Down The Sewer Pipe – Politically Speaking

A reader made some comments about comparing Portland Oregon with Redmond Oregon.  Portland sits in a hole while Redmond sits on a flat plain.  Redmond receives more sun more times of he year.

As this relates to solar power there are some valid points.  The reason I use Friday Harbor Washington as an example is because I served on that Town’s council for eight years.  I helped create laws, make tough decisions, and provide leadership.  As opposed to enacting my own agenda at every one else’s expense.

This is how I know Sam Adams is a good politician with, in my opinion, real bad ideas. However, I used Redmond as an example because of a law that they have.

This law has nothing to do with providing solar power as such, but it does have that effect.  Redmond Oregon has a law that limits how much sunlight can be taken away from streets.  This affects the placement and size of houses and businesses.  Setbacks are required because the sun must reach the street.

Redmond found out log ago that the sun would keep the streets clear of ice and snow cheaper than snow removal equipment.  The added benefit is, that houses have the most available sunlight during the better part of the day.

In simple terms this means that the neighbors house will not block your solar panel and visa versa.  Contrast this with Portland Oregon and the difference not only real but striking. 

Striking, because Portland Oregon says that they are the leader in the “Green” movement.  But as we have seen Portland allows other parcels to block the sunlight from both roads and parcels.  In a word, the Portland City council lies, plain and simple.

Sherman