To the editor:

On April 9, Westport voters will have the opportunity to make their voices count on important town-wide issues that, unfortunately, have received limited attention throughout the last few election cycles. Because three of these issues have a party-blind impact on the health of our community and environment, the upcoming election is a call to action for every Independent, Republican and Democrat to take a stand to protect the unique features of this beautiful place we are so fortunate to call home.

The candidate elected to the contested Board of Health position should play a key role in effectively addressing three issues: management of hazardous waste, safe and humane practices in animal husbandry, and protection of the Westport watershed.

As a medical doctor and pubic health advocate, I am well acquainted with the serious health consequences of continued inaction on these issues. The lack of a reliable and safe means to dispose of hazardous materials present in household chemicals, batteries, and other consumer products exposes residents to substantial health risks, now and for generations to come. There is no excuse for continuing to ignore this readily solved, but long unattended task.

Likewise, holding farm animals in substandard conditions is not only cruel, but opens the door for infections that spread via contact of humans with animals. Our officials need to act on the creation of a reliable record of sites and responsible individuals who keep farm animals in Westport.

Finally, the protection of our watershed’s flora and fauna, including maintaining comestible fish and shellfish stocks, is of self-evident importance. An action plan to address the nitrogen and organic matter effluent from farms and residential septic systems is grossly overdue.

Tanja Ryden is the candidate to tackle these and other Board of Health tasks. She will bring to the Board a doer track record from 25 years with the Massachusetts state government, including leadership positions with the Department of Public Health. Ryden is not only well versed on the issues, but she embraces a persuasive approach to fostering cooperation between stakeholders. She has demonstrated resourcefulness in facilitating win-win collaborations and funding partnerships between government agencies and other entities. Her leadership at the Westport Conservation Commission, Westport River Watershed Alliance, Westport Fishermen’s Association, and Buzzard’s Bay Coalition has given her a keen familiarity with local environmental and public health issues.

Westport has much work to do. Tanja Ryden is, by far, the BOH candidate best prepared to get the job done.

Ricardo L. Sanchez, M.D, M.P.H.

Westport