of alternative transportation sources.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I believe I have noted some of these above.  In our westernmost area of Gresham I have been engaged with environmental justice issues for many years, such as the food desert areas, health disparities, a brownfield left unresolved and limited mass transit access.  I believe as a City Councilor I will be in a much better position to remediate and bring attention to these injustices that have gone on too long.

Gresham City Council – Dave Dyk, Position 5

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1 – In Gresham, we have a significant amount of land that is zoned heavy industrial in West Gresham, without any material buffer between some of our most dense housing (tellingly, home to many of the homes of lower-income residents of our City). I share concerns with residents that some of those land uses are creating pollution which is impacting residential neighborhoods. There is also a significant equity issue at stake. I’ll be working with the City Manager to understand our land use across the city, and make sure that we have adequate protections (such as reasonable buffers) for residential neighborhoods from some of the more noxious uses in the city. 2 – As the 4th-largest City in Oregon, Gresham has an important role to play in climate change. I favor making a written climate change strategy, with goals and ongoing measurement, one of our Council Work Plan priorities.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: In Gresham, we use a tool called the Council Work Plan to communicate City Council priorities to the City Manager. I will advocate for making a written climate change strategy, with goals and ongoing measurement (including related to clean energy) a Council Work Plan priority.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes. I’m committed to listening to everyone in our community, and identifying and responding to environmental justice issues. In particular I’m concerned about the significant amount of land that is zoned heavy industrial in West Gresham, without any material buffer between some of our most dense housing (home to many of the homes of lower-income residents of our City). I share concerns with residents that some of those land uses are creating pollution which is impacting residential neighborhoods. I’ll be working with the City Manager to understand our land use across the city, and make sure that we have adequate protections (such as reasonable buffers) for residential neighborhoods from some of the more noxious uses in the city.

Troutdale Mayor – Randy Lauer

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: My top 2 environmental priorities for Troutdale moving into the next 4 years would be to continue to offer clean and safe drinking water to our residents by maintaining safe and operational well fields and storm water systems, and to make sure our wastewater treatment plant continues to meet and exceed the EPA and DEQ recommendations for proper effluent for safe discharge. Clean drinking water and handling of sewage is of the utmost importance to maintaining a livable and safe community.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Troutdale will focus on becoming a more involved regional partner when it comes to clean and renewable energy. We will listen to what other cities our size are doing, how other regions like ours are leading the way in their communities to ensure that they’re doing what is right, what is needed, to approach 100% clean energy in the decades to come.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: My first plan would be to create a citizen committee with the goal centered around addressing and tackling environmental issues that plague our region. Working to determine certain levels of importance, while creating actionable 5 year, 20 year and 30 year plans will be the emphasis on this citizen committee. Whatever goals and plans we create as a city and as a region, MUST come from the community as a whole, not just from the city staff and elected leadership. In order for our community to take responsibility in these plans, ownership must be created through our collective work.

Tigard City Council – Ethan E. Erickson

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1)  REPLACING VACANT FIELDS WITH ENGAGING NATURE SCAPES.  I’m encouraging the City of Tigard to begin working with nonprofit organizations to transition city owned park properties from their current state of invasive plants and farm grass into enriching nature scapes.  Organizations like Depave, Growing Gardens and Metro’s Backyard Habitat program can be great Partners in this effort.  I’d like to cultivate neighborhood stewardship over those community park spaces too.  My experience with community organizing can get a committee built quickly that can write grants, advocate and inform the park property transformation process. 2)  REDUCING MAIN STREET WASTE.  Our amazing businesses on Main Street can share and celebrate their small but important efforts to reduce garbage production. Sharing ideas and results can inspire similar practices with other businesses.  We should be highlighting businesses showing how they’re leading the community in this area.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I’d like to see our local parks and schools serve as hosts for wind and solar projects powering our libraries, restaurants the local business in Tigard.  I see renewable energy sources, provided by the City as a great economic development factor attracting and incentivizing business in Tigard.  As we remodel the Tigard Triangle, I see a lot of opportunity for a Clean Energy restaurant / bar district around the new MAX line stops there.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: The fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens is important to me.  The trauma experienced by our planet these days weighs on me too.  Environmental Justice conversations can’t happen without our youth involved.  Established adults have so many competing priorities that environmental justice as a concept can seem impossible.  Our teens, local college students and Outdoor School staff are the ones on the bleeding edge of this conversation and the ones I listen to most.  They’re my first phone call.

