NYLCVEF Hosts Candidate Forums for CD-16 and AD-109

As the primary election season kicks into gear, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) continues their mission of educating voters through environmental candidate forums, conducting two in recent weeks, one in southern Westchester County for New York’s 16th Congressional District, and one in Albany for New York’s 109th Assembly District.  

“Public discourse is the bedrock of a strong democracy,” said NYLCV Board Member Julie Chang, who served as co-moderator for the CD16 program. “Forums such as this enhance our civic culture and give us an opportunity to be meaningfully heard and involved.”

Each year, NYLCVEF works with local partners to host nonpartisan candidate forums across the state. During the 2023 election cycle, the League hosted forums for the Suffolk County Executive race and the Troy mayoral race.

“The most important thing we can do for the environment is vote,” said NYLCVEF President Julie Tighe. “It is absolutely critical that New Yorkers have the opportunity to hear directly from candidates so they can make informed decisions when they go to the polls.”

On May 20, candidates for the 16th congressional district, Representative Jamaal Bowman and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, met at Iona University to discuss their stances on environmental issues impacting New York and the nation.

“Rarely has there been an opportunity to have such a system-wide impact as the clean energy transition offers us,” said NYLCVEF President Julie Tighe. “And that is why this election is so critical. The balance of power is at stake. This November we will decide to either lead the world into the clean energy future, or let the fossil fuel industry hold us back.”

NYLCVEF and WAMC/Northeast Public Radio teamed up to host an environmental candidate forum for New York’s 109th Assembly District on May 30, at The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, in Albany. The forum, which was broadcast live on WAMC, marked the first time the candidates appeared together on the same stage as they vie to fill Assemblymember Pat Fahy’s seat, which she’s held since 2013. 

Fahy – who is running for the New York Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Neil Breslin –  has been an outspoken advocate for policies to protect New York’s environment and help the state meet its CLCPA goals and transition to a clean energy economy. Whichever candidate assumes her role in AD-109 will have big shoes to fill.

With WAMC’s Ian Pickus moderating, Tighe and WAMC reporter Lucas Willard asked the candidates questions to get at the heart of environmental concerns in the Capital Region. 

“We are proud to once again partner with the League to offer this forum, a service to listeners and voters in the district alike,” said WAMC’s Interim CEO Stacey Rosenberry.

Read coverage and listen to the radio broadcast from WAMC, or watch our video for a view of the forum from inside The Linda.