Rex Burkholder: Why I Am Voting Yes on Measure 88

Friday, October 31, 2014

Rex Burkholder, GoLocalPDX Guest MINDSETTER™

I could let this photo [right] speak for itself, but I feel compelled to offer my analysis of the debate surrounding the banner in this photo. I think I owe it to thoughtful Oregonians considering Measure 88, the Safe Roads Driver’s Card initiative.

Many Oregonians are dependent on cars to be able to get to work or even are required to drive as part of their job. It’s necessary that everyone who gets behind the wheel can prove the competence to drive safely. That’s the purpose of giving people driving tests and ensuring they physically can drive safely as well as understand the laws of the road. Having a valid drivers card is also required to get insurance, something I certainly want everyone behind the wheel to have.

Without the ability to get a drivers card, thousands of Oregonians will lose their jobs or have to drive illegally, without insurance. In my opinion, that’s reason enough to vote yes to retain the program overwhelmingly approved by the Oregon Legislature, when passed in May 2014 as the Safe Roads Act with strong (20 – 7) truly bipartisan support.

But it’s the overt racism of the opponents that really bothers me. The banner pictured above has shown up around the Portland area, displayed at rallies and on overpasses by the 'No on 88' crowd. The Oregon that I love and cherish cares for each of its residents. My neighbors are from all over the world, including me. My grandparents on my Mom’s side were economic refugees from Sweden, farmers who moved to Kansas when they faced starvation and ruin when their crops failed in the late 1800s. My Dad’s ancestors were Mennonites and fled religious prosecution, coming to America to be able to worship freely. I am insulted and angered by the anti-immigrant and racist tone of the 'No on 88' message.

Stand up to racism. Vote Yes on Measure 88.

Trained as a biologist, Rex Burkholder worked as a science teacher and in the Northwestern forests. He started the bicycling revolution in Portland, Ore., as a founder and policy director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. An early leader in sustainability and equity, Burkholder also cofounded the Coalition for a Livable Future, bringing together over 100 diverse NGOs in the greater Portland region. He was elected to the Metro Council in 2000, serving 12 years, during which he led efforts to reform regional transportation policy and to integrate climate change into the decisions of all levels of government in Oregon.

Banner Photo Credit: iStock