Nassau County faces a host of environmental and quality-of-life challenges, from shrinking drinking water sources to brownfield sites and disappearing open space. Fortunately, there are political candidates -- 14 of them, to be exact -- who have promised to roll their sleeves up and chart a greener course for villages, towns and the county as a whole. That's why they have earned NYLCV's seal of approval for 2007.
Legislator Ed Mangano, center, was among our honorees at our Champions for A Greener Nassau reception.Our endorsements for Nassau County Legislature include Richard Nicolello, [1] a key supporter of renewable energy use and open space funding, and Edward Mangano [2] who has worked hard to clean up toxic sites including the former Grumman property in Bethpage. We also endorse Jeffrey Toback [3], who was instrumental in the creation of open space funding and the passage of green building legislation.
Among our other endorsees for county Legislature is Denise Ford, [4] who is pushing to make all new county facilities environmentally sustainable. Judi Bosworth [5] served on the Great Neck Board of Education and implemented a host of environmentally friendly policies -- which she is determined to bring to the county level. Dave Mejias [6] has also shown he is a big supporter of clean, efficient vehicles and green power, having authored and voted for a number of financial and tax incentives that support renewable energy.
Rounding out our list of county Legislature endorsements are Peter Schmitt [7], Norma Gonsalves, [8]Francis Becker [9], Wayne Wink [10] and Judy Jacobs. [11] Jacobs, the presiding officer, has championed the closure of landfills, preserved open space and been a leader in brownfield reuse.
Hempstead Supervisor Kate MurrayOur town supervisor endorsements include Jon Kaiman [12] of North Hempstead and John [13] Venditto [14] of Oyster Bay, as each has demonstrated his commitment to environmental issues. One of Venditto’s major accomplishments was creating an environmental fund to finance projects such as open space preservation. Kaiman earned our endorsement based on his outstanding record of habitat restoration and solid waste policies. Kaiman actually helped initiated the first e–waste recycling program on Long Island!
In addition, Kate Murray [15] has earned our endorsement for Hempstead supervisor. She has been a major advocate for renewable energy and responsible waste disposal in her town, which boasts a recycling rate of 79 percent -- 29 percent above the national average. If re-elected, she plans to make the town's sanitation fleet more fuel efficient, among other initiatives.
Chances are that if you live in Nassau County, one or more of our endorses represent your town. So be sure to cast your ballot for Nassau's environment by supporting our Eco-Slate on Nov. 6.