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2013 Environmental Questionnaire for Candidates in Westchester County

The New York League of Conservation Voters is the only non-partisan statewide environmental organization in New York that uses the power of its endorsement to elect environmental leaders committed to fighting for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and open space protections. We're unique because we:

Educate decision makers and the public about a broad range of critical issues as defined by our partners Evaluate the performance of elected officials Endorse and Elect by advocating for the passage of laws and the election of candidates

Process This questionnaire is designed to elicit your commitment to and ideas on addressing the important environmental issues facing the residents of Westchester County. Responses should be considered public. Although we may choose not to publicize responses to every question, verbatim responses may be reproduced and distributed publicly. If so, your responses may be shortened, if necessary, but will not be edited in substantive ways. If you choose to refer us to a position paper or Web site, please indicate exactly what text you would like us to cite. For candidates choosing not to respond to the questionnaire, we will note as much in our public materials. After receipt of your completed questionnaire, you may be invited to participate in a formal interview with our Chapter Board. The interview will provide you with an opportunity to present your credentials, elaborate on your questionnaire responses, and respond to questions.

Questionnaires are due May 31 The completed questionnaire is mandatory for endorsement consideration and must be submitted via e-mail
as a PDF or Microsoft Word file to: politics@nylcv.org

Questions or extension requests may be directed to Joshua Klainberg (jklainberg@nylcv.org)

PERSONAL INITIATIVES 1. Please share with us accomplishments or experiences that indicate your commitment to advancing an agenda that promotes environmental protection, sustainable development and a clean -energy future. These experiences may be professional or personal. Environmental protection, sustainable development, and a clean-energy future have always been important values for me personally, and I have pursued them as core professional goals ever since being elected to serve on the New Rochelle City Council in 1996. As Mayor, I spearheaded a successful effort to draft New Rochelles first Sustainability Plan, GreeNR (available at http://www.newrochelleny.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/2054), which sets goals for the next twenty years and beyond, and I have played a leadership role in environmental initiatives related to air and water quality, transit-oriented development, transportation, urban forestry, and renewable and efficient energy. I have been pleased to work together with members of the League of Conservation Voters, as well as with major planning organizations such as RPA, ICLEI, and the New York-Connecticut Sustainable Communities Consortium. As Mayor of a city with roughly 77,000 residents, as a lifelong Westchester resident, and as a father, I recognize that a strong commitment to sustainable practices, environmental protection, and clean energy is imperative to ensuring our continued high quality of life as well as that of future generations. As County Executive, I will be proactive and determined in advancing these goals.

SUSTAINABILY AGENDA FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS NYLCV is calling upon all candidates to accelerate the momentum around sustainable development in Westchester County and its municipalities by creating and implementing a sustainability agenda that will make our people, our neighborhoods, and our economy healthier and more resilient. The following priorities, developed in close consultation with partnering organizations, sets the goalpost for NYLCV's political activities in 2013. A deep commitment to these priorities will get special attention in our endorsement and campaign decisions later this year. Please indicate your level of commitment, concern(s) or opposition to advancing the following agenda items: HEALTHY WESTCHESTER: Promoting policies to improve the well-being of all residents through protection of natural resources and access to basic needs 2. Improving air quality I am deeply committed to improving air quality, and will make this a high priority for Westchester County. In New Rochelle, I have pursued this goal through an award-winning Sustainability Plan that includes initiatives for renewable energy, resource conservation and waste reduction, and through the protection of hundreds of acres of open space. During my tenure as Mayor, the
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American Lung Association recognized New Rochelle for banning pollution-generating incinerators. We adopted and now enforce an ordinance to help protect and restore local trees. At the County level, I will make air quality a top consideration in determining the best approaches to issues of transportation, development, energy usage, natural resources, and open space. 3. Preserving the quality of our drinking water Preserving the quality of our drinking water is also a basic and unquestionable priority. Westchesters role in this respect highlights the interconnectedness of our communities and shared resources. Much of our water comes from upstate systems, and some of the same sources supply water to Westchester and New York City. The benefits of protecting our water supply are evident both within and well beyond County lines, and I support a strong program to preserve excellent quality drinking water. 4. Improving access to healthy and local food Improving access to fresh, local, nutritious food is another important component of New Rochelles Sustainability Plan, which can be pursued with even greater impacts at the County level. I strongly support initiatives to expand community gardening programs, promote and enhance local farmers markets, and potentially introduce new agricultural methods such as rooftop, hydroponic, and aquaponic farms. I also would support initiatives to improve public health by educating communities about the basics and benefits of balanced diets, and raising awareness of , and participation in, sustainable agriculture. New Rochelle established a successful volunteer-driven community garden at Ward Acres, and boasts the oldest continuously operating Farmer s Market in Westchester County. 5. Developing, preserving, and upgrading affordable homes to minimize energy costs, clean indoor air, and make them more resilient to the impacts of storms, heat waves, and utility outages As Mayor, I have helped build quality housing thats affordable to working families and seniors. I am, and will remain at the County level, a strong advocate of transit-oriented smart growth, including the promotion of efficient residential development with ready access to infrastructure, transit, local goods and services . I will work to restore Westchesters leadership role in smart, green development, and advocate for reforms in the environmental review process that reward positive climate adaptation and green building practices. In addition, I strongly support programs to help municipalities achieve upgrades and adaptive reuse of older properties th at do not meet current standards, as well as incentives for energy-efficiency upgrades to existing homes.

