Board Candidate Sustainability Statements

February 23, 2021

The Green Team sent all 2021 Board of Trustee candidates the following three questions on sustainability. Here are their responses.

Dave Benforado (Incumbent, Nominee for President)

1. How important do you consider sustainability for the Village of Shorewood Hills? I agree with the statement in the Shorewood Hills Sustainability Plan that “sustainability has long been a core value of the Village”! As discussed there, sustainability has many meanings: “… the ability to meet our needs without compromising the needs of future generations … can broadly incorporate environmental, economic, social sustainability.” In my mind, that all means being good stewards, making wise informed and fair decisions that will stand the test of time and not harm future generations. It was therefore fitting last year that Shorewood Hills was the first Village in Wisconsin to contract for 100% renewable electricity!

2. What do you consider the top sustainability issues that the Village is facing? The top sustainability issue in the Village is to keep sustainability at the forefront of our decision-making process and actions such that it becomes routine; for the Board, Committees, Staff, consultants, residents and businesses. The 2020-2025 Sustainability Plan was the result of years of hard work, interaction with residents, a great survey, and vetting of a draft Plan for review and comment by Committees and the Village Board. We now need to work hard to keep it a living, relevant and relied upon document. Another key sustainability issue in the Village in the near term is the renegotiation of our waste and recycling contract. The Village is currently served in both regards by Pellitteri and we are looking to modify some of the terms in a new contract (e.g., weekly recycling pickup, perhaps a food waste component). Other key issues include continual education utilizing different channels and methods, reducing waste, and making sure that key infrastructure projects are done in ways that maximize sustainability components (e.g., University Ave. reconstruction in 2022, Lake Mendota Drive bridge reconstruction in 2023). A longer-term sustainability issue will be to make sure that sustainability components are maximized when the Village starts rebuilding roads in the western half of the Village, and renovating or replacing Village buildings; these undertakings will in all likelihood take place in the 2025-2030 timeframe, but we need to start thinking about and prioritizing those projects now.

3. If elected, how would you help address these issues? We can do a better job making sustainability a routine consideration in Village decision-making. One way to do that would be by inviting the Green Team to join the Board once a year in April to discuss the Plan, to highlight past successes/future challenges. Another way, highlighted in the Plan, is to make sure that each Committee has a designated “sustainability champion”. Another way would be to ask Staff to devote one staff meeting a year, perhaps in the Summer (in advance of planning for the next year), to sustainability. With a potential new contract with Pellitteri, we can work to implement weekly recycling pickup (that was the number one complaint from Village residents, they want weekly recycling pickup because the containers are not large enough for every other week pickup). On the education front, we need to continue placing sustainability articles in the monthly Bulletin, promoting events, scheduling workshops, etc. One action that Village residents could take to greatly reduce the Village wide carbon footprint would be for each homeowner to tighten up their home’s building envelope so that they use less energy to cool it in the summer and heat it in the winter. We should schedule a Village “Energy Efficiency/Conservation” workshop with MGE (the last one was 10-15 years ago). In terms of reducing waste, at our next in-person July 4th event on the Village Green (whether it is in 2021 or 2022), we should absolutely plan it as a zero-waste event!

Laura Valderrama (Nominee for President)

1. How important do you consider sustainability for the Village of Shorewood Hills? Creating a more sustainable Village is a top priority for me. As we learned in 2018 and have seen around the world for decades, the climate crisis is an eminent threat to many, especially the most vulnerable of our society. We must create solutions to mitigate the quantity and quality of stormwater, ensure that everyone has direct access to clean air, water and green space. Reducing waste and creating more robust programs and practices of recycling and composting, as well as encouraging residents to use local transportation when possible are some goals I would like to see accomplished.

