The petition to make Washington County an official Cool County has been collecting signatures particularly fast these past few days (we're now up to over 100 signatures).  Many people are leaving personalized comments for the Board of Commissioners on the petition, and I thought I post some of the most thought-provoking ones here - they are worth reading!  Words in brackets are mine, that I've added here.  And don't forget to ADD YOUR OWN COMMENTS to the petition.

Comments:

"As a Washington County resident, taxpayer and voter, I request that you endorse and pass the resolution supporting the Cool Counties Climate Stabilization Declaration. This is long term planning, and more important and critical than anything else on the County's agenda."  [Take that, those who contend the county has "other priorities" on which to spend taxpayer money!]        -Posted by Gail

"Washington County and its cities are currently working on a couple transportation initiatives (MSTIP and TIF), and have a huge opportunity to fight global warming simply by working to build roads and urban areas that promote walking, biking, transit, carpooling, or even driving more efficient vehicles. I urge you to consider the impacts of transportation on our environment and consider the implications for climate change. The county should also take every effort in other ways, like using and promoting renewable energy and sustainable development, to fight global warming."        - Posted by Peter

"Actions taken at the local level demonstrate to a slow-to-act national government that these are issues about which the citizenry is concerned and desire legislative action."      -Posted by Zachory

"Counties across the country such as Miami-Dade Florida, Cook County Illinois, and King County Washington, are stepping forward to join The Cool Counties Declaration, which sets a goal of a reduction in greenhouse emissions of 80% below current levels by the year 2050, an achievable average annual reduction of 2 percent. It is based in part on the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which has already been signed by Beaverton and Hillsboro."     -Posted by Luigi

"At Community Partners for Affordable Housing we are committed, individually, and as an organization, to reversing the damage being inflicted on our planet! We work to build and renovate in a sustainable way, and promote recycling and clean/green operations at our housing sites. We would like the County Commission to also play a leadership role."            -Posted by Sheila

"I believe that we should be working towards doing everything that we can to keep from harming our planet further and to also work towards reversing the damage that's already been done. We could start by only having one waste removal provider per neighborhood driving trucks that are environmentally friendly. In the time that it takes to remove the garbage and recyclables from my neighborhood right now since they come on both both Tuesdays and Wednesdays; they could service a small city. The whole issue of the amount of noise pollution exerted by these trucks is another issue that needs to be addressed. I believe the County Commission should have been playing a leadership role long ago."  [A great example of something specific the county could do to move forward]         -Posted by Anonymous

"Global warming is the single most important problem facing the human race. In the absence of concerted government action, taking action at the county level may seem more symbolic than practical. But it does more: it helps create a market that will encourage the development of the technologies that may well save the planet for my grandchildren."  [The good old, 'Economy won't survive without the environment' argument]        -Posted by Andrew  

These are just a few of the great things people are saying.  Now, if you haven't already, and if you live in Washington County, please SIGN THE PETITION TO THE BOARD YOURSELF!

-Nick