Given ongoing concerns about tree preservation and keeping spills out of streams, we asked mayoral candidates for their thoughts on environmental stewardship in the city.
Is the city doing enough to protect trees and waterways?
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Adel Gamar
No. The current regulations imposed on developers at construction sites are neither strict enough nor effectively enforced. Construction runoff, sediment and other pollutants are damaging sensitive streams in these areas. It is the responsibility of the city to ensure that all development projects are bound by strict regulations that ensure the protection of our trees and waterways.
Richard Stewart (incumbent)
We continue to increase investments in tree protection and tree planting (City is planting 10,000 trees in 2022), establishing new parks, and supporting urban forest. Continue working with Metro for improvements to outdated regional pipes, to prevent harm to streams. Adding real-time flow sensors/monitors, etc.