November 2007

What are you doing on November 6th? Voting, we hope! Why? You know all the reasons. We've only to glance at a newspaper to be reminded how lucky we are to live in a democracy that allows us to choose our leaders and makes sure that they answer to us.

But equally important, voting is our chance to set the agenda. Those who hold elected office always assess the vote to see where people stand on the issues and what matters to them. Elected leaders who don't know what their constituents want, and move in a different direction, will probably be out of a job next time they run--which is exactly as it should be.

This imposes a big responsibility on every one of us: not only should we vote, but we should also know where the candidates stand on the issues we care most about. At Sustainable Long Island, we are committed to furthering sustainable development on Long Island, addressing the need for economic growth, environmental health, and social equity. What does that mean, and how does it relate to the upcoming elections?

We believe that to safeguard our environment, and create a better Long Island for our children and grandchildren, this is the time to plan. Until now, our communities developed haphazardly and we know the results all too well-suburban sprawl, chaotic transportation systems, loss of natural resources, deteriorating downtowns and a region that is far too segregated.

For intelligent planning to happen, decision-makers on every government level must be aware of the issues and know that we care about them. We need to elect people whose priorities align with our hopes.

Here are some of the issues regarding sustainability on which candidates should make their viewpoints known and you should ask questions about.

Economic development: We all want Long Island to be a thriving place and to share in the benefits a growing economy bestows. But we also want to make sure that while some prosper, others don't pay the price. How would your elected officials answer these questions:

•When development choices are made for your community, who is benefitting?

•Who is bearing the burden?

•What has he/she done to strengthen and encourage development in existing communities?

Social Equity: We hope that you agree that every Long Islander should have a say in what happens in their community, have equal access to resources, and avenues for influence. In the past, planning has not always happened this way. Give some thought to the following:

•Is information about the upcoming election, candidates, or issues distributed in multiple languages?

•Has a community-based planning process been initiated in your community, or better yet has a plan for community revitalization been adopted by local government?

•Are candidates concerned with providing affordable housing options?

Environmental Health: "Going Green" is a hot topic right now. The decisions we make today will determine the environment we have in the future. What about these questions?

•Have regional development strategies been adopted to better protect and preserve our open spaces?

•Are there transportation choices in your community?

•Have your local officials offered education to their constituents on how to act more environmentally friendly, or offered incentives to do so?

To find out which candidates are most closely attuned to environmental issues, you might start with the New York League of Conservation Voters at www.nylcv.org/endorse/endorsements or with Environmental Advocates of New York at www.eany.org.

If you live in the Towns of Brookhaven or Oyster Bay, you'll find that major proposals relating to open space issues are up for vote. Even if you don't live in either township, you'll want to know about both initiatives because a similar opportunity may be coming to a neighborhood near you in the not-too-distant future. You may even want to help make that happen.

BROOKHAVEN PROPOSAL 3

The proposal: to create a Brookhaven Community Preservation Fund (CPF) similar to those that have been put into effect for East End Suffolk Towns. The objective: to build a pool of money to be used for purchasing open space and farmland development rights, and protecting the community character. Purchases could range from critical ground water protection areas to safeguard the drinking water supply; land for recreational purposes; historic structures and smaller hamlet parks.

Where's the money to come from? A transfer fee on home and other real estate purchases, payable by the buyer, in the amount of 2% of the value over $250,000. For example, a house bought for $300,000 would incur a transfer fee of $1,000 (2% of $50,000). Qualified first-home buyers would be exempt, and current homeowners are unlikely to ever have to pay it. A buyer of undeveloped land would pay a 2% transfer fee on the value of a transaction, but only on the value above $150,000.

It’s anticipated that a $30 million fund per year could be built in this way and be matched with funds from government sources. If the proposal is approved, Brookhaven's open spaces--already severely depleted by the Town's rapid development--can be protected from further development for residential, commercial and industrial use. More information is available from the Town at www.brookhaven.org.

OYSTER BAY'S ENVIRONMENTAL BOND ISSUE

The Town of Oyster Bay is asking voters to approve a SEA Fund Environmental Bond Issue on November 6th. Standing for Save Environmental Assets, this program would be the Town's third SEA Fund bond issue. The first two, approved in 2000 and 2005, provided $35 million for open space acquisition and parkland, and $25 million for park improvements. The new program will, if approved, provide $30 million to preserve additional open space, and $30 million to improve the Town's park system and recreational facilities.

What will repaying the bond cost taxpayers? For the average home assessed at $450,000 the cost is expected to be about $31.50 per year during the life of the bond (30 years for the $30 million earmarked for acquisition and 15 years for the $30 million dedicated to park improvements). For more information about SEA Fund III, check out www.oysterbaytown.com

So with such issues in mind, how do you make your voice heard? How do you cast your vote meaningfully?

Know the candidates and whether their priorities and track records align with what you value. And take a few extra steps to check out candidates' own statements on what is important to them and where they stand. Virtually all will have websites of their own, and in many communities, local newspaper election coverage is excellent.

Just as we should vote our beliefs when choosing our leaders, we must vote for proposals that reflect our convictions about Long Island's future. Take the opportunity Nov. 6th to make your voice heard on the crucial issues that affect the future of Long Island.

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