Letter to the Editor:
Skala pushes for energy reform
Published Feb. 23, 2007
Karl Skala knows that unregulated growth can be ugly, expensive and pollutive. He has worked for years on the Planning and Zoning and Energy and Environment commissions for practical, efficient solutions. He points out that, often, policies that are good for the environment will also decrease costs for the city and businesses and help attract good jobs.
Skala worked to get the city to use renewable energy. After an uphill struggle, when such an idea was considered "impractical," the city now is proud that it is going to get 5 percent of its energy from wind and landfill gas, even more than is required by passage of the citizens' initiative.
Skala was an early pioneer in having the city consider light pollution and its costs. He pointed out that regulating lighting would result in less glare for drivers, less wasted energy for lighting (by having it point down instead of radiate into the night sky) and preserve some of our ability to view the stars "for those of all persuasions who look to the stars, even occasionally — lovers, philosophers, artists, poets, astronomers and, of course, our children." Improved regulations were first presented to the Columbia City Council in 2001 and most were finally adopted unanimously by the City Council last December.
These are just a few of his accomplishments. More information is at www.SkalaForCouncil.com.
Please let Skala's good ideas and experience work for Columbia by electing him on April 3 to the Columbia City Council's Third Ward seat.