New York League of Conservation Voters
(212) 361-6350, Ext. 206
For Immediate Release: October 25, 2019
Contact: Shachar Sharon
NYLCV Endorses Pro-Environment Candidates In Westchester
New York, N.Y. – The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, endorsed 15 pro-environment candidates running for county and municipal positions in Westchester.
The endorsements were made by the State Board on the recommendations of the Westchester Chapter using responses to the NYLCV questionnaire that highlights environmental issues. The questionnaire includes questions regarding climate change, public health, clean water, and the conservation of land. This year, the organization made commitments to become a certified Climate Smart Community a key factor in endorsement decisions to ensure that municipalities are prepared to do their part to help the state achieve the ambitious climate and clean energy mandates set in the recently passed Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “As the White House continues to roll back environmental protections, local leadership is more important than ever. One of the most important ways that everyday New Yorkers can send a signal that they care about the environment is through their choice at the ballot box. Our endorsed candidates have been working to protect our natural resources, improve air quality, and make their communities more resilient. We urge voters to use our endorsement as a seal of approval for an outstanding environmental record and support them in their upcoming elections this fall.”
The full list of endorsed candidates can be found here.
Highlighted endorsed candidates include:
Noah Bramson for Mayor of New Rochelle
Since taking office in 2006, Mayor Bramson has been critical in promoting sustainability initiatives in New Rochelle. He has helped draft New Rochelle’s first sustainability initiative, increased energy efficiency in public buildings, launched Westchester’s first bike share program, and has protected 800 acres of open space from development. Mayor Bramson pledged to continue ongoing environmental efforts as well as working to make New Rochelle a certified Climate Smart Community.
Matt Slater for Yorktown Supervisor
As a Charter Member of Yorktown’s Energy Advisory Committee, Matt Slater helped secure $500,000 for the Croton Grassland Meadow restoration, allocated $1.84 million to preserve the oldest working farm in Westchester, and supported legislation that expanded the inland waterway program. Matt Slater also pledged to achieve Climate Smart Community certification and with that pledge, Yorktown is poised to be a model that other towns can follow in our fight against climate change.
Mike Spano for Mayor of Yonkers
Since taking office in 2011, Mayor Spano has been involved in creating an energy action plan for the city, created an Office of Sustainability, increased energy efficiency, expanded open space through adjacent parcels, reduced styrofoam in public schools, and has brought a very successful bike share program to Yonkers. He is committed to continuing to pursue green initiatives including helping Yonkers become a certified Climate Smart Community.
The New York League of Conservation Voters is the only non-partisan, statewide environmental organization in New York that takes a pragmatic approach to fighting for clean water, healthy air, renewable energy, and open space. For more information, visit www.nylcv.org.
###