It was so good to drive down to Sandy Hook yesterday to take part in an annual event held by the NY/NJ Baykeepers.

There were a host of environmentalists, activists and other concerned New Jerseyans so committed to our waterways. I met a number of people focused on the Passaic River here in Newark — I am so grateful for all of our partners and the strides we have made over the last two years working with environmental groups, the DEP and EPA in cleaning the Passaic and advancing our plans for our riverfront park (Minish Park).

The event yesterday was great — a perfect day, a perfect setting and tremendous people. Senator Frank Lautenberg spoke as well as one of my all time favorite congressmen, Congressman Rush Holt. Two of the main reasons I was there were John and Wendy Neu. They are two people who live their values and are deeply involved in the New Jersey and national green movement. Thanks to their help, as well as a host of grassroots leaders, we are making tremendous progress in Newark in crafting our green agenda and making significant strides towards achieving it. I’m particularly grateful that the Neus, together with another great New Jersey family, have funded Newark’s first ever Sustainability Officer. Our new Sustainability Officer, Chelsea Albucher, will be the driving force inside of City Hall to ensure that we, together with the larger Newark coalition, achieve the success we desire.

I was really inspired by the dozens of people who I spoke with yesterday who not only get it but who are dedicating their time and resources to the larger green mission. The green mission, in a larger sense, is the realization that we can accomplish so many of our overall community goals by raising our environmental consciousness and advancing a green agenda for New Jersey.

We can:
1. Save energy
2. Create jobs
3. Save money
4. Reclaim community space
5. Undermine so many health issues from asthma to cancer
6. Beautify our cities and state
7. Re-democratize our environment so that people of all backgrounds and income levels can have access to clean rivers, parks and oceans (you don’t need to travel many miles or pay money to access green spaces)

The American Dream is a Green Dream.

All of this is so critical to Newark. I am excited about our green summit coming up. If you want information about how to possibly participate in our green summit on September 12, please contact Chelsea Albucher at albucherc@ci.newark.nj.us.

Finally, a huge shout out to the Lower Shepard Avenue folks who held one great block party. It was so great to see so many kids out yesterday and I loved the entertainment they had - Cynthia “Lady Rose” Roberson. She is an old friend who brought tears to my eyes the first time I heard her sing years ago. I was excited to see this local Newark artist had a children’s program and books (I bought three). Check her out at www.readingwithritta.com.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 8th, 2008 at 5:17 am and is filed under Environment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.