New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
(212) 361-6350, Ext. 206
For Immediate Release: January 15, 2019
Contact: Shachar Sharon, ssharon@nylcv.org
NYLCVEF Holds NYC Public Advocate Environmental Candidate Forum
Brooklyn, N.Y. – Nearly 250 New Yorkers today attended the first environmental candidate forum for the New York City Public Advocate special election hosted by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) at Brooklyn Law School and moderated by Politico’s Gloria Pazmino. Participating candidates included Assemblyman Michael Blake, David Eisenbach, Councilman Rafael Espinal, Ifeoma Ike, Walter Iwachiw, Nomiki Konst, Jared Rich, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez, Dawn Smalls, Councilman Eric Ulrich, Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, Councilman Jumaane Williams, Benjamin Yee, and Michael Zumbluskas.
The Public Advocate has the potential to serve as an environmental champion in city government. Former Public Advocate Letitia James made environmental and public health issues high priorities including raising awareness of issues with lead poisoning and organic food waste collection. As the first in line to succeed the Mayor, the Public Advocate is responsible for amplifying the voices of the people of NYC and serving as the direct link between the electorate and city government.
The candidates answered questions including how the City can meet its 80 by 50 climate goals, lead poisoning prevention, reducing waste, and sustainable transportation policy, including congestion pricing.
New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund President Julie Tighe said, “Climate change is the most urgent environmental issue of our time – yet the environment often gets short shrift by politicians. Issues like lead exposure and the state of the transit system are everyday issues for New York families, yet, all too often, questions on the environment are not raised on the campaign trail or in general debates. This is particularly true during a special election like this one, where the campaign season is short and turnout can be very low. We held this forum to ensure the environment is top of mind for candidates and voters. We are grateful for all the candidates who participated in the forum, Brooklyn Law School for hosting us, our partners, sponsors, and all of tonight’s attendees.”
Event partners included: Environmental Defense Fund • Natural Areas Conservancy • Natural Resources Defense Council • New Yorkers for Parks • North Brooklyn Parks Alliance • Regional Plan Association • Riders Alliance • S.W.I.M. Coalition • Transportation Alternatives • Tri-State Transportation Campaign • Urban Green Council • Waterfront Alliance • WE ACT for Environmental Justice
The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund engages and educates New Yorkers on environmental issues and the environmental decision-making processes at the local, regional, state and federal government levels. NYLCVEF fosters open, nonpartisan discussion on environmental policy and empowers New Yorkers to be effective advocates on behalf of the environment. Visit www.nylcvef.org for more information.
###