Tigard City Council – Heidi Lueb

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: My first priority is to fully implement our complete streets policy. This policy ensures streets are built with all users in mind including emphasis on better public transportation and prioritizes the safety of cyclists. My second priority is to make our Parks and Recreation department as green as possible. Are we using reclaimed water, when we replace equipment can we use battery powered rather than gas? These are a few of the questions I’d like addressed.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I would lead the Council and city towards clean energy by making decisions and giving policy direction now that has lasting impacts. This includes moving towards wind and solar energy for city buildings, electrified transportation for city vehicles, supporting more charging stations throughout the city for residents with electric vehicles, and passing building code that includes renewable friendly regulations.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes – as a City Council we just passed our refreshed Strategic Plan. One of the priorities is to ensure that development and growth can support the vision of the plan. The development will need to have the least impact on natural systems and climate.  The City will plan and create in a manner that reduces climate impact to the maximum extent practicable, especially for the most vulnerable areas.

Hood River City Council – Megan Saunders

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Expanding local carbon free energy production reduces our footprint, increases local control, and increases resilience to natural/man-made disasters. More efficient resource use, including energy, water, and land, reduces our footprint, improves economic sustainability, and reduces infrastructure costs. I will continue to advocate for projects and partnerships that improve environmental and community health.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: As a City Councilor, I supported the Hood River County Energy Plan, adoption of a resolution committing to net-zero by 2035, the installation of solar panels at City facilities, a study of small-scale hydropower, and development of other opportunities with community partners. If re-elected, I will continue to support efforts to reduce energy use, increase efficiencies, and develop a carbon free energy mix.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: The City must ensure that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately excluded from the benefits or disproportionately burdened with the costs of our actions. The City has improved its outreach/engagement to vulnerable/underserved populations and needs to continue to improve efforts to meet people where they are, engage with folks in culturally appropriate ways, and ensure that all voices are truly heard.

Hood River City Council – Brian Towey

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: First, adopt development policies that ensure that the efficient expansion of our growing bicycle transportation infrastructure will be possible.  Second, identify and codify the mechanisms that will fund the acquisition of needed open space.  We must insist that developing neighborhoods on the west side of Hood River have parks.  This not only protects health; it also mitigates the possibility of dense housing creating climate hot spots (as reported recently by NPR) in areas of more affordable / attainable housing.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Hood River County is an environmentally aware community with an energy plan, since 2018. A city counselor can achieve meaningful results in transportation and planning policies that produce energy efficiencies.  We don’t control the origination of power available in energy markets, but we can continue to reduce our dependence on outside electricity sources by expanding our solar and small hydro-electric power infrastructure. We need to make bicycle, alternative and public transportation systems attractive and safe for new users. 
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: We should pursue policies to improve housing options for communities disproportionately impacted by extreme temperatures. I would incentivize owners of properties occupied by our most vulnerable to increase the efficiency / livability of homes that use obsolete technology for heating and cooling – leveraging programs already in place by Energy Trust of Oregon, for example. This could decrease energy use AND the demand for new housing by making homes currently ineligible for vouchers compliant with Housing Authority requirements.

Hood River City Council – Mark Zanmiller

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: We will build on key recent commitments that set our near and mid-term environmental priorities. First is continued steps to implement the Hood River County Energy Plan.  We have a rich list of items in work/or scheduled for after those.  Second, I am a believer that our work to acquire open space and plans to encourage active pedestrian and bicycle connections will be important
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Resolution 2019-16 committed the City to be Net Zero by 2035.  We have completed our baseline assessments and have been actively making steps towards reducing our footprint.  Hybrid police cars, electric vehicle car-shares, major updates to our waste treatment plant, and new solar power initiatives have all been cone or are in play.  I will continue to advocate continued focus and steps towards this key goal.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes. I recognize and am inspired by the fact that polices related to climate action, housing, equity, communications, and providing open space are all tightly connected.   These are all things that are active items on our City Council Priorities and I relish the chances to define City policies, partnerships, and citizen involvement to continuously work for environmental justice.

