This is a Moms Clean Air Force exclusive interview with Lakewood At-Large Member of Council Tom Bullock:
MCAF: What is unique about protecting Lakewood’s resources?
Councilman Bullock: Lakewood is the most densely populated city between New York and Chicago, and we sit directly on Lake Erie. It’s important that we use energy responsibly to reduce asthma-causing emissions and other health impacts, since kids, seniors, and all residents live close to one another. We also need to preserve our street trees since a healthy urban forest cleans dirty air, and helps manage storm water so we reduce combined sewer overflows into Lake Erie, our source of drinking water.
Are you worried about the effects of climate change on your family members and the children of Lakewood?
Yes, I feel a responsibility for reducing the rapid changes underway in our climate so we can conserve our natural heritage and pass on a healthy environment to future generations. Our kids are counting on us to think long-term and make responsible decisions now.
Why is a bipartisan effort so important, and how can these efforts be achieved in our politically polarizing culture?
We have to work together to solve problems. We’ll only make progress on long-term, complex issues if we negotiate, compromise, and work together. We can back away from the cliff of political gridlock by dropping blame and finger-pointing, and focus on solutions. The good news is that most Americans don’t get hung up on who’s Democrat, Republican, red, or blue. Let’s turn off the shouting cable news personalities and work together as neighbors. At the city and neighborhood level, I see people do that every day — so it can be done for clean air, clean water, and climate too.
Is there anything you’d like to share with Moms Clean Air Force members?
Let’s agree to make steady, year-by-year progress. Big problems can feel overwhelming, but they are solvable. Look how far we’ve come in a generation. As big as climate change is, we can fix it. Stay optimistic and unleash your creativity and innovation!
Thank you, Councilman Bullock!
Tom Bullock chairs the Public Safety Committee and serves on the Finance Committee, Public Works Committee, and Lakewood Hospital’s Board of Trustees. He brings to Council more than nineteen years of experience in community leadership and making government work for people, including service on Capitol Hill. Bullock consistently teams up with block clubs to improve safety and housing quality, and he actively helps residents resolve neighborhood problems. He invites anyone interested to contact him at (216) 337-1318 or tom.bullock@lakewoodoh.net.
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