Copyright The Oregonian
As a Portland firefighter and president of the Portland Fire Fighters’ Association, I know firsthand how critical it is to reduce wildfire risk before disaster strikes. That’s why I strongly support the Portland Parks levy on the ballot this November; this is also why our union has proudly endorsed it. With summers becoming hotter and drier every year, Portland’s parks and natural areas are becoming more vulnerable to the same kind of catastrophic wildfires that devastated Los Angeles earlier this year. This levy provides essential funding for brush clearing, trail maintenance and tree care. These are practical, proactive and effective steps that help prevent fires from starting and spreading. As firefighters, we’re trained to respond when danger strikes – but we also know that one of the most effective ways to protect our community is through prevention. Fire prevention isn’t just about fighting flames. Prevention helps us protect lives, homes and the natural spaces that we all cherish. The parks levy gives our city the tools it needs to do just that, while also keeping parks clean, safe, and accessible for everyone. Measure 26-260 is a smart investment in public safety, and in the health of the parks and natural areas that make Portland a special place to live, work, and play. Let’s give our city the resources we need to reduce wildfire risk before it becomes a crisis. Please join me in voting yes on Measure 26-260 this November. Isaac McLennan, Portland McLennan is president of Portland Fire Fighters’ Association, IAFF Local 43.
