Mayor should’ve signed ordinance

Regarding the Aug. 4 article, “Condon touts progress on environmental policies, chooses not to sign climate change ordinance”:

By codifying the ambitious goals originally set forth in the 2009 Sustainability Action Plan, Mayor David Condon could have sent a clear message that Spokane is determined to do what it takes to become a regional leader in advancing forward-looking environmental policies.

Regarding the Aug. 4 article, “Condon touts progress on environmental policies, chooses not to sign climate change ordinance”:

By codifying the ambitious goals set forth in the 2009 Sustainability Action Plan, Mayor Condon could have sent a clear message that Spokane is determined to do what it takes to become a regional leader in advancing forward-looking environmental policies.

I applaud the systems-thinking approach demonstrated by the mayor’s office in mitigating harm and actively seeking ways to improve environmental health. These projects will improve the community’s quality of life, particularly with the sewers, streets and trail work that will continue to enhance downtown and surrounding area for years to come.

That same determination from the mayor’s office needs to be applied to broader environmental goals. Mayor Condon chose not to sign the ordinance, stating uncertain finances as the given reason, but major projects in the past have secured funding through green bonds and state and federal grants. Failing to make the right choice in this situation seems to be more a matter of values and political will.

The mayor’s hesitance to do what it takes to progress even further is frustrating at best and, at worst, troubling.

Michael Johnson

Spokane