Please indicate your level of commitment, concern(s) or opposition to advancing the following agenda items: STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS: Promoting policies that improve the quality of life for all communities in Westchester
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6. Providing quality parks, recreational programming, and open spaces I am grateful to have grown up in Westchester, and Catie and I feel privileged to raise our own kids here. Quality parks, recreational programming, and open spaces are fundamental to our high quality of life, and I am committed to preserving and improving these resources. My work in New Rochelle exemplifies these commitments. With my strong support, New Rochelle has applied a new Recreation and Open Space zone to more than 800 acres of land. We have worked with the Westchester Land Trust to utilize conservation easements at three locations. We acted to expand Glenwood Lake Park, one of our communitys most attractive passive recreational areas. We are working to create new public access to the Long Island Sound shore in the context of our Echo Bay waterfront development and in the context of evolving conceptual plans for Davids Island. And we worked in concert with neighboring communities to establish the Colonial Greenway, a 15- mile inter-municipal trial system that helps foster appreciation for our wooded areas. I will work collaboratively with municipalities in their efforts to preserve needed open spaces and provide recreational opportunities. I also will promote efforts and education at a regional level, and explore opportunities for collaboration and funding at the State level. 7. Cleaning and providing access to our rivers, creeks, bays, harbors and other waterways Westchester is fortunate to benefit from an abundance of natural waterways, including our substantial access to the Hudson River and Long Island Sound waterfronts. Protecting these resources, improving water quality, and providing improved access for residents are all critical to achieving the best possible quality of life for our County. In New Rochelle, I have been proud to support the vital effort for the renewal of Echo Bay, which would be a huge step forward for the people of New Rochelle and of Westchester. New Rochelle also has worked in concer t with the County to undertake Infiltration and Inflow improvements and repairs, and we were active participants in the restoration of the Sheldrake river and watershed. 8. Making roads safer for all users, including pedestrians and bike riders, especially f or children and seniors State-of-the-art roads and bridges that are safe for all users including pedestrians, bike riders, children and seniors are vital components of safe, livable communities, and are critical to decreasing dependence on motor vehicles. I will work to make Westchester a leader in facilitating and encouraging the safe and enjoyable use of sustainable transportation options. In New Rochelle, we have designated bicycle routes, upgraded pedestrian -friendly streetscapes, constructed an intermodal transportation center, and promoted public and private bicycle parking. In 2008, New Rochelle was recognized by Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association as one of the 100 Best Walking Cities in America, ranking second i n New

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York State. Our Sustainability Plan contains initiatives for establishing comprehensive planning, zoning, development, and engineering standards to improve the quality and safety of the pedestrian experience within New Rochelle, with a goal of facilitating safe and convenient pedestrian links among major institutions, commercial centers, schools, and parks. New Rochelle recently adopted a complete streets ordinance that applies to the planning of roadway projects , with these sustainability goals in mind. 9. Ensuring our neighborhoods are better able to handle intense rainfall, storm surges, heavy wind, heat, and utility failures While working proactively to combat the phenomena leading to climate change and safeguard our natural resources, elected officials and governmental groups must simultaneously prepare for the continuation and consequences of extreme weather events. We must invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure, develop closer working relationships with our regional utility providers, and invest the necessary resources to develop and maintain top quality emergency services. I also support investments in green infrastructure, because sustainable landscaping models such as rain gardens and bioswales can significantly reduce the severity of consequences that our neighborhoods experience from these events. Please indicate your level of commitment, concern(s) or opposition to advancing the following agenda items:

VIBRANT ECONOMY: Promoting far-sighted policies and making critical investments to maintain Westchester Countys competitive edge 10. Investing in state-of-the art infrastructure upgrades for our energy, public transportation, drinking water, sewer, storm water, solid waste and recycling systems Taking a leadership role in conservation and sustainability efforts will benefit Westchester and its residents in numerous ways. Investments in state-of-the-art infrastructure for areas such as energy, public transportation, drinking water, sewer, storm water, and solid waste systems will attract business and residents, while promoting economic prosperity and a continued high quality of life . Even in areas such as recycling, where our Countys performance is strong, we must continue seek additional opportunities for improvement and efficiencies.

11. Continuing leadership in making buildings and vehicles more energy efficient I am committed to promoting forward-looking policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency in our buildings and vehicles. Such policies are not only desirable for our immediate environmental and economic benefit, but also will help Westchester to lead in attracting desirable jobs and diverse residents. These policies must extend to public fleets
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and buildings, as well as private energy consumers. In New Rochelle, we completed an energy audit of several large buildings and implemented the resulting recommendations. We replaced publicly-owned exterior lighting with energy efficient LED units, and converted a sanitation truck to hybrid-electric operation. Our Sustainability Plan establishes energy goals for the public and private sectors, and we have been working with no t-forprofits, businesses, and utilities to encourage energy efficiency measures. 12. Providing training for residents to help green their communities and support its resiliency Empowering residents with training and information are key components of workable sustainability plans with long-term effectiveness. I support the necessary up-front investments in education, because widespread adoption of best practices requires community awareness by individuals and businesses. In New Rochelle, we established a Green Page on the City website, including weekly Green Tips applicable to individual lifestyle choices. The City employs a Sustainability Coordinator, who has made presentations to neighborhood associations, colleges, and the local business community. 13. Making governmental processes more efficient and effective to more quickly transition to a greener economy, reduce environmental footprints, and foster job creation Time is of the essence in establishing and meeting clear sustainability goals. I support programs to streamline smart, green development, and the establishment of clear goals and transparent systems for evaluating progress as we transition to a greener economy. NYLCVs 2012 -2013 Blueprint for a Greener Westchester County provides one resource to measure and guide our progress. We will also consider our progress within the framework and goals set forth in the Countys 2008 Action Plan for Climate Change and Sustainable Development.

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