To the editor,

I have been part of the River Falls community for 42 years, and a city resident for the last six years. I am a retired teacher, having taught biology at River Falls High School for 20 years.

River Falls has received numerous accolades for its leadership and active participation in renewable energy and other sustainability initiatives. We have set a precedent and have a reputation as a community that places value on environmental awareness and taking action to protect the valuable natural resources that we are so fortunate to have.

Our notable status as a leader in city-wide actions that support sustainability didn’t happen by chance. It happened because the city employed Mike Noreen, a highly qualified sustainability coordinator with a vision, passion, and dedication to a future that can and must include clean air, clean water, healthy soil, abundant biodiversity, and environmental justice for all our citizens. Unfortunately, Mike is no longer with the city.

Filling his position in a timely manner is an absolute necessity. A portion of the River Falls mission statement reads “To ensure a sustainable future,” followed by a point within the city’s values statement that promises: “Do what we say.” Our city needs a full-time sustainability manager with a science background to ensure that those words continue to lead us to an environmentally healthy future.

I urge the city to “do what you say” now and “ensure a sustainable future” for River Falls by committing itself to hiring a qualified individual as sustainability manager.

Lynda Meyers

City of River Falls