Bhimani and Draeger Earn Endorsement of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters

MORRISTOWN — Today, Assembly Candidates Dr. Lisa Bhimani and Darcy Draeger announced their endorsement by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, one of the state’s premier environmental advocacy groups. The endorsement carries significant weight in the 25th legislative district where clean water has become a major issue.

“Clean water and clean air are environmental issues, economic issues, and public health issues,” said Bhimani. “We’re honored to have New Jersey LCV’s support and will work alongside them in the Assembly to protect the natural resources that are critical to so many of our communities.”

“These candidates are all committed to fighting for healthy communities, creating good local jobs in the clean energy economy, and preserving New Jersey’s natural resources,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey LCV. “I am confident that electing environmental champions like these to the Assembly will ensure New Jersey is protected for future generations.”

With Lake Hopatcong rendered unswimmable by a harmful algal bloom, clean water has become a major concern for voters in the region. The lake, the largest freshwater body in New Jersey, is critical to local communities and economies.

“To the lake-side residents of Roxbury and Mount Arlington this is a full-blown crisis and the state’s inaction to clean up and protect Lake Hopatcong is unconscionable,” said Draeger. “These communities pay some of the highest taxes in the state, if not the nation. It is unacceptable for New Jersey to shrug and leave them to fend for themselves.”

The candidates have already spent several nights knocking on doors in Roxbury and Mount Arlington to hear concerns about the lake from residents who have been impacted. On Friday the candidates met with the New Jersey Highlands Coalition to tour the lake and see first-hand the  effects of the algal bloom. On Monday they attended a public information session hosted by the Lake Hopatcong Commission to learn more and voice their concerns.

“What we’re seeing on Lake Hopatcong is tragic and unfortunately it’s far from a one-off issue. Just last week Greenwood Lake was declared unswimmable as well and experts say hundreds of other lakes and communities are at risk, including several in Morris and Somerset counties.” said Bhimani. “We need to take decisive action. That requires real leadership in Trenton, not representatives who stood silent for 8 years as Chris Christie destroyed every environmental protection he could get his hands on.”

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