October 13, 2021
In the 1990s, I served as a member of the Sierra Club Long Island Group ExComm, as its Vice Chair and as its Chair; I also served on the Atlantic Chapter Political Committee. During my tenure as LI Group Chair, I personally initiated a conservation campaign to transform the old Kings Park Psychiatric Center into a state park. We garnered the support of conservation and civic groups, local governments, and NYS officials. Today, Nissequogue River State Park is the legacy of our work- all 400 plus acres, including wetlands and old growth forest.
In 2000, I became Nassau Hiking & Outdoor Club Conservation Chair. NHOC is affiliated with the NY NJ Trail Conference. At that time, I initiated a conservation campaign to transform a right-of-way into a state park. The property was saved from being sold off, and once again Governor Pataki heeded the call of conservation. Today, Trail View State Park protects over 400 linear acres. I maintain my role as NHOC Conservation Chair to this day. We are currently supporting efforts to extend the NYS Empire Trail onto Long Island.
Three years ago, I joined the Board of Directors of South Shore Audubon Society, and I currently serve as SSAS Conservation Co-Chair. I focus on opposing fracked gas infrastructure, supporting clean energy initiatives, minimizing plastic pollution, and urging bans on pesticides.
I lobby public officials, write articles for our club newsletters, collaborate with like-minded organizations, write to our elected officials, and have had numerous letters published in the Albany Times Union, Newsday, and the Long Island Herald. I have collaborated and lobbied with Roger Downs as well as with the Nassau Clean Energy Sierra Club group.
I seek to work more closely with the organization in which I first fulfilled my conservation yearnings and help support efforts to engage more members, including outreach and training for lobby visits. Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy for At Large Delegate.