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CLF response to Willamette Week on Measure 26-80

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Two weeks ago the Willamette Week made the bizarre move of NOT endorsing Measure 26-80, the natural areas, parks and streams measure. Here is CLF's response that never got printed.

The latest issue of Willamette Week misses the mark on Measure 26-80. The Coalition for a Livable Future urges a yes vote on 26-80 - it's a wise investment in the long-term health and vitality of our region and the legacy we leave our children. The WW's reasons for not endorsing 26-80 - Money; Some of the land is outside the UGB; and "Send a message to Metro" – just don't hold up to scrutiny.

First, the bond will cost property owners less than $3/month on average. Most Portlanders spend that amount in a single day to feed their need for caffeine. Put in that context, Measure 26-80 is a bargain.

Second, the initiative targets resources based on an ecological view of the landscape by a group of scientists, not whether or not they fall within the current UGB. In addition, we should be praising Metro's far-sighted view to purchase this land before these areas are developed and while the price is affordable. We know both the present and future residents of these areas certainly will.

The third reason is truly an interesting one. Metro is the only government entity that comes close to reflecting the reality of how we live in greater Portland in the 21st century. We don't live strictly within cities or counties. Instead, we live, work, shop and play across the entire metropolitan region. It is short-sighted to suggest that Metro's scope of work should not include planning for two very basic elements of what makes our region and communities work - housing and health care facilities. We have a regional housing market and a regional health care market – which have very real regional land use and transportation impacts. If you live in one city and work in another, you either drive or take transit to get there. The same holds true when visiting doctors and other health care providers.

If we want to send a message to Metro, we should send one that says we demand regional planning and investment that creates whole communities - places where we can work, shop, go to school and play nearby home. Voting yes on Measure 26-80 is a great way to start.

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