Politics on the Hudson

Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, a Democrat running for the 40th state Senate District, took his campaign to Lake Carmel and Putnam Lake today in an effort to point out the need to improve their water quality. He estimates that the district includes more than 170 lakes.

Joined by residents from local lake communities, Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, candidate for New York State Senate and former Chairman of the Westchester County Legislature’s Environment Committee, announced today a “Lake Improvement Program” (LIP) that would channel funds from the state’s $134-$250 million Environmental Protection Fund to help protect and preserve the Hudson Valley region’s lakes.

“This is a vital program that will improve the quality of life for thousands of residents living within our region’s lake communities, who are already financially stressed with high property taxes. The Hudson Valley has one of the most pristine natural environments in the state and the protection and preservation of the many lakes in the region are essential to our overall quality of life.

Our lake communities started out as areas of seasonal second homes. Today, most have evolved into year-round residential neighborhoods.  As a consequence, the pristine water quality of many lakes has declined, algae and aquatic plants have taken over, and the quality of life has suffered.

Restoring these lakes will protect drinking water quality because some lakes flow into reservoirs. It will improve property values in the lake communities, enhance our environment and quality of life, and increase the recreational use of the lakes.

My proposal would offer communities choices from a toolbox of lake-restoring techniques including aerating, dredging, cutting weeds, removing debris, introducing weed-eating carp, improving deteriorated dams and others.”

Paying for the Lake Improvement Program would not require any additional taxes.  It would be paid for through the $134-$250 million State Environmental Protection Fund, which is funded through New York’s Real Estate Transfer Tax and other dedicated revenue sources. I am committed to preserving the integrity of the Environmental Protection fund which has been raided too often in recent years.

Individuals and lake associations, he said, could apply for grants through his office if he is elected to the Senate.

Also running for the 40th district seat, which is being vacated by state Sen. Vincent Leibell, R-Patterson, are Republicans Assemblyman Greg Ball and Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy.

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