Letter To The Editor: Know Which Candidates Support Saving The Environment

To the Editor:

At the Stockton University candidates debate for governor, the Democratic candidates showed intelligence and understanding of the issues affecting New Jersey, in contrast to the two Republican candidates. Four other contenders were exiled to a debate outside the official venue since they did not have the qualifying $400,000 in their campaign chests.

Amongst the Democrats at the formal debate, all four showed a strong commitment to protecting the people of New Jersey, and the environment, especially Mr. Lesniak and Mr. Wisniewski. They specifically were concerned with the two planned pipelines through the Pine Barrens.

After the debate someone questioned him on specific environmental issue affecting the Pinelands. Keep in mind that Mr. Murphy has the backing of Camden County Party Boss George Norcross who is a leading proponent of the South Jersey Gas pipeline. It was pointed out to Mr. Murphy that Mr Norcross is pretty 'toxic' to the democratic process in South Jersey. Murphy was asked his position on the two pipelines through the Pinelands.

Mr. Murphy immediately responded that he opposed the Penn East pipeline project. When the question was posed about his position on the South Jersey Gas pipeline he said he was looking into it. Not good enough! With the Pines itself under threat and the 17 trillion gallons of the purest water on our planet, he should have had no hesitation in opposing the SJ Gas pipeline.

It behooves the protectors of the environment, as well as the major environmental groups, Sierra Club and Clean Water Action who have openly endorsed Mr. Murphy, to hold his feet to the fire in protecting the Pines. Party Boss Norcross and Senators Van Drew and Sweeney are Democrats who helped orchestrate the 'yes' vote for the pipeline through the Pines and are fully backing Mr Murphy for Governor.

Watch the company you keep, environmentalists, and get a firm public affirmation that the Pinelands Commission will truly serve the Pines, and not the politicians and fossil fuel industry.

Steven Fenichel, MD