Thread by @ProvoMacher

In April, 2019 I organized a group to speak with @westcherbol about preparing for #climatebreakdown. The BOL allows 10 people, 3 minutes each to share what’s on their mind. Here’s how @catherineNY16 responded. (1 of 11)

We started with 2 people and eventually grew to 8 concerned citizens. There were no controls in terms of topics or “asks”. It was a grassroots way to publicly tell the BOL about citizen concerns. (2 of 11)

My personal ask was for more community networking and connections throughout the #Westchester County. To read the IPCC report together with a certified climate grief counselor. (3 of 11)

And to set up shelters, support networks for the vulnerable, etc. - ways to check in on each other when #climatebreakdown disasters strike. (4 of 11)

After our 6 minutes (2 people, 3 minutes each) we left and @catherineNY left the BOL meeting, following us out to “school” us. She told us we were ignorant, we didn’t know what we were talking about, that Westchester was doing a lot when it came to #climatebreakdown (5 of 11)

. @catherineNY16 was not kind. She yelled “No!” at me when I mentioned my ask and that the school boards must get on board when it comes to bloated budgets, building projects with huge carbon footprints, turf fields, etc. (6 of 11)

We pointed out that it’s the County’s responsibility to inform us and ask for our input. You’d think if @westchesterBOL and @catherineNY16 were doing some much to prepare for #climatebreakdown they’d let people know about it if only out of self interest. (7 of 11)

But @catherineNY16 would not continue the conversation because she was needed for a vote on bail reform. In other words, rather than listen to constituents, get our contact information and open up a discussion, Parker insults constituents and walks away. (8 of 11)

#climatebreakdown requires ALL of us to work together cultivating a culture of community and mutual aid. The government and electeds should be part of that transition. So far @catherineNY16 does not stand in solidarity with the people she claims she wants to represent. (9 of 11)

The day after @catherineNY16 “schooled” her concerned constituents, I looked up #climatebreakdown preparedness and actions on the County website. Turns out the “action plan” was over 2 years old. From the Astorino administration. (10 of 11)

The next time we spoke at @westchesterBOL (now up to 4 people) I mentioned it. A week later, without apology or explanation, the Latimer administration cobbled together a “current” page. (11)

There were ways to handle constituents concerned about #climatebreakdown that indicate leadership, grace, and compassion. @catherineNY16 displayed none of those qualities. If she wants to represent #NY16 in all its diversity, listening is a start.