Four days ago, I sent emails to the Mayors of Hillsboro and Beaverton - the two largest cities in Washington County - asking them to contact the Washington County Board of Commissioners, and express support for this becoming a Cool County.  Both Hillsboro and Beaverton are already Cool Cities; it would be very valuable for the county commissioners to hear about why these local governments chose to participate in the city-level part of the movement that the county must now join.  I'm happy to say that Mayor Rob Drake, of Beaverton, was quick in responding to my message, and agreed to speak with Chairman Tom Brian, of the County Board of Commissioners, about reducing global warming pollutants. 

Mayor Drake states that the City of Beaverton is "proud of supporting the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement [which it endorsed in order to become a Cool City] and the work we'll do to achieve positive results toward a more sustainable community."  The city governments of both Beaverton and Hillsboro are on the right track, in looking for ways that they can cut back on global warming pollutants from their area; however, the county must get involved, too.  Once Washington County has agreed to go "Cool," Beaverton, Hillsboro, and the county government will be able to work together to make a real difference to our planet.

If you want to support the campaign to make Washington County a Cool County, please sign the brand-new petition to the Board of Commissioners.  The Board needs to hear from ordinary people who care about the environment; make your voice matter.