Erik Swenson: Boudman would be a leader in environmental protection

To The Daily Sun,

Sen. Mark McConkey says he'll fight for our lakes, but his record shows an obstructionist and rank hypocrisy.

In 2013, McConkey tried to table SB 89 — which strengthened restrictions against lead tackle that poisons loons — and then voted against it. Thankfully, it passed anyway, 225-142. McConkey clearly seems uninterested in the future of our loons.

In 2021, he represented a developer seeking a variance from Effingham's groundwater protection ordinance to build a gas station right over the vast, vital Ossipee aquifer, our region's pristine drinking water source. Redevelopment of that same site later sparked outrage when roughly 20 truckloads of excavated, contaminated sand and fill — carrying risks of petroleum and toxic PFAS — were hauled and dumped onto an Ossipee Lake beach and playground.

Cyanobacteria blooms are a growing threat to our lakes and waters as pollution from stormwater, sewage and road salt increases. This not only affects the health of people and animals, but property values and the economy. McConkey now leads a cyanobacteria task force that dragged its feet, finally holding its first meeting on Aug. 21 of this year with recommendations delayed until January 2027 — long after Election Day. A 2022 state plan had already mapped out the funding needs; four years later, we’ll finally get a first measly study.

While nonprofits, citizens, and town committees do the heavy lifting to protect our treasured waters, Concord drags its feet. McConkey is dead weight on environmental issues.

Rep. Bobbi Boudman, candidate for Senate District 3, has a proven record of environmental stewardship. Our lakes and drinking water deserve a true leader. I support her wholeheartedly.

Erik Swenson

Moultonborough