Astoria City Council – Floyd E. Holcom, Ward 2

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1. Sustainable Fisheries 2. Clean Water, 1. For over 100 Years the native citizens of Astoria have been on the leading charge of Fishery Sustainment and protecting Salmon runs for our citizens.  I will work to continue these enhancements, as our Ward was the leader in Fish Hatchery Education and progress to protect these species of Salmon and other fish.  2. Clean Water is essential to maintain fishery numbers as well as our ability to survive, which I will continue to address these and other ever challenging issues.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Astoria was the founder of both Northwest Natural Gas and Pacific Power and Light, both leading companies in the challenge of clean energy in the Northwest. I will continue to work very closely with these two Astorian Companies to improve their future programs and look forward to the progress of 2050.  In addition to those two great working relationships, we have entrepreneur families in our city who have invented and continue to work on leading edge clean energy solutions, like solar and wave energy opportunities.  Astoria, being a very unique geographical area in Oregon, has many solutions for a very bright and healthy future and could continue its lead in these important, future, environmental enhancements.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Absolutely! I have been involved in Environmental Justice issues for most of my adult life and was directly involved in one of Astoria’s largest environmental cases that brought Felony Charges to the perpetrators.  Being a Scuba Instructor Trainer creates huge opportunities to protect the environment. I continue to work with Native and NGOs to enhance our Environment.  From removing derelict, leaking vessels in local waterways, or creating historical inventories of underwater sites to finding and cleaning polluted shore side endangered sites, are some of my accomplishments and goals. While Chairman of the Port of Astoria Commission, I had direct working ability to clean up one of Astoria’s most polluted sites.  Working closely with personal friends like Thane Tiensen and others with greater expertise than I, I will continue this important logical endeavor while committed to these issues while siting on the Astoria City Council.  We have much more work to do. Vote FLOYD for Astoria Ward 2.

Columbia County Commissioner – Brandee Dudzic

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: My first priority is to normalize discussing climate change at the county level. Next, I am a strong believer in local initiatives, so creating a Climate Action Plan (CAP) at the county level is a huge priority. In order to create a CAP, we need a community-led committee to provide the County Commissioners with recommendations on action steps. It is critical to incorporate underrepresented populations like youth, small businesses, tribal representatives, and LGBTQ+/BIPOC residents.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: It’s 2020 and Columbia County has not made a resolution to be 100% renewable by 2050, so accomplishing that is step one. We cannot address what we refuse to acknowledge. I will lead Columbia County by committing to an energy plan that evaluates our current energy usage and creates a roadmap to mitigate our weaknesses and eliminate waste. Once we have accomplished that, I will bring that same initiative to the residential level.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I commit to identifying environmental justice issues in my community with my whole heart. All county policy must be centered in a place of health and wellness. We must identify who is most impacted by environmental injustice and give them the resources they need to be successful, which could look like providing a safe space to meet, providing meals and childcare, and possibly interpreters. Decision-makers must believe the lived experiences of those most impacted.

Seaside City Council – Kathy Kleczek, Ward 4

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: My environmental priorities are to promote more sustainable tourism initiatives for Seaside that will reduce the drain on environmental resources and impacts on the local communities.  The initiatives include promoting car-free travel to the region as well as a more managed approach to park and trail visitation.  The goal is to protect the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast for generations to come by reducing carbon footprint and preserving our natural resources.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I will encourage the city to put in place carbon neutral and clean energy sources wherever possible.  Using solar powered fixtures and LED lighting where possible when replacing municipal property facility lighting.  Encouraging any vehicle purchases to include electric vehicles and public/private partnerships for multimodal charging stations.  I will work to create development initiatives that include complete streets and walkable neighborhoods.  Also adding transportation options to the city that include bike or scooter share possibilities.  Encouraging more transit use and expansion to the area. 
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I believe that community health and equity in planning to be a top environmental justice issue. The ability to provide equitable health services and mental health to especially the POC in our community is vital to advancing any agenda for a more sustainable future for Seaside. Our First Responders and  Schools are in need of support so that they are able to do the jobs they are trained to do.  We are a rural area with urban issues that come with the population fluctuations brought on by tourism.  We need to look at how to focus funding to expand the services provided to focus on the underserved. Complete Streets and Achievable Housing initiatives to encourage more walkable neighborhoods for all of the residents of Seaside are key areas I plan to focus on.

