Koutnik Votes 'No'

On 'Climate Pledge'

Draft As Too Weak

But SWECC Committee, 4-1, Forwards

Compromise Document To Full Board

By JENNIFER HILL • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA – Saying the language "was softened," County board Vice Chair Gary Koutnik, D-Oneonta, today voted against sending a "Climate Smart Community Pledge" resolution, as revised, to the full board for action March 6.

However, his colleagues on the Solid Waste & Environmental Concerns Committee nonetheless agreed to forward the adjusted resolution, 4-1, for the full board's consideration.

"The language did reduce the  sense of Climate Change being a crisis," Koutnik said.  "My vote was largely a symbolic one, so it would be in the public record for future generations to see."