New York League of Conservation Voters Endorses County Legislator Peter Harckham for Re-election

Westchester County Legislator Peter Harckham (D, I-Katonah) has earned the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters for his re-election in the 2nd Legislative District, serving Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge and part of Somers. Harckham is one of 34 endorsed candidates on the statewide list released by NYLCV last week. The non-partisan environmental group also endorsed Harckham in his successful campaigns for county legislator in 2007 and 2009.
 
“It is truly an honor to once again have the support of the League of Conservation Voters, which is one of the most respected and effective advocates for protecting the environment in New York State,” said Harckham.
 
“I am proud that we’ve been able to continue protecting our water quality and other conservation efforts during this time of fiscal belt tightening. I believe that good environmental policy is good fiscal policy.” Harckham, in addition to his environmental accomplishments, was instrumental in passing the Board of Legislators’ county budget that cut taxes by 2.2%, reduced spending by $30 million and downsized the county workforce by 10%.
 
In addition to his role as majority leader, Pete Harckham is the former chair of the Committee on Environment and Energy, the founding and current chair of the Subcommittee on Septics and last week was named to the Environment, Energy & Land Use Steering Committee of the National Association of Counties.
 
Harckham obtained nearly $11 million from outside sources for water quality protection in northeast Westchester, including $10 million for creation of the Peach Lake sewer district. He also funded water quality improvement projects in Somers and Bedford and negotiated a comprehensive septic management plan to protect water quality—and saved towns hundreds of thousands of dollars in administrative costs.
 
“The cheapest way to address pollution is to prevent it,” said Harckham. He passed legislation to protect fragile watersheds by reducing phosphorus in lawn fertilizer. He also expanded recycling in Westchester to include all plastics numbered 1 through 7. In addition, Harckham obtained a U.S. Energy Department grant for energy efficiency audits to save homeowners money and to spur green job creation in Westchester.
 
NYLCV is a non-partisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision-makers and the voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State.

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