Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Erika White, Ohio House Representative candidate, hosted two Clean Water Town Hall Meetings on Thursday, October 10, 2024. The first was held at Heatherdowns Library and the second was held at Maumee Indoor Theater.
Residents filled both locations to hear from three passionate speakers who are advocating clean and affordable water. Emily Kelly, of Ohio Environmental Council Action (OEC) Fund PAC, Margo Puffenberger, a Maumee city councilmember, and White answered questions and shared solutions to begin conversations.
“I have spent some time talking to people, this is a serious concern that impacts both Maumee and Toledo,” said White. “There must be more resources, we must have funding to help people because food and water are important.”
“The OEC supports candidates for office. We build political power in Ohio and focus on environmental protection and Ohio communities,” said Kelly.
The Town Hall discussed Lake Erie Algal blooms and the negative impacts. “Algae was responsible for the 2014 water crisis and we don’t want to see another emergency,” added Kelly. “If large toxic problems happen again, it could cause affordability issues when systems need an upgrade.”
The Town Hall also discussed solutions. “We need to incorporate front-end solutions by incorporating farming management best practices around phosphorus,” Kelly continued. “Solutions that address the treatment is causing rates to increase, solutions need to focus on management.”
Erika White is endorsed by OEC Action Fund PAC and plans to hold additional town halls in the future on this and other subject critical to the residents of northwest Ohio.
White is a candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 41. District 41 includes Holland, South Toledo and parts of Maumee.