Monmouth City Council – Carol McKiel

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: We need to educate our residents about developing green behaviors and then work together to decrease our carbon emissions: work with the mayor to add educational material in the monthly utility bill to promote green behaviors; work with the city council to increase the number of safe walking/biking routes to promote a green culture of driving less and walking/biking more; promote residents to buy local in order to decrease the amount of out-of-town driving; work with the city council to encourage city to purchase electric cars/trucks and make other green decisions.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Monmouth already uses hydropower for most of its electricity. Explore national and state grants/tax abatements for city-wide shift to solar energy. Work with area builders to encourage installation of heat pumps/solar panels on all new homes and encourage homeowners to shift to heat pump/solar panels when replacing old furnaces. Work with city council to establish a clean energy advisory committee comprised of WOU faculty and interested residents to identify ways to move to clean energy.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Reach out to and establish community forums with low-income stakeholders to identify ways to support them with green home improvements and other resources. Work with ODE and the community and development director to identify grants that may help cash-strapped residents make improvements so their homes become more energy efficient. Work with city departments to include educational material about conservation in the monthly utility bill. Yes, it is also an equity issue. Assisting those struggling to pay increasing cost of stormwater initiative and sidewalks. Providing low cost and education on environmental issues that everyone can participate in.

Monmouth City Council – John Oberst

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Renewable energy and alternative transportation.  Having its own electric utility with its own conservation program gives Monmouth the opportunity to encourage photovoltaic energy adoption, even to the point of larger installations on city property.  We are also positioned to encourage electric vehicle charging options.  In the area of transportation, I would like to see the city pursue the filling of key gaps in our sidewalk network, and to designate and sign a bicycle route network.  Finally, safer crossings of 99W are a must so that highway ceases to be an un-bridged “river” dividing the community.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: See above; also as a rural, small community, our ability to impact our single biggest source of carbon, the single owner vehicle, is limited.  A large proportion of Monmouth’s residents commute, pure and simple.  Cherriots’ bus service is limited the schedule not attractive for commuters; Polk County cities should work together to address that.  City government biggest impact on our high level of commuters would be through economic development, and trying to attract more jobs to the community.  (Of course, that comes loaded with its own environmental issues around growth.)
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes; again, transportation is our single largest contributor to atmospheric carbon.  Transportation comes loaded with equity issues that, while beyond the power of local government to impact directly, are amenable to at amelioration.  Strengthening alternatives to the automobile for local transportation, and working to become a hub for public transit (McMinnville, Salem and Corvallis bus systems meeting at a Monmouth hub, for example) could impact our status as a transportation desert.  Land use rules also have equity issues built in.  Though that is primarily a state issue, the city must aggressively pursue affordable housing options.

Monmouth City Council – Rebecca Salinas-Oliveros

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1. Supporting storm water work currently in progress. 2. Continuing work for a bike friendly city.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Continue sustainability work and exploring renewable energy options.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes, it is also an equity issue. Assisting those struggling to pay increasing cost of stormwater initiative and sidewalks. Providing low cost and education on environmental issues that everyone can participate in.

McMinnville City Council – Tynan Pierce, Ward 3

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Addressing the intersection of racial justice, worker’s rights, civic engagement and anthropogenic climate change. Building healthy, carbon negative, urban density. McMinnville does not have a climate action plan. We need one immediately. Using diverse community engagement to build a robust action plan. Modern science expertise as well as historical indegnous ways of knowing to craft this plan. We need a plan built by the people, for the people, not for optimizing profit and marketing.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: By facilitating community assemblies that will come together to craft solutions. McMinnville has a 95% clean energy portfolio. We can push beyond the 100% clean energy and achieve carbon negativity! Diverse local assemblies can create plans that protect and grow our native ecosystem and biodiversity, care for the most underserved in our neighborhoods, invest in robust green energy, encourage biking and walking corridors, affordable and efficient public transit, food security and much more.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Absolutely. We need to break away from incrementalism, market based solutions, and representative decision making. The people need to have a voice in their own future. For too long, underserved communities have borne the brunt of poor government policy and extractive, fossil fuel focused, profit over people models of business. We need to engage in these communities, hear what issues are pressing and important to them and build solutions together.

