Mass transit, water quality and waterfront development have long been important issues in the five boroughs, but never more so than now. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority recently approved its "doomsday" budget that includes fare hikes and service cuts. At the same time, development has brought widespread changes to New York's waterfront- but who is making sure the changes are good ones?

New York City's elected officials play an important role in deciding these issues. That's why the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is launching a nonpartisan voter outreach campaign in at least two areas where there will be special elections this winter. Those elections will determine who succeeds Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens) and Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island) in the City Council. Should the Bronx Borough President's seat also open up - as is widely expected - NYLCVEF will be active in that borough as well.

The nonpartisan campaign will position mass transit funding, water quality and waterfront development as key voting issues in those areas. Mass transit is of critical importance in Queens and the Bronx, where bus and subway options are limited. On Staten Island, waterfront development and water quality are growing concerns as the future of the North Shore is discussed. All three issues are integral to PlaNYC, New York City's master sustainability plan.

Through a robust set of outreach activities, NYLCVEF will encourage voters to learn about the candidates and their positions on sustainability, and then cast their votes based on their findings.

We are also partnering with local organizations to set up candidate forums for the special elections. In the coming weeks, we will launch the campaign's Web component, mail to voters in the districts and contact them by phone. In addition, NYLCVEF will help our community partners build capacity so they can continue to raise awareness around the issues of urban sustainability long after the special elections.

- Dan Hendrick

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- April 2007