This page of this site was for the City Council Campaign for May 10, 2008. The portion of the site is still posted for possible future endeavors - which totally depends on your support.

(Back to Questions and Answers)

 

Elect John Gorena for Lewisville City Council Place 1

 

Weekly list of Questions from the Star Community Newspapers
(Also see all the Candidates Answers link at the bottom of this page.)

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.

JOHN GORENA, Candidate for Lewisville City Council Place 1

 

Click Here to see all the candidates - PDF version