Siltronic Contributes $20,000 to Water Initiative

TOM FAHEY: He says Siltronic won't run the proposed Portland Public Water District. "I can't see how any one entity," he says, "whether it be private businesses or unions or anybody, could control this."

As WW reported today, Portlanders for Water Reform, the business-backed group that wants to take over the city's water bureau, is looking to make substantial changes to how Portland addresses stormwater run-off.

Currently, the city bureau plants trees, builds bioswales and spends money on the Portland Harbor Superfund investigation. Proponents of an independent bureau have questioned such expenditures—and have sued the city over them.

One of the chief backers of the initiative is Siltronic, the German silicon wafer maker that operates a Northwest Portland factory.

Today, Portlanders for Water Reform reported a $20,000 contribution from Siltronic, bringing the group's total raised this year to $107,000. 

Siltronic vice president Tom Fahey explained his company's position in an August interview with WW.

WWeek 2015

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