Ben McCullough for State Representative

An Environmental Vision

The word "Ohio" is a Native American

term for "beautiful river." Ohio's natural, scenic beauty is one of the things that defines us as a people, and is worthy of our respect. Through a few simple initiatives, Northwest Ohio's diverse and ecologically unique biosphere can be better protected.

First, we cannot sacrifice the beauty and recreational value of Lake Erie by utilizing traditional means of gaining our resources. Pollutants from these inferior practices threaten the health of 14-15 million American and Canadian citizens who rely on the lake for their drinking water. Further, the delicate ecosystems of Erie are just beginning to rebound from the crises of the 1970's, and we cannot threaten the progress we have made. In being consistent with the innovative economy and our environmental values, we must develop a new strategy of providing energy to our people.

To prevent our dependence on foreign sources of fossil fuels in lands that may be hostile to U.S. interests, we cannot increase blind reliance on such resources at home. This does not solve the underlying problem of how we meet our energy needs when we can no longer dig. Our solution lies in using the constant natural elements of the Earth which emit no toxins and are simple to harness: wind, solar, biomass, and ethanol are some which are best suited to our landscape (See the agriculture and economic pages for details). By using renewables in our new structures and vehicles, we will become completely free of retrospective sources, create jobs, and live healthier lives in the process.

The scenic woods of our area must continue to be preserved for the Northwest Ohioan's lifestyle, and for our future generations. The flora and fauna that inhabit these areas have provided healthy activities for everyone to enjoy, and together display a radiant sanctuary of wildlife. America's natural treasures are quickly disappearing across the country, and must be recognized as vital to our future.

In maintaining the balances of ecosystems, we must not allow overpopulation of certain species to interfere. Therefore, a strategic extension of the hunting season for animals, specifically and limited to deer and coyotes, will increase the balance of declining yet important ones such as pheasants. We are also protecting the lives of the very species we are managing by preventing fatal incidents which also impact humans (car accidents, wildlife intrusion in developed towns, etc.). When rebounds of aided populations occur, restrictions may be removed, and the natural balance we strive for will be restored.

A more aggressive pursuit of recycling must be implemented in areas of best opportunity, like schools. Let's create a system where aluminum can, paper and other waste renewal will be rewarded. Preserving and reusing what we have is the 21st century solution.