I have been working as a volunteer alongside my friends and neighbors in South Portland to encourage voters to cast their ballot for the Waterfront Protection Ordinance on Nov. 5. There are few times in life a “regular person” can make a significant impact in their community, but Nov. 5 is an opportunity for us to protect not only South Portland but a large portion of the Northeast region of the United States. A vote for the ordinance will protect us from the threat of tar sands and the pollution from what is known as the dirtiest fuel on earth.

Hundreds of volunteers have worked alongside me putting their “regular” lives aside to contact voters and tell them about what’s at stake in this election. When I ask volunteers why they help their answers vary: Clean air and clean water, their children and grandchildren, the environment, property values, the list goes on.

We have made international news because the issue of oil corporations pushing tar sands to refineries for profit is happening all over the world, and we are the first town to stop them.

Believe in the dedication of your neighbors who have put themselves up against the biggest, richest corporation on earth. Use your vote wisely on Nov. 5 and vote for the future of our city and the health and well-being of the residents who live here.

Crystal Goodrich

Canvass Coordinator,

Protect South Portland