Friends of Kim Stone

The state is in the process of developing a bicycle transportation plan. Help the state prioritize future bicycle projects by providing input through this survey. The Plan will become part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s long range plan, and will guide efforts to improve bicycling in Illinois.

This is what my son said after we attended a conference on climate change this spring. I was surprised to hear in a recent NY Times article that he’s not alone.  “The End of Car Culture” states: “recent studies suggest that Americans are buying fewer cars, driving less and getting fewer licenses as each year goes by. ” A combination of alternative modes of transportation are getting us where we need to go, with less reliance on cars.  Read the full story by clicking here.

At our May 28 meeting, City Council voted to purchase $775,000 of electricity over the next year to power our street lights, water plant, and other city buildings. I am proud that my questions on this issue ultimately led to changes that will reduce our City’s environmental impact this year.  While low carbon electricity sources were not included in the original proposal, we will be purchasing 100% renewable energy for 4 of the 10 contracts included in this purchase.

According to the National Academy of Sciences: “Climate change is occurring, is very likely caused primarily by human activities, and poses significant risks to humans and the environment. These risks indicate a pressing need for substantial action to limit the magnitude of climate change and to prepare for adapting to its impacts.” The report is available here.

In 2005, Mayor Belsky signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. A total of 1,060 mayors in all 50 states have signed on — including those of Evanston, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Waukegan, Wilmette and Chicago. The agreement commits the City to reduce carbon emissions to 7% below 1990 levels by 2012 and to support a national emissions trading system.

I will be working with City staff, Mayor Rotering and the City Council to ensure that we increase the percentage of renewables in our future electricity purchases, and increase the energy efficiency of City buildings. Highland Park can lead the way in sustainability by taking concrete actions that will save us money and reduce our environmental impact.

The Great Lakes are the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. The Lakes provide 18% of the world’s supply of fresh surface water and 90% of the U.S. supply.  Lake Michigan, by volume, is the second largest Great Lake and its water level has been near record lows for several years now. Highland Park recently adopted a new conservation pricing plan for water (click here for information). Now is a great time to look at your water usage and find ways to reduce. Remember that Highland Park has an odd/even sprinkler restriction in effect for the summer months — sprinkle on odd days if your address is an odd number, or even days for even addresses.  It’s more effective to water early in the morning, so that the water goes into the soil instead of evaporating with the midday sun.  Native plants don’t require as much water as lawns, since their roots reach deeper into the ground.  More water saving tips can be found by clicking here.

After last season’s drought, the trees and plants are happy for all the rain we’ve had lately. However, those who have had to travel around closed roads or clean flooded basements may be less excited about the rain. While we cannot control the weather, there are things that we can do on our properties to reduce the impacts of storms. Read about them here.

Energy Impact Illinois is a program to assess the energy efficiency of homes and make recommendations for savings. If you are interested in observing the testing and explanation phase of a home energy audit in Highland Park on Sunday, May 5, click here, and I’ll send you the details.

We have been out picking up yard signs. If we missed yours, please click here to send us your address, and we will get it. Thanks for showing your support by displaying a sign!

I am honored that you have put your trust in me, and am excited to get to work on City Council. This was truly a community-wide campaign, and I cannot thank you enough for your support, advice, and encouragement. The best part of running for office was getting to know so many people who are involved in and care about our community.  To stay informed about my work to move our community forward, please subscribe to my email newsletter.

Every vote counts, so don’t forget to cast your ballot for Kim Stone. (See below story for link to find your polling place.) Thank you to everyone who has helped with the campaign. I truly appreciate all of your efforts, whether you submitted Letters to the Editor, sent emails or letters to friends about the campaign, walked door to door, displayed a yard sign or helped spread the word in other ways. Click here to find election results after polls close.