2. What do you consider the top sustainability issues that the Village is facing? The top sustainability issues the Village faces are managing stormwater and creating a more socio-economically diverse Village and incorporating more green infrastructure. All of these issues can be addressed by creating housing opportunities for working employees who are employed by surrounding businesses and organizations such as UW Hospital, the shops along University Avenue, Hilldale Mall, etc. This would decrease the amount of traffic along University Avenue, as it would provide folks the chance to walk or bike to work. New buildings with infrastructure like green roofs, solar panels, etc. would help efforts to combat the climate crisis and we would all benefit from having a more diverse community.

3. If elected, how would you help address these issues? If elected, I would commit to working with the City of Madison and governmental and non-governmental organizations dedicated to promoting solutions to create a greener and more sustainable environment for all. I would do the same for organizations who advocate for housing solutions, as I believe these issues go hand-in-hand. We must work together to ensure that everyone is safe and healthy in their homes and beyond.

Cokie Albrecht (Incumbent, Nominee for Trustee)

1. How important do you consider sustainability for the Village of Shorewood Hills? Sustainability initiatives develop from the recognition that our population, and the negative impacts of our behaviors on the environment, are increasing. Ignoring the consequences of long established habits is significant: some unacceptable effects are irreversible, affecting us and future generations. Delaying the implementation of a sustainability policy is not an environmentally sound, fiscally prudent, or moral option. It is important to realize that improvement is possible—the Sustainability Plan provides a roadmap to guide all applicable policy decisions with the knowledge that everything we do now to help the environment will eventually save money and resources.

2. What do you consider the top sustainability issues that the Village is facing? Climate change is a significant threat to the quality of life we enjoy. Although it is a global issue, it affects our everyday lives. We see it in the extreme weather events impacting the nation. Locally, we have seen increased rainfall totals. This, combined with the loss of permeable surfaces upstream, has resulted in more frequent and severe flooding of the University Avenue corridor.

Related to climate change is transportation. Our reliance on the single-passenger travel in fossil-fueled vehicles contributes to the warming of our planet and degradation of the air we breathe. More cars on the roads means more congestion, slower travel times, longer idling, increased threats to bikers and pedestrians.

One of the joys of living in Shorewood Hills is our proximity to the lakes. We have a responsibility to protect them. These means controlling the amount and quality of the storm water that runs into them.

We consume a lot, and are running out of places to dispose of things when we no longer want them. Our recycling bins are filling up, prompting a Village conversation about weekly recycling pick up. That measure is not without issues: the expense and environmental impact of another set of garbage trucks on our streets. With the loss of the Chinese market for our plastics, the problem of disposing our former recyclables is more difficult. Food waste often goes to landfills, contributing to the creation of methane and, as a result, the problem of global warming.

3. If elected, how would you help address these issues? Shorewood Hills’ policy makers will ensure that Village government actions conform with the guidelines outlined in the Sustainability Plan. Further, they can influence the choices made by Village residents and businesses to act in an environmentally responsible manner. A sustainable community can be accomplished through incremental steps in changing habits.

A guiding principle will be that everything the Village, residents, and businesses do to protect the environment will save money in the end. However, the Village should also look into the availability of outside sources—the Shorewood Foundation, grants, donations, etc., to fund sustainable activities and incentives.

Village efforts to reduce dependence on gas powered automobiles will have an impact on climate change, air quality and traffic congestion. The Village should work toward changing residents’ mindset about the use of cars, with the goal of a new normal being the use of alternate forms of transportation. The Village will continue its efforts to control runoff into Lake Mendota and remind residents of steps they can take to support the lakes. The Village should support an effort to limit all contributions to the waste stream: compost, trash and recyclables.

One step to foster that new thinking would be a sustainability education campaign through the Village Bulletin. We should encourage residents to share their personal sustainability success stories. And we should work with the Shorewood Hills Elementary School to educate students about sustainability issues. Kids can be effective tools in influencing household choices.

