http://www.portlandtribune.com/opinion/index.php Portland and surrounding area community news and information http://www.portlandtribune.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=123076251174641300 As Rob Drake ends 16 years of service as mayor of Beaverton this week, everyone – even his critics – should take time to note Drake’s accomplishments and say thank you. Drake’s tenure in City Hall – which began with him serving six years as a city councilor – ... http://www.portlandtribune.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=123076205037156700 The week of Dec. 12 was packed with snow. I had no school for a whole week. Although that was enjoyable, I was a little concerned even though I’m an eighth-grader. It is not right for the city, county, and state governments that control the thoroughfares and streets to abdicate their duty ... http://www.portlandtribune.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=123067895238608000 “Fortune is guiding our affairs better than we ourselves could have wished,” Don Quixote boasted as he tilted toward windmills. Fortune could be our misfortune if more Oregon citizens aren’t conscripted as soldiers for clean energy. The Renewable Portfolio Standard, or RPS, is ... http://www.portlandtribune.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=123067897399396700 Hooray for Sharon White, the city’s traffic-safety program specialist (Inattentive drivers make for cross walkers, Dec. 11). In your picture of her, she sports a bright red jacket and light-colored slacks. Hopefully she – and I – are setting a new fashion trend for ... http://www.portlandtribune.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=123067899474200100 With the advent of a New Year, all things seem possible – if ever so briefly. While there’s still time to dream, here are some of our hopes and wishes for the year just beginning: • For TriMet: the opportunity – just once – to prove that it can get people from Point A to B ...