Newburg City Council – Nicholas Morace, District 5

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: First and foremost, our forests need to be managed correctly to ensure a safe and healthy future for all Oregonians. Our state leaders have great intentions for preserving our natural habitats but have failed at a basic level of forest management. Secondly, air quality and pollution control need to be addressed in a proactive way otherthen selling tax credits to businesses. This does nothing but pad our general budget and misses the mark of environmental preservation.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Clean energy is always our goal and I will actively advocate for personal responsibility. New and growing taxes are not and will not ever be the answer to our climate needs. Education is key, both to businesses and citizens. I will put the focus back on our community members and focus on responsible personal actions and possibly penalties on large corporations who blatantly disregard sensible climate legislation.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Absolutely. My plan is to move away from legislation and move toward personal community action. Working with city, county, state, and federal authorities, we can make a real difference here in Oregon and lead the way without new taxes only benefiting special interests. We all need to work together on this, putting aside our differences and make common sense changes to our policies that will benefit Oregon as a whole.

Philomath Mayor – Chas Jones

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: As Mayor, my environmental priorities are to 1) help Philomath become more resilient to the impacts of wildfire & drought; & 2) to promote critical thinking & trust in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics in our youth & residents. The country needs to rebuild this foundation so that we can make meaningful impacts on the environmental front. I will do so by promoting science through community engagement opportunities with the Mayor.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I will lead by example to educate my constituents about opportunities for and benefits of using clean energy. For example, I drive an electric hybrid vehicle and have installed solar PV on my home, which covers 95% of my electricity consumption. I will educate the community about the opportunities for installing solar PV on public buildings or relying on electric vehicles as viable cost saving measures.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I will invite subject matter experts, residents, and marginalized communities to join in conversations about environmental justice (EJ). Such collaborative efforts will further these conversations while promoting community building between diverse groups to help identify EJ inequities and in developing potential solutions. The City can then incorporate these ideas into our strategic plan, where we will work towards making progress on these inequities.

Philomath City Council – Jessica Andrade

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1. Ensure Philomath has enough affordable water to meet the current and future needs of our community for use by individuals, businesses, and the fire department. a) Reevaluate water utility fees to create more equitable rates among users and encourage water reclamation. b) Pause development of new projects to better assess our current & future water needs. 2. Create healthy ecosystems within existing natural areas to support native wildlife and mitigate natural disaster impacts. a) Prioritize wetland conservation and restoration. b) Establish parks featuring the natural landscape.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I would help lead our community towards increasingly adopting renewable energy resources by amending the city’s municipal code and comprehensive plans to encourage environmentally friendly planning and energy usage. This would include identifying, creating, and implementing policies that encourage future developers and current property owners to build and outfit their structures with the capabilities to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I am committed to identifying environmental justice issues in my community through improving communication and outreach to the community in a variety of ways – town halls, social media, surveys, fliers, etc. – to hear everyone’s experiences and concerns. I would welcome all thoughts and ideas and work with community organizations to create a more equitable Philomath.

Philomath City Council – Catherine Biscoe

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1. Protection of our Water Resources:  98% of Philomath’s water comes from the Mary’s River.  Current development code does not provide adequate requirements for new developments to protect and preserve these important natural resources.  Updating the municipal code to protect and preserve our precious water resources is of utmost urgency. 2. Improvements to bike and pedestrian accessibility, access to a local grocery store, and an increase in local living wage jobs will decrease Philomath’s dependence on fossil fuels. 
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: The City of Philomath has little history of focus on important environmental priorities as a City, especially with regards to development.  Our neighboring community of Corvallis is a strong leader with a dedicated focus on numerous conservation initiatives. . Partnering with these local conservation leaders would be my first step to starting a greater community conversation.  Developing meaningful goals in our Strategic and Comprehensive Planning with dedicated action to support those goals will help Philomath start the urgently needed conversation on Clean Energy.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Environmental justice, social justice, racism,  sustainable development and environmental policy are relatively unfamiliar ideas to Philomath as a community.    With careful cultivation, and a willingness to embrace new ideas,  Philomath as a community can take a lead on these issues, creating a cleaner, safer and more equitable place to live.  As a City Councilor I would remain dedicated to continued support of this new community dialogue and would encourage more citizen participation in how we plan Philomath for the future to address environmental justice issues.

