IKEA, Davids Island, Smart Growth:
Which Candidate Has the Best Record?

by Judy Silberstein

( August 7, 2002 ) Assemblyman Ronald C. Tocci and Councilman Noam Bramson lambasted each other’s environmental records and defended their own positions on IKEA and Davids Island projects.

Mr. Tocci announced he has won the endorsement of the New York League of Conservation Voters and said, “My opponent has a terrible record on the environment.” “He was a chief proponent of the IKEA megastore project and voted repeatedly to harm the character of Davids Island.” (For More Details)

“I am proud to have a very strong environmental record,” countered New Rochelle Councilman Noam Bramson. He mentioned his work on a number of projects such as expanding parkland and supporting smart growth initiatives. He added, “On IKEA, I expressed clear concerns about the traffic and environmental impact of the mega-store and would have opposed the project had it come to a final vote before the City Council.”

With respect to Davids Island, Bramson asserted, “I voted for and strongly supported the sale of Davids Island to the County for the establishment of a park, with full public access and no vehicular bridge.” Bramson accused Tocci of threatening to block the sale of the island to the County and floating “the outrageous suggestion that a winery be established on Davids Island.” (For More Details)

Nevertheless, it is Assemblyman Tocci who has been endorsed by the The New York League of Conservation Voters, which describes itself as “the nonpartisan political arm of New York's environmental community http://www.nylcv. NYLCV Communication Director, Neill Coleman said, “We felt that the Assemblyman had the greater knowledge and environmental experience.” He mentioned in particular that Tocci has served on the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee and has been involved in strengthening the “Oil Spill Prevention Contingency” law, expanding a program that promotes wind and solar power, and advocating for smart growth policies. (For More Details)

Mr. Bramson, however, was critical of Mr. Tocci’s environmental position in New Rochelle. “It is Mr. Tocci’s chronic failure to deliver adequate State aid to New Rochelle and his imposition of a property tax cap that creates an unhealthy dependence on new development in the city.”

Each candidate believes he will be the stronger advocate for the environment. Said Tocci, “An endorsement from NYLCV is a testament to my dedication and effectiveness in working to preserve and protect the Sound Shore environment.” Said Bramson, “As our State Assemblyman, I would fight for genuine regional planning, stricter controls on pollution, and real investments in Long Island Sound.”

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