Brookhaven Supervisor Brian FoleyYonkers Mayor Phil Amicone, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian Foley and Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton each faced significant challenges when they took office. Whether the hurdles were political or economic in nature, the obstacles could easily have overshadowed their first-term agendas.

But in fact, all three set the foundation for environmental progress, and are now poised to take their sustainability and climate action agendas to the next level. That's why Amicone, Stratton and Foley have earned NYLCV's endorsement in their quest for second terms.

In Brookhaven, Supervisor Foley accelerated the purchase of open space, formed a Clean Energy Task Force and Action Plan, and worked to protect drinking water during his first two years.

His second-term environmental plan includes more energy-efficient vehicle use and green power for Town Hall. In addition, Foley has vowed to advance the town's comprehensive master plan to promote smart growth principles.

Schenectady Mayor Brian StrattonMayor Stratton has proven to be an effective environmental leader for Schenectady during his first four years. Last year, he signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, committing to reduce carbon emissions in cities below 1990 levels, in line with the United Nations Kyoto Protocol. In addition, he approved a citywide Energy Efficiency Performance contract intended to save money and polluting emissions.

A major focus of his next term will be the implementation of the following tasks that are included in the city's Comprehensive Plan (the first since 1971) and will be adopted in December 2007:

• Work cooperatively to evaluate and promote the use of alternative energy sources as part of new development initiatives;
• Consider creating incentives for developers to increase use of carbon neutral energy including solar, wind and other energy sources; and
  
• Provide design assistance and incentives to encourage green building, energy efficiency and universal design.

Read more about Stratton's environmental plans here.

Yonkers Mayor Phil AmiconeMayor Amicone has made the reclamation and restoration of Yonkers' three great waterways - the Hudson, Saw Mill and Bronx Rivers - a top priority, reversing decades of neglect, pollution and lack of public access. Other notable environmental accomplishments of his administration include the establishment of a Green Policy Task Force, the creation of an Urban Green Space Initiative and Yonkers' admittance to the U.S. Mayors Against Climate Change and Cities for Climate Protection coalitions.

In his second-term agenda, Amicone has vowed to establish a new Green Buildings Policy for development in the downtown area, and commission an energy and greenhouse gas inventory to help reduce energy consumption and pollution.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- October 2007