Philomath City Council – Lawrence E. Johnson

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Clean air and water. Limiting CO2  in all ways possible at the City lever, electric cars for all city departments and solar panels everywhere we can put them. Water conservation, lowering consumption through incentives, repairing infrastructure leaks, rewarding homeowners for using less and progressive increases in water rates to discourage waste. 
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Implementation of renewable energy saving devices across all city departments, phase out of fossil fuel vehicles for all city departments.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Philomath currently has some 30+ Different water rates which impose higher rates for homeowners than commercial, apartments and other special classifications all this leads to inequality. Philomath takes 97% of it’s water from Mary’s River which unfairly deprives Mary’s River ecosystem of  needed water flow. Philomath has increased its water consumption due to approved developments without adequate consideration to the needs of the River and all the ecology surrounding the River system. Mary’s River ecology must be considered in all future development.

Albany Mayor – Sharon Konopa

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: I have supported many environmentally friendly projects in the city over my past 24 years of service, including our Talking Water Gardens, an award winning wetland science project. I would like to complete our East Thornton Lake Natural Area Project.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I would love to see this happen, but as mayor I rarely vote. I have supported state  and national initiatives supporting clean energy for many years.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Our city follows the laws set from the state and feds. I support regulations for a clean environment, but I do not support a financial burden on cities. Current and new regulations need to provide funding for local governments to implement.

Albany City Council – Marilyn Smith, Ward 3-B

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Clean water and reduced carbon emissions. I support continued expansion of storm water quality facilities in Albany; improvement of wastewater treatment via Talking Water Gardens engineered wetland; and promotion and expansion of transportation improvements to encourage bicycling and walking.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I support the City of Albany’s work with the Energy Trust of Oregon to improve energy efficiency through LED lighting and upgraded,  more efficient equipment; participation in the blue-sky energy program ; and additional installation of solar panels on City buildings.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes. I look for opportunities to reduce energy use; encourage alternate forms of  energy and transportation; and opportunities for volunteers in cleaning waterways.

Keizer City Council – Michael De Blasi, Position 1

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Climate change and protecting our undeveloped lands are my top two environmental.  The steps that I will take would go towards addressing both priorities.  Even in Oregon, with our land use policies, I see a slow devouring of our undeveloped land for commercial and residential development, resulting in the increased use of single passenger vehicles. In Keizer, I will work to increase infill and multi-use development that is modelled after traditional development patterns.  I will work to discourage auto-dependent development by using every resource available to our city.  In addition, I will work to make non-automobile travel the preferred choice of travel within our city while working with other cities in the mid-Valley and the State Legislature to build robust transit systems, including commuter rail connecting the mid-Valley with the Portland Metro region. Combined, these actions will help reduce our use of fossil fuels while protecting undeveloped land near Keizer and in the rest of the Willamette Valley.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: In addition to reducing automobile dependency, I will work with other cities and the State Legislature to amend our solar power generation rules and incentives away from large facilities in farms and towards atop buildings, homes and parking lot. I will work to make Keizer a 100% renewable energy-powered community by 2050.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I have seen that the poorest communities in Keizer and the nation receive the least aid in energy efficiency, housing options that are transit focused, safe and complete biking and pedestrian infrastructure and protection from polluting industries. In Keizer, our main polluting “industry” is the automobile.  Our reliance on it places an unfair burden on poorer households by either making car ownership mandatory and by making alternative transportation inconvenient or unsafe.  In addition, housing for these poorer households is near high traffic roads, increasing exposure to pollution, and making it unsafe to travel by foot or by bike for all but the most able-bodied.  There are also less neighborhood open space spaces throughout Keizer but especially in poorer parts of town. Air quality will improve by reducing the dependence on automobile use in Keizer and beyond.  Streets will be safer for people of all ages and abilities.  And by building more of the “Missing Middle” housing with a higher standard of quality, underserved communities will have safer and better housing.

Silverton City Council – Jason Freilinger

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Silverton is in the design phase of building a new Civic Center.  I am dedicated to the building being carbon neutral.  Our citizen environmental committee is developing plans to reduce carbon emissions, protect clean water, and reduce solid waste in.  I will support all their recommendations to city code that will protect the envirnment and improve quality of life.  As a tree city I look to programs to increase the number of trees in town.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: The City of Silverton has a citizen environmental committee working toward reducing carbon emissions city wide.  I support all their suggestions so far related to reducing emissions.  I know they have not figured out how to get our small town to 100% clean energy by 2050 yet.  I will be committed to working with them and supporting them to do all we can to make this a reality.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Silverton as a whole is highly sensative to prohibiting all environmentally damaging activities from coming into the city at all.  We do have an economically challenged neighborhood on the north end of town that is next to our industrial park.  They are very active in stopping polluters from coming into the industrial park and I have supported these efforts.

