Local mayors show support for variety of green initiatives
Article published on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 |
CLEARWATER – Pinellas County mayors joined Pinellas County Commissioner Karen William’s Seel May 3 in the signing of the Mayor’s Green City Action Accord. The ceremony, held at the Harborview Center the first morning of the Pinellas Living Green Expo, symbolized the unified support of green initiatives throughout the community.
Pinellas County holds a unique position in that the county was the first government in the state to receive the designation of Green Local Government, and St. Petersburg was the first city designated in the state. Dunedin has since received the honor and other cities are applying. Other municipalities support sustainable practices through their efforts in recycling, public education and other conservation practices.
The Green Government designation is administered through the Green Building Coalition, the organization promoting the signing of the Mayor’s Green City Action Accord throughout the state. The accord supports green initiatives in the community, and is strongly supported by the Florida League of Cities. Pinellas is the first county to hold a public signing ceremony to bring attention to the agreement.
The president of the Florida League of Cities, Frank C. Ortis, mayor of Pembroke Pines, was one of the featured speakers at the Pinellas County ceremony Saturday. Other speakers were Terry Jenssen, from the Government Affairs Committee of the Florida Green Building Coalition, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker and Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard.
“Our theme today is Leading the Way to a Sustainable Future,” said Seel, the emcee of the event. Through the Extension, Pinellas County is deeply involved in the promotion of “sustainability,” which takes a comprehensive approach to what is more commonly referred to as green initiatives.
As Seel explained, sustainability includes the decisions government makes as leaders in the community, and the conservation measures taken by corporations, small businesses, educational institutions and individual households.
“Sustainability encourages us to make both small and large changes in our everyday lives, both personally and in business,” said Seel. “Recycling. Reduced energy usage. Alternative fuels. Waterwise landscaping. Job training. Healthy families. Sustainability is a holistic approach to our lives that looks at the balances between economy, environment and society.”
Members of the county’s 4-H Club presented each of the mayors with a sapling to represent their appreciation for efforts being taken now to preserve the future.
Residents can see the signed Green Mayor’s Action Accord at the Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road in Largo.
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Article published on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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