We have environmental laws that protect our water and soil, such as the federal Clean Water Act. However, when elected officials break those laws and face no consequences, it sets a bad example for the rest of us. It’s simple, a first step to protecting our environment is holding accountable politicians who pollute it.
Community.
Our lake, Skaneateles Lake, is facing a death by a thousand cuts. Deforestation all around the lake, in addition to the use of cosmetic pesticides, and extra run-off from farms and golf courses, all contributes to the toxic algae blooms we have been experiencing here since 2017. We must combat this death by a thousand cuts, with a thousand kind actions. Doesn’t that sound zen? As mayor, I would lead an initiative to help all lake-adjacent properties plant rain gardens and stem run-off from entering the lake. We could work with all the communities around the lake, as one big lake-centric family. I would also have real talk conversations with farms and golf courses about using more lake-friendly practices.
Truth.
The truth is, our elected officials aren’t doing enough. Currently, our elected officials in both the Village and Town of Skaneateles are willfully ignoring a petition with thousands of signatures on it asking them to take action to legislate against cancer-causing and algae-promoting chemicals like glyphosate and products like Round-Up and Tru-Green from being used in our watershed. This is unacceptable. One of the things I would as mayor would be to ban these chemicals, just as they are already banned on Skaneateles governmental property. Here is that petition.