Silverton City Council – Elvi Cuellar Sutton

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1) Clean energy: I plan to promote education in diverse communities, and look at the local/natural resources available to our community. 2) Rehabilitation of forestlands: I plan to consider site by site needs and discuss the future with local experts.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Being the wife of a Supervisor Electrician and co-owner to an electrical company we are always searching for new ways to bring clean, reliable energy to fulfill the needs of today without hurting tomorrow. I plan to share and talk with those who have ideas and never close a door on bettering our environment.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Currently there are advisory boards in my area for this specific need. As a councilor I plan to work with them in any way I can to simplify the process and tackle them together. I hope to be a megaphone for issues such as this on our local level.

Grants Pass City Council – Rycke Brown, Ward 4

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A:

  Reform our city water and sewer rates so everyone can afford to water their yards and everyone pays the same charge for sewer, to restore the rainier weather we had before water rationing by price became common, stop fires from burning near our city, and stop people who live many to a house from paying more for sewer than singles and couples. Actively enforce our litter and weed codes, so trash is properly disposed of in landfills, and weeds don’t fuel fires in our city. Between these two issues, our city can be clean, green and beautiful again as it was in the ’80s.

• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Car charging stations in our public parking lots, as the County is planning in their new bus terminal.

• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: My main environmental justice issue is reforming water rates and sewer rates so lower income and middle class people can water just like those who have more disposable income, and so they don’t pay more than others for sewer because they have more people living together.

Roseburg City Council – Patrice Sipos, Position 2

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Clean Air – Less use of coal and gas powered vehicles  Sustainable gardening – less use of harmful chemicals
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Add additional charging locations and promote the use of electricity for car, and natural gas fireplaces on new and remodeled dwellings.   Hold classes hosted by the city on education for sustainable gardening and alternatives to harsh chemicals
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: First report to the proper authorities. Follow-up on the progress made to alleviate the issue. Research what is on the civil codes regarding the issue.  Speak to the council at a private meeting to address and bring to a public forum.

Jackson County Commissioner – Terrie Martin

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1) I believe that stopping the Jordan Cove pipeline is imperative, for both Oregon and Jackson County, where it would cross many bodies of water. How to manage the urban/rural interface in managing forest fires is another, since smoke and the threat of wildfires particularly hits Jackson County hard. Pushing back against the Timber Unity group, which wants to recall progressive legislators and replace them with candidates friendly to timber companies, is also important. As a County Commissioner I will be on record as opposing the Jordan Cove pipeline. 2) I will work with such groups as the Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative, with the primary goal to make forests more health and resilient over time. And I would work with SOCAN and other environmental leaders to create a Climate Action Plan for the county, including an audit of county energy and environmental practices, and a program to encourage solar and other renewable resources for all development. 
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: I think the county should do a complete energy audit of all buildings, fleet vehicles and daily practices. From that they can set new goals to save energy and meet a 2050 deadline and outline the steps to achieve those goals. The county also needs to make access to solar technology easier and less expensive for home and business owners, and require new residential and commercial developments to incorporate solar and energy-saving technology in all future projects. The county can also install charging stations – or help pay for charging stations – across the county. and begin educating residents on how to make their own plan to be operating on 100% clean energy by 2050. As far as public transportation goes, I’d encourage the Rogue Valley Transportation District to continue adding lines and schedules to make public transportation more accessible for residents. Create an education campaign to remind people that they can choose to drive less. Make sure the county fleet of vehicles is energy efficient and that county employees are aware of ways to carpool and cut back on unnecessary driving. I feel that Jackson County should lead by example. 
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Climate change is a threat multiplier, and communities that face greater economic and environmental risks will bear a disproportionate share of climate-related burdens. These same groups often have fewer resources and opportunities to plan for, and recover from, climate impacts. I believe that climate policy and social justice are deeply connected. Low-income neighborhoods have always been the site of polluting industries, and I would be alert to attempts to do that in low income neighborhoods in Jackson County. I would support a low-income rate class for energy utility customers. And I would support strong local labor standards that ensure good-paying renewable energy/energy efficiency jobs that stay in the community.  

