Proof that sustainability leads to a higher quality of life

NEW YORK --- The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, has announced its endorsement of Andy Spano for re-election as Westchester County Executive.

County Executive Spano has an extensive record of environmental progress. Under his leadership, Westchester County has acquired over 2,000 acres of open space since 1998. He created the Legacy Program, a five-year, $50 million commitment to facilitate the continued acquisition of open space, create recreational facilities and protect drinking water and sensitive habitats. The county has also expanded its recycling facilities and put greater emphasis on eliminating household chemicals, computer products and mercury from the municipal waste stream. Most significantly, County Executive Spano's Task Force on Global Warming produced the Westchester Action Plan, a comprehensive set of specific recommendations that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save taxpayer dollars over the long term.

"Westchester County needs elected leaders who can meet today's environmental challenges and lay the foundation for a cleaner, greener future," said Nanette Bourne, chair of the New York League of Conservation Voters' Westchester Chapter. "Time and time again, County Executive Spano has demonstrated the link between environmental sustainability and a higher quality of life for all Westchester residents. Because of his track record and well-defined plan for future progress, we are proud to endorse County Executive Spano for re-election."

In response to the endorsement, County Executive Spano said: "Keeping Westchester a wonderful place to live requires smart and sustainable stewardship of our environment. It has been my administration's priority to protect Westchester's natural beauty and preserve its open space. I welcome the endorsement of the NYLCV as we continue to work towards our shared goal of a cleaner, healthier and sustainable Westchester County and New York State."

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The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State.