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(Back
to Questions and Answers)
Weekly list of Questions from the Star
Community Newspapers in 2008.
Week 3: Environment: (each Question 100 words Max).
QUESTION
1. Most cities or towns in the area speak of “going green.” Give specific examples of budgetary opportunities that will allow your city to be more environmentally-friendly. Explain why they are or are not realistic.
ANSWER: Though I do not believe that Global Warming is caused
by man, I do believe that we have to be good stewards of our environment and
take care of the earth. The “going green” movement will have a positive
effect on our environment. If possible, we can conserve more water and
energy. We can do little things that can make a big difference. The City
already uses devices to use utilities more efficiently like light motion
detector timers in city buildings and water conserving appliances. LED based
lighting systems, planting more trees, and community education will help
also.
QUESTION
2.
If elected, what do you think needs to be changed
about current environmentally-friendly initiatives in your city or town?
What needs to be enacted?
ANSWER: I think Lewisville has taken this issue seriously
enough to say that we need to continue and improve where we can. We can
continue looking at ways to conserve natural resources and use utilities
more efficiently. We need to continue programs to properly dispose of
unwanted household chemicals (paint, etc.). Continue City programs to help
residents learn how to conserve water and electricity. It comes down to
learning how to do things differently in order to conserve.
QUESTION
3.
On March 12, the Environmental Protection Agency
strengthened standards for ozone levels in the country. States will be
required to come up with a plan to explain how they will decrease
pollution and comply with the federal standard. What are some ideas you
have so that your city or town can contribute?
ANSWER: Specifically, the EPA strengthened its National Ambient
Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone (a respiratory
irritant) which is the main component of smog. The intention is to improve
human health and protect sensitive trees and plants. The largest
contributor of ground smog is vehicle exhaust. We are already working with
the county and state to build new roads and bring a rail system to the
area. These efforts should lessen vehicle idle time (slow traffic) and
encourage people to leave their cars at home and take the rail system.
QUESTION
4. Many cities and towns in North Texas are drafting
ordinances for oil and natural gas drilling, and some have already
started drilling. Do you have any environmental concerns about this?
Even if there is no drilling in your area, are you affected? What is
your plan of action?
ANSWER: Having worked in the Oil field, I know there is always
a possibility of a problem when drilling. Current technology for drilling
can be safe for the environment and surrounding areas. In Lewisville, we
get our drinking water from Lewisville Lake and I do not fear any type of
ground water contamination. If this nation is going to be more independent
for energy, we will have to learn to adjust. “Not In My Back Yard” will
mean in someone else’s back yard. Once drilled, the tank battery site can
be surrounded by trees to make it more appealing.
[NOTE: Since
writing this piece in 2008, I have become aware that there are a
few streets that use well Water on Cindy Ln, and Bart Ln.
I hope that these residents contact the City and give their
concerns about the drinking water. If I get elected, I
will bring that up to verify safety concerns.]
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