We are in the homestretch of the 2007 general elections - meaning NYLCV's six-figure campaign to promote three pro-environment candidates is working overtime.

Our first mailer for Yonkers Mayor Phil AmiconeMailboxes in Yonkers, Schenectady and Brookhaven will be filled today and tomorrow with NYLCV's second mail piece, which touts the environmental bona fides of Mayor Phil Amicone, Mayor Brian Stratton and Supervisor Brian Foley, respectively. Our phone banks will be springing into action over the next few days to get out the vote, followed by thousands of targeted email messages to reinforce our message. And you can't miss our highly visible Web ad campaign on sites like Newsday, the Daily Politics, the Times Union and the Journal News.

Part of our Web ad for Brookhaven Supervisor Brian FoleyAs voters get the details on the candidates' environmental platforms, www.nylcv.org is seeing more traffic than ever before. Voters are learning why Mayor Amicone earned our endorsement (i.e., his ability to balance environmental protection with economic growth and bold plan to revive the Hudson, Bronx and Saw Mill River waterfronts). They are getting the details on Supervisor Foley's plans to use new resources from the Community Preservation Fund to protect thousands of acres of dwindling open space in Brookhaven. And they are learning about Mayor Stratton's impressive efforts to "green" Schenectady with new green building incentives and energy-efficiency improvements.

Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton with NYLCV Executive Director Marcia Bystryn at our endorsement announcementThat means that our 2007 political campaign -- which has included polling, a media blitz, more direct mail, e-mails and phone calls -- is working. With the generous help of NYLCV's supporters, we are demonstrating that the environment is no longer a boutique issue, and that issues like clean water, clean air and smart growth are at the top of voters' agendas. We are demonstrating that the voters want action on the local level to fight climate change and redevelop brownfields. And, by putting our money where our mouths are, we are proving a force to be reckoned with, and that candidates ignore environmental issues at their peril.

NYLCV's 2007 political campaign is getting noticed from the East End to Central New York. That's a great thing, because this year will set the stage for 2008, when both federal and state elections will be on everyone's mind. All of this year's momentum is building toward next year, when the environment is expected to be a top campaign and legislative issue.

To those who have donated to our 2007 campaign - we thank you very much. For those who have yet to make a contribution, please do so today. Every penny you contribute to the NYLCV Action Fund goes directly toward electing pro-environment politicians. With your help, we can show that the time for talk about improving the environment is over, and that the time for action is NOW.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- November 2007 --- Election Issue