We, in the North Country, have been gifted with mountains, streams and a gorgeous lake. They are sources of recreation and spiritual sustenance — providing space to breathe, grow and honor nature.

They fill us with awe and are vital to many livelihoods.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik wrote on her website, “The environment is the economic lifeblood of the North Country, and it is crucial that the right choices are made now to protect New York, the United States, and the planet for future generations.”

I was grateful for her promise to protect our natural world. If we sully its purity, can we ever get it back?

Yet, with a lifetime score of 38 percent from the League of Conservation Voters, her record leaves much to be desired.

In 2020 alone, she voted against clean energy and protecting the Grand Canyon and western wildernesses. If she votes against those, can we trust her as a steward of our natural space?

She also voted against the replacement of lead service lines. No level of lead is considered safe, especially for children. It accumulates in the body, cannot be removed and can lead to developmental delays and neurological changes.

She also voted to cut funding for the EPA — funding critical to ensuring the enforcement of policies protecting air, water and lands.

We need leaders who protect our planet from degradation. Congresswoman Stefanik needs to know how we feel about these matters. Pay attention to her votes and remember her actions come election time.

Sincerely,

Michelle Ouellette

Plattsurgh