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411 CITY OF SOUTH BEND OFFICE OF THE CLERK
<br /> to go off on some wrong track, in my estimation, on this. Those are my thoughts, and I hope to
<br /> give you a little bit of a timeline on that. I'm just going to admit it, Therese has been awesome to
<br /> us in terms of the Common Council and to myself in particular. There's a lot, and I'm the first(1st)
<br /> one (1) to say, and students in front, the smaller ones, if you haven't learned this already, if you
<br /> don't know something, say you don't know it and ask for help. And that's me, and that has been
<br /> me. Not completely, but on sustainability and climate change, there's stuff that I had learned and
<br /> knew,but Therese and her department have really opened my eyes and particularly in this role that
<br /> I play. I am very thankful to her and I want to make sure I get this right, so I'll also look for her
<br /> direction throughout these meetings.
<br /> Co-Committee Chair Broden opened the floor for public comment.
<br /> Ms.Dorau stated, If you commented last week,please make sure everyone who didn't get a chance
<br /> to comment last week has the opportunity to speak before you stand up to speak. If you have them
<br /> printed out or you have drawings, you can leave them.
<br /> Jackie Brebeck, 1855 Vaness Street, stated, Today, we as youth leaders who presented last time
<br /> are asking for legislation on the issue of climate change. Ideally, we would like an ordinance, so I
<br /> will share why we think an ordinance is beneficial. Julie will talk a little bit about what we would
<br /> like to see in legislation, then Ty will talk about how and when we would like to see it
<br /> accomplished. Much of this builds on research done in the previously mentioned sustainability
<br /> class of 2017 taught by Professor Sakimoto and Professor Walls that I was in two (2) years ago.
<br /> That is something that many in our community, and I personally,have been anticipating for a long
<br /> time now. If it could happen before I graduate,that would be amazing and it would mean the world
<br /> to me. Let me talk about why we want an ordinance. First (1st) of all, an ordinance would
<br /> demonstrate a broader, more city-wide commitment to remedying the issue of climate change
<br /> through a clear plan. Not only would it be a greater commitment, it would be one (1) that holds
<br /> the City accountable to taking meaningful action on behalf of the residents of South Bend. It would
<br /> have unifying power for the community organizations and all the individuals that are here today
<br /> and all throughout South Bend who are already working towards goals of sustainable development,
<br /> as a clear statement of values and recognition of the urgency of this issue. This issue is urgent, as
<br /> I mentioned in the last meeting. Not only are the impacts of climate change already present in
<br /> South Bend through floods and the polar vortex, but these impacts are already impacting
<br /> vulnerable areas around the world, like where my home is. We can not afford to wait any more
<br /> and we should not wait for others to take action before we do. We would be the second (2nd) city
<br /> in America to pass an ordinance,making South Bend a leader in this movement combatting climate
<br /> change,and setting an example for other cities to take stronger action.Additionally,once the City's
<br /> commitment is formal, access to more resources to help with achieving our goals will be increased
<br /> through potential grants or monetary awards like the Bloomberg Philanthropy's American Cities
<br /> Climate Challenge. While yes, it is a personal dream of mine and others' in the community to see
<br /> this happen, passing legislation on this issue is so much more than that. It would be in the best
<br /> interest of South Bend for the aforementioned reasons: commitment, accountability, unification,
<br /> recognition, leadership and opportunity. Thank you for your time, and now Julia will elaborate on
<br /> what we would like to see.
<br /> Julia McKenna, 410 Peashway Street, stated, There are a number of important reasons why we
<br /> need legislative action on climate change now. I would also like to emphasize some of the key
<br /> aspects that are required in an effective climate change recovery proposition. First(1st),it is critical
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