Background:

Should environmental impact be considered in every major municipal decision?

Environmental considerations must be connected to virtually every municipal issue, particularly development, drainage, flooding, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Recent flooding events have highlighted the potential consequences of extreme weather and the importance of understanding how development and municipal decisions may affect drainage, water flow, natural areas, and community resilience.

Environmental considerations go beyond just recognizing the reality of climate change. They can encompass natural heritage, trees, wetlands, water quality, agricultural lands, stormwater and biodiversity, that can support the long-term resilience of the community.

Residents may want candidates to address:

• Whether environmental impacts deserve an elevated status in major municipal decisions.

• The environmental consequences and long-term environmental cost of new development.

• Protection of wetlands, natural areas, and waterways.

• Stormwater retention and drainage for flood mitigation

• Tree preservation and urban canopy.

• Protection of agricultural land.

• Water quality and watershed protection.

• Sustainable transportation and infrastructure.

• Whether current planning standards adequately account for changing environmental conditions.

• Whether the Town should use updated climate and rainfall information when planning infrastructure and evaluating development proposals.

Key question for candidates:

Should environmental impact and climate resilience be a formal consideration in every significant municipal decision and how would you balance environmental, economic and development considerations?