Candidates Weigh-In on Sustainability Questions
Sustainable Warwick Green Screen, whose mission is to discover and share local candidates’ views on environmental issues, interviewed all three candidates running for The Town Counsel — Jesse Dwyer for Town Supervisor, Russ Kowal and Tom Mattingly for Town Board — on their thoughts on several important issues that pertained to sustainability and Warwick.
The issues and Candidate Responses
Shifting Town vehicles to alternative energy when economically feasible:
All candidates expressed their support for this idea, with Jesse Dwyer pointing to his experience while Mayor of Greenwood Lake and citing “very positive outcomes.” Russ Kowal and Tom Mattingly were also positive, although noting that the technology was still evolving and that the economics and vehicle efficiency would have to be seriously considered.
Having more charging stations for electric vehicles in the Town:
Strong support from all candidates, with the caveat that here too, the technology was rapidly improving and that factor should be taken into account.
Increasing solar/alternative energy use in Town buildings:
Generally positive responses, but with Jesse Dwyer and Tom Mattingly noting that this is a “complicated issue,” citing issues like the “blight” of solar fields (Jesse Dwyer, Tom Mattingly) and “environmental hazards” (Tom Mattingly), like the disposal of solar panels.
Starting a Town composting site open throughout the year:
Strong support from Tom Mattingly, based on his personal experience with composting, and qualified support from Jesse Dwyer (“if processes are nailed down to reduce labor requirements for an already stressed Town workforce”) and Russ Kowal (if “undesirable materials” can be controlled.)
Continuing support for PDR, open space, as well as Wickham Woodlands and Mountain Lake Park:
Strong support from all three candidates.
