A step in a truly sunny direction

It looks to us as if the city of Portland is not only shopping locally but shopping wisely.

Solar power technology has been around for decades, but consumers have been slow to adopt it.

Now, with the latest efficiencies and advances in technology, that seems to have changed.

Mayor Hosier, the Portland City Council, and the Board of Works have embarked on a program to install solar heat at city hall and the fire station.

That might have qualified as boldly visionary back in 1974, but it still strikes us as a step in the right direction.

A cautious step, perhaps, but toward a greener, more environmentally friendly city infrastructure.

Two groups will be watching the project particularly closely: The skeptics who will still complain that solar is oversold and the enthusiasts who will want to expand solar technology to other city buildings.

There is a third group, of course, who will make the final call. That's the taxpayers.

If the return on investment is as promised, they'll want more of the same; if it falls short, they'll want to re-examine the numbers.

In a few years, they should have their answers. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]