THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 Page 13 OP-ED | FROM Page 8 percent of the state budget to environmental protection, despite warnings from public health and environmental groups about the critical need to invest in these programs. Beyond strengthening the Department of Environmental Protection, we also need to put in place stronger ethics laws that cut back on the revolving door of government regulators being heavily infl uenced by the companies and industries they are supposed to regulate. It doesn’t matter how well-staff ed our environmental protection agencies are if they are staff ed by people who are too cozy with polluters. I am the only candidate in my race to have committed to not taking campaign contributions from fossil fuel lobbyists or executives. This should be a requirement of anyone serving in a leadership role on legislative committees like the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, or the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. When it comes to the Wheelabrator facility specifi cally, we need to look at both shortand long-term steps to improve public health. In the long-term, we need a state-level commitment to zero-waste policies that move us away from sending so much trash to landfills and incinerators. Ultimately, if trash is produced, it’s going somewhere – and right now, cities and towns are putting many items into the trash that we already know how to reuse or recycle, like food waste, yard trimmings, mattresses, and paper goods. Even just by off ering up better recycling and reuse programs for the things we already know how to work with, we can cut municipal waste by over 50%. These steps are essential to preventing future expansion of landfi lls and incinerators, which we should be concerned about whether they be in our backyard or someone else’s. In the short-term, the work of lobbying both the Saugus Board of Health and the MassDEP regarding Wheelabrator’s operations is important, though limited in likely effectiveness without broader policy shifts. We also need to look at immediate steps to provide public health relief, such as fi ghting to have the unlined, 140-acre landfill lined to prevent pollution from leaking into the nearby marsh; and putting in place – and enforcing – tougher guidelines on what comes out of the smoke stacks. To be certain, none of this work ~FLASHBACK~ Seventh in a series of photos will be quick or easy – whoever picks up the baton to continue the fight against pollution in vulnerable communities like ours will have to overcome decades of entrenched policy. But there are steps we can take to shift these policies, and move us toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. Joe Gravellese is a candidate in the Democratic primary for State Representative on September 1 in the 16th Suffolk District (Revere, Chelsea and Saugus). 2.500% 2.729% The payments above do not include taxes and insurance. If you request or are required to establish an escrow, your payment will be greater. The annual percentage rate may be increased after consummation. Subject to credit approval. $550,000 loan with a 80% loan to value. Available for owner-occupied, primary residence, single family or condominium units. Must be a new loan to the bank RIGHT BY YOU Member FDIC Member DIF Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. Al Fiore, a longtime popular city councillor, is shown at the Revere Little League opening more than a few moons ago. Al is still a Revere resident, and sends his regards to the many voters who supported him as a councillor in past years when he was in city politics. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507
14 Publizr Home