'Narum Prioritizes Environmental Improvements': Letter To Editor

Dear Editor:

Last week I attended my first joint meeting of the City and PUSD. I was asked to talk about a program for Amador students called Local Leaders of the 21st Century, which provides teens opportunities to lead initiatives related to Pleasanton’s waste, water, energy and food systems. They work with local policy makers, businesses and residents on issues that will keep our local community clean, healthy and sustainable for many years to come.

The City and Pleasanton Garbage Service provided the kids paid student internships this summer to help City-owned facilities improve their recycling and waste reduction efforts. After learning to conduct waste audits and provided data-driven recommendations for city facilities, the students are prepared to help all 15 PUSD schools comply with state laws requiring schools to separate recycling and organics from trash. This could go a long way in helping keep the Vasco Road landfill – where all Pleasanton trash ends up – from closing in just a few years.

Conserving natural resources and protecting human health from environmental pollutants is a big concern of many Pleasanton residents, young and old. I was impressed by the way the City Councilmembers and PUSD Board members responded to the work our Amador teens have undertaken. Only one is up for election this year, Kathy Narum. I looked at her website and the other three candidates’ sites. She is the only one who mentions environmental improvements as a priority. Kathy Narum definitely has my vote.

Jill Buck, Pleasanton resident