2014 Year in Review
December 23, 2014
2014 was marked by steady progress on many fronts.
My team continued the hard work of strengthening oversight and accountability at the Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services.
We launched a Blue Ribbon Commission headed by former U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton, and they delivered a blueprint for meaningful reform. And we formalized a unique, independent role for the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon.
I was pleased to support a balanced budget that invests in strong neighborhoods and small businesses, protects our safety net services, supports older adults and youth, and builds strong partnerships.
We grieved the loss of visionary parks leader, Charles Jordan; beloved former governor, Vic Atiyeh; local jazz legend, Linda Hornbuckle; and a colleague’s spouse, Dr. Steven Fritz.
Voters, by large margins, rejected a deeply flawed proposed takeover of our public utilities, and supported a $67 million Parks bond measure.
After a long struggle, Oregon finally achieved marriage equality!
Through it all, I have never been prouder of the men and women who work in my bureaus and serve our city every day.
I'd like to share some of my favorite highlights from the year:
Unsung Hero
Dan Weidinger, the Water Bureau's "Lone Ranger" assigned to patrol the Bull Run Watershed. This year, I prioritized funding to add a second full-time ranger, which will help us protect our precious resource.
Most Inspiring Moment
Judging the We The People competition, and celebrating the hard work and passion of the next generation of civic leaders.
Unsung Hero II
World War I hero and "Harlem Hellfighter" Sgt. Henry Johnson. After nearly a century, Congress passed a bill to award Sgt. Johnson the Medal of Honor. The only thing left that's needed to right this wrong is the President's signature.
As always, it is an honor to serve you on the City Council—and to work with so many inspiring people across our community.
Thanks for all that you do to make our city a better place.