David Yassky: The World’s First “Green” Comptroller?
Apr 22nd, 2008 by Jervey
We’re not in the endorsement game (not that anyone would care what we had to say), but when there are progressively “green” candidates with rather bulletproof records on environmental and sustainability issues, we’re totally willing to highlight and point them out. And we got this nice invite from City Council member and Comptroller candidate David Yassky, who we’ve always totally revered, actually, for a campaign fundraiser. He’s got this to say:
I am running for Comptroller as an environmental leader, with a record of not just talking the talk but doing the hard work needed to turn real ideas into policy. I fought, and eventually won, a years-long battle to turn our taxicab fleet into clean-burning hybrids; I got City agencies to commit to greater use of bioheat; and I championed the rebirth of the City’s waterfront.
You can purchase your tickets here: www.davidyassky.com/events
/riverviews As Comptroller, I can do so much more. I will use all the tools of the office – contract review, auditing, budget review, and investments – to make this City a much more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally-responsible place to live and work. I will audit City agencies to require and promote energy-efficient practices at City-owned facilities. I will use contract review power to encourage environmental “best practices” like green building and use of low-emission fuels. I will apply the office’s power as an institutional investor to push companies towards greener practices.
I hope you’ll consider joining me and many members of the New York environmental community next Tuesday, April 29, 2008 as we celebrate a greener New York City at 101 Riverviews (101 Avenue of the Americas, 1 block north of Canal street). The event will be held on the 23rd floor terrace, featuring sweeping views of New York City and live jazz.
Again, we’ve long applauded Yassky’s work as City Council member, for constantly pushing for a greener, more sustainable NYC. And you needn’t take out word for it. Check out this from the “moustache” himself:
Take the New York City taxi story. Two years ago, David Yassky, a City Council member, sat down with one of his backers, Jack Hidary, a technology entrepreneur, to brainstorm about how to make New York City greener — at scale. For starters, they checked with the Taxi and Limousine Commission to see what it would take to replace the old gas-guzzling Crown Victoria yellow cabs, which get around 10 miles a gallon, with better-mileage, low-emission hybrids.
Or this revelatory piece from the Observer.
And, truth told, the Comptroller’s office is one from where some pretty fundamental change could be bred. As Yassky himself assures, the office can be used to prompt energy efficiency audits, and to catalyze green building and low emission fuel “best practices.” We never realized Comptrolling could be so exciting.