John,

As one Peaks Island resident put it last night, transitioning rental golf carts from gas to electric is not only “...about quality of life,” it’s also about being more sustainable. 

That’s why, as chair of the Sustainability and Transportation Committee, I was proud to work with my colleagues Councilors Belinda Ray and Jill Duson, island residents, and city staff to craft a proposal to reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions while also improving safety standards. 

Like many places throughout Portland, Peaks Island has become a destination for many tourists - which brings with it pedestrian and vehicular traffic.  Due to this demand to visit Peaks Island, gas-powered rental golf carts are in constant use by visitors exploring the island - raising concerns about safety, noise pollution, and carbon emissions.

Last night, Peaks Island residents set an example of how we can reduce carbon emissions by starting the transition away from gas-powered golf carts in 2020.

I am so proud of my colleagues, city staff, and the residents who brought this issue before the Sustainability and Transportation Committee and so proud of the work we did to get this passed at the City Council meeting last night. 

It’s easy to talk about getting “results” and bringing people together to get things done, but it's another thing to actually govern.  In my four years on the Council, I have demonstrated that I can work with others and as your next Mayor, I’ll bring my skills and experience to deliver real results for the people of Portland. 

—Spencer