Ashland City Council – Paula Hyatt, Seat 1

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: First, continue to pursue decreased emissions by embracing renewable energy sources and electrification. 1. Continue with Solar and Electric Vehicle Incentives 2. Increase the use of electric cars in our fleet vehicles 3. Community solar projects such as using municipal rooves as “Host Rooves” to co-op solar power for those with shaded properties or renters with no direct access. Second, decrease consumption through energy audits, increased energy efficiency, and use of lease versus buy analysis.  
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: 1. Continue support of Ashland’s residential energy audit and solar incentive programs. 2. Support electrification of municipal buildings, electric vehicles within our fleet, and transition away from natural gas. 3. Explore and implement regenerative economic opportunities where the waste bi-products of one process, can be transformed into a new product. For example, a community compost program, where food waste can be transformed into garden soils, and sold. Revenues received then help support environmental incentive programs.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Yes, renters and low-income residents have significantly less access to energy efficient solutions and clean energy technologies. Many climate action opportunities are tied to home ownership. We need to work to decouple this relationship. 1. Partner with landlords, and incentivize energy efficiency audits of rental properties, with the goal of decreasing consumption through energy efficient  homes. More efficiency also means lower utility bills for the renter. 2. Access to renewable energy through community solar programs.

Ashland City Council – Kelly Wilson Marcotulli, Seat 3

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: Climate change and water security are the most urgent challenges we face. These core issues exacerbate other problems like personal health, economic uncertainty, and racial injustice. Solutions to these challenges are for everyone, everywhere to get educated, educate others, and then to act concretely upon the information learned. We must stop the emission of toxins (5G / Roundup) into our environment with strong, common sense city ordinances. Prevention is worth a pound of cure.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: To facilitate the goal of 100% clean energy, I will work with experts who can offer innovative solutions, e.g. the hemp industry has the potential to provide Oregonians with many of the same goods produced by fossil fuels (single use plastics). Our dirty energy consumption would decrease if local residents and businesses alike reduced their consumption of carbon intensive products (big box stores). Supporting local growers and crafts-folk would improve our economy and our environment.Add additional charging locations and promote the use of electricity for car, and natural gas fireplaces on new and remodeled dwellings.   Hold classes hosted by the city on education for sustainable gardening and alternatives to harsh chemicals
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: There is no justification for environmental degradation.  All people, regardless of race, income, religion or gender have an inherent right to a healthy and safe planet.  As a Councilor, I will strive to protect all our citizens from any injustice to our habitat, as well as any threat to our futures.

Medford Mayor – Clay Bearnson

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: I would explore responsible development near the Wildland Urban Interface, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by city entities. These priorities could be achieved by code amendments and including green strategies in the planning of future city facilities. Above all priorities, we need to remove climate change from the political football field. Our policies must be based in science, not echo chambers.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: By encouraging the council to support policies/projects that reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Solar arrays on public buildings, transition public facilities to LED, Hybrid or electric fleets, increase public transportation options,  and public outreach campaigns to name a few.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: Absolutely! I would do what any responsible leader should do to address those issues, which is listening to scientists and sharing the information with the public without any suggested political bias.

Medford City Council – Sarah Spansail, Ward 1

• Q: What are your top two environmental priorities, and what steps do you plan to take to address them?
  A: 1. Healthy forests Increase funding to forestry restoration practice to reduce wildfire impact and maximize their potential to sink carbon. Improve community health and let the public see that healthy forests lead to a healthy economy. 2. Divestiture from fossil fuel infrastructure Prevent projects like the Jordan Cove Pipeline. Move to implement 100% renewable energy, in accordance with guidelines established by climate scientists.
• Q: How will you help lead your city/county/local jurisdiction toward 100% clean energy by 2050?
  A: Our community is projected to continue to dry out over the coming decades, especially if corporations continue to be let off the hook for their greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution. Enact the Clean Energy Action Plans of our neighboring cities, Ashland and Talent.  Work with community leaders to increase our resiliency and help our economy keep pace by promoting jobs in green technology.
• Q: Are you committed to actively identifying environmental justice issues in your community, and if so, what would you plan to do to address those issues?
  A: I am committed to identifying environmental justice issues. When taking action toward healthy forests, I will insist on extending equal access to the decision-making process to our region’s tribal leaders. I will solicit input from individuals, justice organizations, and advocacy groups in our community before making decisions that affect all people of Medford, especially since the city has a comparatively high poverty rate.