Mayor Miner was named one of the “Local Leaders Creating Sustainable Communities” for her work advocating tirelessly to fix her city’s crumbling wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. Syracuse has endured more than 300 water main breaks this year alone and has used her position to get results from Albany; this year’s state budget includes $200 million over three years for community investments.
For Immediate Release: November 11, 2015
Mayor Miner Honored by New York’s Green Watchdog
Mayor has Led Fight to Fix Syracuse’s Pipes, Raise Awareness of Climate Impacts on Cities
Albany – Last night, Environmental Advocates NY honored seven local officials from across the state who are leading the fight for environmental and public health protections, including Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner (D-Syracuse).
Mayor Miner was named one of the “Local Leaders Creating Sustainable Communities” for her work advocating tirelessly to fix her city’s crumbling wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. Syracuse has endured more than 300 water main breaks this year alone and has used her position to get results from Albany; this year’s state budget includes $200 million over three years for community investments. She has also been a leader in raising awareness about creating action around the impacts that climate change have on communities, and has worked to attract significant clean energy developments which reduce air pollution, lower consumer costs and create jobs in Syracuse.
Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates NY said, “Mayor Miner is a trailblazer and tireless advocate for the people she represents. Her voice has helped draw long overdue attention to our drinking and wastewater infrastructure needs. This year, we are honoring local leaders – for the first time – because the actions of people like Mayor Miner are making a positive impact at home and statewide, and making Albany take notice of their need to step it up on the environmental and public health front.”
Other local leaders honored:
- George Borello, R-Chautauqua County Legislator
- Patrick Burke, D-Erie County Legislator
- Bryan Clenahan, D-Albany County Legislator
- Dan McCoy, D-Albany County Executive
- Marcus Molinaro, R-Dutchess County Executive
- Donovan Richards, D-New York City Councilmember
In addition to other local leaders, Environmental Advocates NY bestowed two Advocate Awards to medical professionals who conduct groundbreaking work – Drs. Frederica P. Perera and Diane Lewis. Dr. Perera has conducted research that revealed that children with high prenatal exposure to pollutants — common in vehicle exhaust and power plant emissions — exhibited increased signs of asthma, developmental delays, anxiety, depression and attention problems. Dr. Lewis is the founder of The Great Healthy Yard Project, an organization that focuses on reducing the use of synthetic chemicals commonly found in households, which harm people and local waterways.
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