2021 Candidates’ Climate Change Statements

“Climate change is very real, and a threat to all of us. There is so much more we have to be doing at the local level to play our role in combating this epidemic. As a young person running for office, this is near and dear to me. 

I support bringing renewable sources of energy to Onondaga County. There is so much potential not only environmentally, but also economically that it makes it difficult to deny. Onondaga County should also pursue obtaining the Climate Smart Community Certification, which would not only benefit our local environment, but also pave the way for grant opportunities from New York State to continue protecting the environment. Through doing so, we not only limit our overall energy use, but we also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is absolutely critical that all local municipalities should be taking part in, for the future of our communities. Finally, I would love to work with the Office of Environment to bring back the Climate Action Plan, which has not been seen since 2017. The Legislature needs to be fully aware of what it could be doing to combat climate change here, in our own backyard.”

– Matt Johnson, Democratic candidate for Onondaga County Legislature, District 3

“My commitment to fight climate change has been both personal and in activism. I am a vegetarian, have owned 3 plug-in vehicles, installed solar panels on my previous 2 residences and compost all food matter at my home. I grew up with a father who also has a plug-in vehicle and solar panels since the 1970s. I’ve been a leader in informing my fellow physicians how climate change is effecting our most vulnerable patients.

My lobbying efforts have been to fight climate change. I have lobbied for carbon pricing for years. It has taught me the importance of organizing and the difficulty in creating what seems like the most common sense change: how to protect our planet from devastation of an increasingly unstable climate. I’d love to represent the interests of CCAA members if elected to the county legislature. I want CCAA at the table when the county focuses on how to make climate friendly policy.”

-Sunny Aslam, Democratic candidate for Onondaga County Legislature, District 12

Climate change is one of the most important issues facing the world today.  Even though it is a problem with worldwide causes and impacts, many of its solutions are local.  If elected to the DeWitt Town Board I will do everything I can to make sure that decisions made by town government are environmentally sustainable. I will support mobility solutions that reduce our residents’ need for personal automobiles by promoting sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation.  I will facilitate the expansion of renewable energy production and storage in the Town of DeWitt through both municipal projects and zoning reform. Flooding is a recurring problem in the flatter areas in the north of the Town of DeWitt and needs more attention by local government.  I will advocate for stormwater runoff and flooding mitigation projects within the town to combat the increased risks from stronger storms due to climate change.  I also support mixed-use zoning in the areas of DeWitt where it is appropriate.  Please support my campaign for DeWitt Town Board to help keep DeWitt a leader in environmental sustainability and help combat climate change and its effects.

—Max Ruckdeschel, Democratic candidate for DeWitt Town Board

We’ve seen that strong advocacy can move solar projects along and that if we ask the community to be involved we can bring awareness and help people make the best decisions possible to ensure our Town is leading in sustainability.

The Sustainable Manlius solarize campaign is proof that the government can connect people with resources and accomplish awesome things. The folks that are committed to a sustainable future are empowered to help our Town find practical solutions to do our part to combat climate change. I would look to empower the committee and support future actions.  

As Supervisor, I will commit my efforts towards becoming a Climate Smart Community and pursue any grant money available for sustainable projects.  It’s essential that we are mindful of sustainable practices in all aspects of government, from technology use to construction projects.

—John Deer, Democratic candidate for Town of Manlius Supervisor

For many years I have used reduce, reuse and recycle practices in my personal and business activities. I was responsible for building the first LEED certified commercial building in Syracuse. I utilize community solar power at my home and own an electric vehicle.

If reelected to the Town Board I will move forward with EVs for Town vehicles and EV charging stations. I support modernization of Town business to allow more work to be conducted electronically to avoid excessive use of paper. This requires investment in effective archiving technology as some records need to be available in perpetuity.

If residents approve a new Town Hall, I will work to ensure that it uses environmentally sustainable materials and practices for the long term as well as solar power. I am a member of Sustainable Manlius and will support the activities required to earn points as a Climate Smart Community and Energy Smart Community. As Co-Chair of the Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee, I support the principles of Smart Growth which concentrate development and leave plenty of undeveloped land. I am active with Onondaga County Farmland Preservation for the Town of Manlius.

—Sara Bollinger, Democratic candidate seeking reelection to Manlius Town Board

In my first term as a Manlius Town Councilor, I have been a champion of environmental sustainability.  As chair of the Town’s sustainability committee, I have developed and grown Sustainable Manlius to several hundred members, and together we have achieved certification as a NYSERDA Clean Energy Community. 

If reelected to the Manlius Town Board, I will lead the Town to be the first designated Climate Smart Community in Onondaga County. I will continue working to develop a Community Solar array on the Town’s retired landfill. This project will offset the Town’s electricity usage and provide solar energy to our residents and the community at large at a reduced rate. 
I will collaborate with my colleagues on the Board to install EV charging stations at Manlius Town Hall and to purchase two electric vehicles for the Planning and Assessment Departments. We will integrate sustainability elements into the Town’s comprehensive plan, including trails, bike paths, the preservation of our agriculture and more dense commercial and residential development. Climate change has defined my life’s work, and will continue to do so for the rest of my career. In whatever way I can support climate action as a Town Councilor, I will do so. 

—Katelyn Kriesel, Democratic candidate seeking reelection to Manlius Town Board