Patch Candidate Profile: Donna Lesch For Southbury Inland Wetlands Commissioner – Patch

Candidate Report: Donna Lesch, Inland Wetlands Commissioner

Candidate Profile

• Name: Donna Lesch
• Seeking Office: Inland Wetlands Commissioner
• Municipality: Southbury, CT
• Occupation: Teacher (14+ years)

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The candidacy of Donna Lesch for Inland Wetlands Commissioner directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her stated commitment to protecting local water resources is fundamental to achieving global sustainability targets at the community level.

Core Focus on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Lesch’s primary objective is to “protect the water resources of Southbury.” This mission is in direct alignment with SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The work of an Inland Wetlands Commissioner is critical for:

• Maintaining water quality by preserving the natural filtration capabilities of wetlands.
• Protecting local water sources from pollution and degradation.
• Ensuring the long-term health of the water ecosystem for community use.

Contribution to SDG 11, SDG 14, and SDG 15

The role inherently involves balancing development with environmental protection, which is central to multiple SDGs.

1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By regulating activities affecting wetlands, the commission plays a vital role in sustainable land-use planning, mitigating flood risks, and preserving green infrastructure within the community.
2. SDG 14 (Life Below Water) & SDG 15 (Life on Land): Inland wetlands are critical habitats for a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial species. Protecting these ecosystems is essential for halting biodiversity loss and preserving local wildlife, directly contributing to the targets of SDG 14 and SDG 15.

Qualifications and Platform Summary

Public Service and Professional Experience

• Currently serving as an Inland Wetlands Commissioner for Southbury.
• Possesses several years of direct experience in the role.

Key Platform Differentiators

Lesch emphasizes her existing experience on the commission as a key advantage. This experience provides a foundation for:

• Maintaining consistency in the interpretation and application of environmental regulations.
• Ensuring stable and predictable governance of Southbury’s vital water resources.
• Continuity in the long-term strategic protection of local ecosystems in line with sustainable development principles.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The article highlights the candidate’s role as an “Inland Wetlands Commissioner” and her stated goal to “help protect the water resources of Southbury.” This directly aligns with SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water. Wetlands are crucial ecosystems for maintaining water quality and availability.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The protection of inland wetlands is a core component of SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The candidate’s work on the “inland wetlands commission” is directly related to conserving these vital freshwater ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• By working to protect the natural water resources within the town of Southbury, the candidate’s role contributes to making the community more sustainable and resilient. Protecting local natural heritage, such as wetlands, is an aspect of sustainable urban and community development as outlined in SDG 11.

Specific SDG Targets

Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems

• This target calls for the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems, specifically including wetlands. The candidate’s entire purpose for seeking office, to “protect the water resources of Southbury” as an “Inland Wetlands Commissioner,” is a direct local-level implementation of this target.

Target 15.1: Conserve and restore terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems

• This target aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of inland freshwater ecosystems, with a particular mention of wetlands. The candidate’s work involves “interpreting and applying regulations” to manage and protect these specific ecosystems, which is precisely what this target promotes.

Target 11.4: Protect the world’s cultural and natural heritage

• The wetlands of Southbury can be considered part of the town’s natural heritage. The commission’s function is an effort to “protect and safeguard” these local natural assets, aligning with the goal of this target.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

The article does not mention any explicit quantitative indicators used to measure progress. However, it implies the existence of process-based and structural indicators:

Existence of a dedicated governing body

• The article’s focus on the “inland wetlands commission” indicates that a formal governance structure is in place at the local level. The existence and continued operation of such a commission is a structural indicator of commitment to protecting water resources.

Application of regulations

• The candidate mentions her experience in “interpreting and applying regulations.” This points to the existence of local laws and policies for wetland protection. The consistent application of these regulations serves as a process indicator for measuring the effort towards conservation goals.

Summary Table

Source: patch.com