Letter to the Editor: Keep climate change in mind when voting in the primary election

The primary election is coming up fast. You might get a knock at your door this very weekend. There are lots of people competing for your vote. This is important because local governments can make policy that is seriously impactful around climate change and environmental health.

We have more power at the local level than many people realize. I have seen this in my own community. In order to realize this power though, we need to elect people to local government who have the environment and our health as their top priority. We can take the power back in our own communities when the right people are elected!

Please push the candidates you meet. We just don’t have time to mess around anymore. We need climate action at all levels. Seek out your local candidates and ask them these questions:

• Do you understand that climate change is real and poses an immediate threat to our health and safety?

• What reassurance can you offer parents that you are doing everything in your power to stop climate change and protect our health?

• What are your plans to support adoption of solar technologies in our community?

Keeping the earth healthy and viable for our children will require a team effort. And it begins in our own communities.

Please vote on May 18. The planet needs you.

Mandy Steele

Mother and Fox Chapel Borough Councilperson