You wouldn't think that big national issues like climate change or income inequality would have much place in a Village election -- except maybe symbolically. We know that these issues affect us; Hurricane Irene and Hurricane Sandy brought that home painfully. And literally. But we often feel like there's nothing we can do about them here.
As an environmental scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency, I know better. I work with municipalities all over the country to reduce waste and increase recycling and re-use. As part of a national effort, New Paltz was chosen as one of a handful of communities for a pilot program called, "Zero Waste Communities". We are working with local volunteers to design a waste reduction program that can be used other places; in other words, we chose New Paltz as one of our laboratories to make those connections between global issues and local action.
As a mother of two and Village homeowner, I vote for candidates who can make the same kinds of connections. I know Don Kerr and Rebecca Rotzler will keep their eyes on the big picture, even while handling the routine issues that come up in the Village. Their experience and vision give them the tools to identify ways we can all work together to do our part,whether its clean energy, clean water, a sustainable economy, transparent, inclusive government or making New Paltz a Zero Waste Community. I also want elected officials who are working to improve our community in particular; whether its more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly streets, protection of our historic places or creating more mixed-use, high-density, walkable neighborhoods. Only Don Kerr and Rebecca Rotzler have the right combination of vision and track record to do both. Please join me in writing them in on May 7th.
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