When I was elected to the state Senate two years ago, I was joined by a remarkable group of selfless, caring and smart freshman legislators. All 13 of us, Republicans and Democrats, both senators and representatives alike, knew that the voters who put us into office wanted us to do one thing more than anything else: work together.
With the majority of the inside the beltway crowd busy putting the “fun” in dysfunction, the work of the 147th General Assembly, while partisan and heated at times, never got personal, and was productive toward the goal of solving practical problems in the lives of all Delaware residents.
With that being said, the work done in the General Assembly is not done in a vacuum and as a state senator representing a large portion of eastern Sussex County and a lover of the environment, I put a great deal of trust and faith in the efforts of local nonprofits whose missions include protecting and enhancing our rich natural resources. Two of those nonprofits, Save Our Lakes Alliance3 and the Center for the Inland Bays, are celebrating milestone anniversaries this month.
For the last decade, SOLA3 has created awareness and coordinated action toward protecting the lakes in and around Rehoboth Beach: Lake Gerar, Lake Comegys and Silver Lake. These historic and environmentally sensitive areas, in the midst of Delaware’s greatest resort destination, have been cared for and defended by dedicated SOLA3 volunteers whose advocacy, knowledge and commitment deserve all of our thanks.
Since its founding 20 years ago, The Center for Inland Bays continues to be the premier research, education and monitoring agency for our inland bays. CIB research and studies have led to the enactment of substantive and meaningful environmental protection legislation, including the 2013 passage of HB 160, the shellfish aquaculture bill. CIB’s tremendous ability to coordinate partnerships with all levels of government is a testament to a sustained commitment to impartial, scientific data that is in turn presented to stakeholders with thoughtful, pragmatic approaches toward long term improvements and solutions.
While more bipartisan work is needed in order to further protect our precious natural resources, as an elected official, I can’t do the job I do every day without the counsel and expertise from volunteers and professionals in groups like the Center for Inland Bays and Save Our Lakes Alliance3.
The services they provide are invaluable and their staff and volunteers are tremendous examples of selfless Delawareans doing more for today and for our future. Thanks to all for your hard work and congratulations on reaching these historic milestones!
Ernie Lopez
State Senator
District 6, Lewes
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