Andrea Contreras Funk (Nominee for Trustee)

1. How important do you consider sustainability for the Village of Shorewood Hills? Sustainability is the thread that binds every aspect of Laura Valderrama and my campaign. When we talk about peace, love, and justice, sustainability fits into each of these categories. Peace and love means creating a community in which people feel safe, live comfortably, and enjoy a sense of community. Justice is the work we do to make sure everyone has access to these rights.

Sustainability at its core means we are taking care of our people, our environment, and our planet. What is good for our most vulnerable, is good for all. Sustainability incorporates this sentiment at every level.

2. What do you consider the top sustainability issues that the Village is facing?

*Stormwater management 

*Affordable/diversified housing

*Community green space/equitable access for all residents in the form of parks or gardens

*Accessible infrastructure for residents who may move differently

*Green energy/carbon footprint reduction

The sustainability plan outlines comprehensive ideas for all of these areas and is a fantastic launching point for this work. 

Having lived through two major flooding events in this village, one in 1996 and the recent flooding event of 2018, the issue of sustainability is at the forefront of my mind. The trauma of these events has left a lifelong impression. We need to do better. With the wealth of resources, knowledge, and creativity in our village, I know that these issues can be tackled working together as neighbors and as a community.

3. If elected, how would you help address these issues? I envision working closely with our Green Team to continue to inform, guide, and lead our village in policies that will further our sustainability efforts.

I would encourage the village board at large to partner with the Green Team on issues the village is facing with sustainability. A perfect example of the opportunity to accomplish many of the forward thinking goals outlined in the sustainability plan is the Garden Homes neighborhood. There is a potential to create new green space along the University Avenue corridor, offering a gathering space to help increase community togetherness, inclusive of our new Lodge Apartment residents. This space would help with issues such as stormwater management, as well as offering rain gardens and natural features to attract beneficial insects to increase ecological diversity for garden areas in our community and other crucial components of a sustainable ecology. It would provide a place for people to gather, meet new neighbors, and foster a greater sense of belonging.

I would like to continue to educate residents and offer green energy incentives for our households that may not normally be able to access these programs, for economic or other accessibility issues preventing residents from lowering their carbon footprint. I believe communicating with neighboring municipalities is crucial for this work.

Affordable and diversified housing is also a sustainability issue. We need to consider nontraditional ideas in order to help bring diversity and creative housing solutions. Again, what is good for our most vulnerable is good for all.

Mark Lederer (Nominee for Trustee)

1. How important do you consider sustainability for the Village of Shorewood Hills? I consider sustainability a very important issue. When I was a trustee, I supported the creation of the Ad Hoc Sustainability Committee, approval the Sustainability Plan and formation of the Green Team. Furthermore, my support predates these initiatives and includes, but is not limited to, the completion of the bike path, affordable housing, shared workspace and day care along University Avenue, Shared Solar program, Arbor Day tree planting, stormwater control measures and wellness program for police officers. I also consider my long and continuing volunteer service in local governance as further evidence of my strong commitment to improving Village life.     

2. What do you consider the top sustainability issues that the Village is facing? I view climate change as an existential, global threat and therefore the top priority. Other and sometimes related threats to sustainability include stormwater runoff, lake water pollution and the aging of our tree canopy. Beyond their importance to sustainability, the lake and trees are inextricably part of life in Shorewood which further magnifies their importance and provides a strong base of public support.

An emerging priority might be developing a local response to work in concert with county, state and federal initiatives to address the adverse consequences of the pandemic. An initial focus might be on the economic wellbeing of local small businesses and their employees.    

3. If elected, how would you help address these issues? I would encourage the use of Shared Solar and other forms of cost-effective renewable energy, energy efficient appliances, and alternatives to driving such as walking, biking and public transport/ride sharing.

With respect to storm water, we need to closely monitor the progress of the University Avenue reconstruction project and plan for the financing of the Village’s share of the cost. With respect to Garden Homes, it is highly unlikely there will be a realistic, comprehensive solution and the best that may be achieved is a practical plan to limit, but not eliminate, the adverse consequences of flooding at a reasonable cost. I welcome ideas to accomplish this goal. On a much smaller scale, I support the ongoing investment in rain gardens, most recently on Edgehill Parkway, and the planned rebuilding of the water channel through McKenna Park as part of the construction of a new bridge on Lake Mendota Drive.

