Pat Northey For Volusia County Council

A Grandchild makes you look at life differently. I have a granddaughter, now almost 5 years old. When I look towards this year or to the next 50 years, it is through the eyes of my granddaughter. What kind of Volusia will we be in 2060? How will we look? How will we preserve our quality of life? What decisions do we make today that will positively impact Volusia for the next 50 years? It is with these questions that I pledge to continue my work on projects and programs that will promote a sustainable future.

Part of these efforts will include visioning how our wild and rural heart will look in 2060. It will be especially important that the development patterns reflect sustainable values, green corridors and water resources for the future.

My work in sustainability has resulted in a significant step forward in the protection of a valuable interconnected system of environmentally sensitive area. We will use innovative planning practices to manage growth in an environmentally responsible manner while respecting property rights, development interests, and economic concerns.

The proof is in the pudding. I pushed for and the Council adopted a "green building" ordinance. New homes will be more energy efficient with reduced water flow appliances and built with recycled material. Our yards will be landscaped with native plants and grasses and the sun will be used to power our homes.

We are driving hybrid vehicles and our VOTRAN bus passengers are riding in environmentally sustainable GREEN buses.

Our new expanded regional library and Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona is the first Green certified government building in our county. Recently awarded a Silver LEED designation, we are saving energy and saving you money. Come out and see what being green is all about.

I also pushed for Volusia County to become a "Green Certified" County. We are reducing our Carbon footprint here in the County and leading the way in the region. Sustainability is not just a buzz word in Volusia County!