In the Oct. 13 Recorder article announcing Derek Helie’s write-in candidacy for Precinct 9 city councilor, he says what is important to him is not worrying about “the financial burdens of meeting that green energy code” in building projects to which Greenfield has pledged a commitment. (the stretch code is an appendix to the state’s base building energy code that mandates higher levels of energy efficiency in new construction and further aligns new construction with the Massachusetts goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. )
Helie’s comments suggest avoiding the needed investment in future development where sustainable building is essential to combat climate change, especially in housing. Max Webbe is the only candidate from Precinct 9 (where I live) who bothered to register as a candidate on the ballot. He understands and values our deep connection to Earth and its limited resources and knows we are taking more than the Earth can support. Everything we lie with, need, use, buy comes from the Earth. Max understands that going green can slow down our rapacious appetite for quick cheap fixes that eventually we will have to repair in the long run, handing the problems off to our children and grandchildren.
Vote for Max Webbe if you care for our planet and for the long-term resiliency of our city’s infrastructure in the face of climate change. A vote for Max supports the health, safety and prosperity of our shared community.
Becca King
Greenfield