To the Editor:
I regard U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo’s decision not to seek reelection with a mixture of gratitude and trepidation. Gratitude for his service to his constituents in the 2nd Congressional District (of which I am one); trepidation because in these polarized times, it is precisely the intelligent, balanced and seasoned statesmanship of LoBiondo that our nation desperately needs.
Always a friend to the environment, it was his steadfast defense of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that earned my abiding respect and countenance. Where other members of Congress see a frozen wasteland, LoBiondo recognizes a rich, nurturing environment that is as close as the air we breathe and as manifest as the tens of thousands of wintering birds that are the Arctic’s envoys to New Jersey. For example, the American Robin eating the berries in the holly outside the door was likely raised in a willow thicket in the Arctic.
As someone who has made multiple trips to the Arctic Refuge, I celebrate LoBiondo’s determination and farsightedness. He has earned his retirement but his voice of reason will be missed. One can only hope that his successor shares LoBiondo’s commitment to the environment that supports us and makes South Jersey the place we choose to live.
Thank you, LoBiondo, for your leadership on the environment and enjoy your well-earned retirement following a productive and pivotal last term.
ED. NOTE: Dunne is ambassador for birding at New Jersey Audubon’s Center for Research and Education.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
