Environmental Coalition To Survey Candidates

The East Hampton Environmental Coalition has asked town board and supervisor candidates to address environmental issues facing the town ahead of the 2013 election.

The survey, which will be released to the public following a press conference at Town Hall on Friday at noon, asks candidates to offer their stance on environmental policy issues, like groundwater and surface water, hazard mitigation, lighting ordinances, and habitat protection and stewardship.

They have until Oct. 11 to respond. Unedited responses will be made available to the public on the East Hampton page of the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund website.

"EHEC believes this survey and the resulting exchange of views will assist voters in making informed decision in the November election," Jim Matthews, a spokesman for the coalition, said. "Our community will benefit from a detailed conversation surrounding the environmental challenges we face and how best to protect the natural resources critical to our way of life."

Twelve groups makeup the coalition; the Accabonac Protection Committee, the Amagansett Springs Aquifer Protection, Clearview Beach Association, Concerned Citizens of Montauk, Dark Sky Society, Garden Club of East Hampton, New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Northwest Alliance, Quiet Skies Coalition, Surfrider Foundation and Third House Nature Center.

The coalition first surveyed candidates in fall 2011.