With respect to the pollution of Lake Mendota by phosphorous runoff, part of the solution lies with greater control of stormwater as noted above, along with further efforts by the residents to keep leaves off the streets. New investment in a street sweeper with a vacuum may be warranted, but there may be far more cost-effective means to prevent phosphorous runoff in surrounding communities by investing elsewhere.

As to maintaining and perhaps enlarging the tree canopy, I would look to guidance from the Village Forester and Parks Committee as to where additional investment in new trees is most appropriate. This might include offering residents some incentive to plant trees on their property. I would support a comprehensive review of the parks to determine where new investment is needed as well as identifying areas that might be better served by repurposing the property or returning it to nature.

Shabnam Lotfi (Incumbent, Nominee for Trustee)

1. How important do you consider sustainability for the Village of Shorewood Hills? I am the daughter of an environmentalist. As a child, I witnessed my dad reaching into people’s idling trucks and turning them off to prevent pollution. Admittedly, probably not the best approach. I grew up watching David Attenborough’s documentaries that exposed me to the beautiful, jaw-dropping precious planet we inhabit. I feel pain and sadness when I see what human activity is doing, and the disaster we are bringing on our own heads. It’s our responsibility to advocate for sustainability. That is why I am a board member of the Wisconsin Conservation Voters, and why I consider sustainability the highest priority for the Village.

2. What do you consider the top sustainability issues that the Village is facing? Like the rest of the world, the Village needs to get to net-zero emissions. To do this, just about every aspect of our lives needs to be re-evaluated. We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. That the Village has contracted with MG&E to ensure our Village relies 100% on clean energy is a step in the right direction. Continuing on this path, we should find ways to incentivize residents to do the same. For example, the Village could negotiate a bulk purchase of solar panels on behalf of residents and businesses.

The Village should invest in green cement and green steel. These industries are often overlooked in sustainability planning and municipalities must lead the way by investing in them, even if it costs more up front.

Phosphorus is another Village problem. We are fortunate to live by a lake, and yet our lake is full of algae every year due to phosphorus in runoff. As Chair of the Services Committee, I am working on a letter to residents and landscape contractors to inform them that they need to keep leaves and other brush off the streets to prevent them from washing into the lake.

While difficult to hear, the reality is that our planet cannot sustain 7 billion meat eaters. We can do our part by educating residents on the impact of the meat industry and by expanding the Village’s community gardens. In addition, the Village could subsidize composting containers for residents so that less of our waste ends up in landfills.

3. If elected, how would you help address these issues? To date, I’ve wholeheartedly supported all initiatives brought forth by the Green Team. In my own projects, I’ve always considered sustainability as a significant factor. I previously researched whether we could ban or tax plastic in Village businesses. Unfortunately, the State has prevented local communities from imposing any restrictions on plastic. Still, I believe we should be creative and approach Village businesses in other ways. For example, could we offer a tax incentive in exchange for a business eliminating its plastic use?

Consumerism is also a problem. We don’t always need to purchase items brand new. In making purchases, the Village should look to purchase second-hand or refurbished items, before buying brand new. The Village can share equipment with other municipalities. In addition, we could offer residents a “free product room” where residents can drop off or pick home products such as paint, automotive products, household cleaners, and others. One person’s waste could be another person’s product.

As Chair of the Services Committee, I’m working on an RFP to contract for weekly recycling. Research shows that more recyclable material ends up in landfills when municipalities don’t offer weekly recycling. In addition, although Pellitteri has pushed back against offering a composting service, I plan to ask for composting in the RFP process. Vendors need to understand that the demand for composting is there. They need to invest in the infrastructure needed to make it an available service. This would also help reduce phosphorus and keep our lake clean as I outlined above.