Agenda Item - 2022-01-18 - Number 4. - Statement from Mayor Buck From: Buck,Joe
To: Linder,Kari
Subject: Statement to print
Date: Tuesday,January 18,2022 2:28:11 PM
In November 2021,the electors of Lake Oswego passed Measure 3-568. This Measure
amends our City Charter to provide additional protections to natural areas throughout
the City. Protecting our natural area parks and the overall enhancement of the
ecosystem is a top priority for our City- as evidenced by our Climate Action Plan,the
number of residents engaged in community-based environmental advocacy groups, our
City investments in the enhancement and preservation of natural areas and by the
passage of Measure 3-568 itself.
While Measure 3-568 is not without critics,the fact remains the voters spoke. Our
collective ability to have our voices heard through our vote is of paramount importance
to the functioning of our democratic system. I value each person who participated in the
process. Many residents gave their time, energy and talent to advocate for what they
wholeheartedly felt was in the best interest of the community. We are neighbors,not
enemies and our community dynamic is not as polarized or disparate as the process of
elections tends to engender. Selecting yes or no on a ballot does not properly reflect the
spectrum of beliefs and perspectives we hold as residents. Those dynamics only
coalesce through dialogue,understanding and open care. My hope, as always, is that we
see issues before us through the neighborly lens,thinking of broad community benefits
over individual impacts.
The City Council recently studied potential impacts from the Charter change brought
about by Measure 3-568. Concerns of our ability to maintain,repair or replace critical
infrastructure or safety issues are undoubtedly important to every resident. Yet, it will
take time to fully understand what the true impacts are. It is important we sit with the
results of the Charter amendment before any potential future consideration. It is also a
distinct possibility no future consideration will prove necessary. Therefore, given the
importance of the passage of this measure and the voices of its supporters, I will not
bring forward to the Council agenda any consideration of changes or modification to
the charter amendment in the year to come.
Let us move our energies forward in partnership to continue making Lake Oswego even
better tomorrow than it is today.
Joe Buck I Mayor(he/him)
City of Lake Oswego
PO Box 369 1380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego OR 97034
M: 503-713-1070
0: 503-635-0215
Sent from my iPad