At an Environmental League of MA (ELM) reception in Brookline at the home of Marilyn Ray Smith and Charles Freifeld on Wednesday, May 7, ELM President George Bachrach presented Governor Michael Dukakis and the Brookline GreenSpace Alliance with ELM Green Star Community Leadership Awards for their steadfast commitment to protecting the environment.
“Governor Michael Dukakis has been a powerful voice for the environment and public transportation throughout his distinguished career. Locally, the Governor has been a leader in the restoration of the Emerald Necklace, in improving park maintenance, and in the re-opening of the Carlton Street Footbridge, a significant entrance to Riverway Park. Statewide and nationally he has been a leading voice for mass transit and environmental protection,” said ELM President George Bachrach.
“The Brookline GreenSpace Alliance has demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the preservation and promotion of parks and green spaces in Brookline since 1987. With Washington in gridlock, local action is critical,” Bachrach added. Arlene Mattison, President of the Brookline GreenSpace Alliance, accepted the award.
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Governor Dukakis said of environmental advocacy, “there’s nothing more important than this,” and encouraged the crowd to “just keep doing what you’re doing.”
The event drew one hundred supporters from environmental nonprofits, government, corporations, and foundations. Among the guests were state Rep. Frank Smizik and his wife Julie Johnson, four members of the Brookline Board of Selectmen, including chair Betsy DeWitt, Nancy Daly, Ken Goldstein and Neil Wishinsky. Also in attendance were former Dukakis administration officials with Brookline roots, including former Revenue Commissioner Ira Jackson, former Sec. of Economic Affairs Alden Raine, and former Dir. of Human Services Cathy Dunham, among others.
