The following article is from the April 2007 issue of

[1]

Over the past few months, Hudson Valley County leaders have been laying out their visions for the present year via their annual state of the county addresses. These addresses, while not action plans per se, provide an indication of where the environment ranks on their overall agendas. The reviews are mixed, ranging from major pronouncements to not even a peep. Here's a rundown for you:

First out of the gate was Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus (R), who in January delivered his 16th annual state of the county address [2]. In it, he boldly urged government and business to "think green." Here are his precise words: "As your county executive, I am using this occasion to say, business as usual is no longer acceptable. We need to change as individuals and families. We need to change as businesses and governments. We all need to think green. Today my challenge and invitation to all is to join the Dutchess County Green Team." His address included a seven-step "sustainability greener" [3] strategy.

Chairman Christopher A. Cunningham (D) of the Sullivan County Legislature (the county does not have an executive) hit upon two major issues [4]impacting the region: flooding and the NYRI project. (The NYRI project is a proposed high-voltage power line that was slated to come directly through Sullivan County from upstate New York and will require the clear-cutting of more than 3700 acres of land.) Also of note was his slew of economic development initiatives. They include the exploration by the county's Industrial Development Agency of energy efficient and green technology requirements for new businesses, and the creation of a Green Technology Park on the Sullivan County Community College campus.

Next was Orange County Executive Edward Diana (R), who in his March 1 annual address [5] touched upon environmental issues, though he failed to lay out a big picture vision. Under an initiative he called "preserving our quality of life," Diana addressed the following items: preservation of open space and scenic vistas, planning for future demands, and building upon the county parks system.

A few days later on March 6, fellow republican Rockland County Executive (and former candidate for Lieutenant Governor) C. Scott Vanderhoef used his state of the county address [6] to outline his green vision. He took a unique approach, calling for the creation of a new comprehensive plan and a blueprint for land-use development and preservation of towns and villages. Vanderhoef said that a new plan would have to address our water needs, drainage concerns, the potential impact from a new Tappan Zee Bridge, and a corridor expansion of Interstate 287. Also mentioned were air quality concerns from diesel engines, preserving open space, and ferry service.

Sadly, Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi (R) did not address his environmental protection agenda in his March 14 state of the county address [7]. The same is true for David B. Donaldson (D), chairman of the Ulster County Legislature (like Sullivan County, it has no executive) in his January 3 annual address [8].