As someone involved in local environmental issues, I believe City Councilman James Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) is letting his ambition get the best of him when he asserts that state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) is flip-flopping on an environmental bill to protect the watershed.
Gennaro should not misstate facts. No elected official in the state has done more to protect our environment, watershed, parks, green spaces and air quality than Padavan. That is why the New York League of Conservation Voters endorsed Padavan for the upcoming 2008 election last month.
Padavan is a legislative leader in local environmental and preservation action. He has been the driving force in establishing and improving the Alley Pond Environment Center. Padavan also established the Northeast Queens Nature and Historic Preservation Commission and worked with the Udall's Cove Preservation Committee to preserve the wetlands of Udall's Cove.
Padavan's local environmental leadership is demonstrated every year when he works with local organizations during springtime park cleanups.
He is the author of the “lawn litter” law that will protect the environment by reducing litter on the streets. Padavan helped pass a bill to promote solar generating systems. Padavan has provided support to the Environmental Protection Fund, brownfield program reforms and alternative and renewable energy.
Padavan has been a strong supporter and advocate of the Wetlands Protection Act, Bigger Better Bottle Bill and Global Warming Pollution Cap.
No local representative has done more to preserve both our environment and area's quality of life than Padavan.
Vince Tabone
Bayside
