To the Editor:

Since March, the daily counts of coronavirus deaths and infections measure our well being. Our health is now unquestionably our top concern. Once the virus is controlled, however, public health must remain our top priority. If the false sense of security that caused the shortages of masks and ventilators returns, more misery and death will result.

Unfortunately, the coronavirus and future pandemics are not our only threat.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Every level of government must act quickly to reduce carbon emissions. In addition to floods and hurricanes, higher temperatures will upset the natural world leading to disease outbreaks and food shortages. The Cranston City Council will shortly consider my proposal for a $5 million bond issue to reduce energy use in city buildings and increase electric city vehicles. The state and federal governments need to offer more incentives for rooftop solar, not the massive solar projects that currently scar natural areas in western Cranston and elsewhere. We also need better public transportation, including a cross Cranston bus to reduce traffic on Park Avenue. And Cranston must continue its tree-planting program that this year will plant its 200th tree in cooperation with the Rhode Island Tree Council.

OBESITY: One-third of Cranston children are overweight or obese, which is about the state average. Sixty-three percent of Rhode Island adults are overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Excess weight causes numerous health problems and premature death. We need to increase exercise opportunities for all ages and fruit and vegetable consumption. Cranston has one community garden and a second under construction, but more are needed, especially in low-income areas. We also should discourage consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, like soda and potato chips.

LEAD POISONING: Sadly, this is still a problem. In 2019, 26 Cranston kindergartners started school with elevated lead levels that cause brain damage and learning disabilities. If your child is entering kindergarten in Cranston, chances are at least one child in the class is lead poisoned usually from lead paint in old homes. State law requires apartments built before 1978 be certified as lead safe, but Cranston’s building department, like most in Rhode Island, does not enforce the law. All municipalities should cross check apartment lists with lead safe certifications and then notify owners without certificates of their legal responsibility. And no one should be given a building permit without producing a lead safe certificate.

OTHER AREAS: We need to continue to crack down on youth tobacco use, banning vaping and flavored tobacco products designed to addict children.

We also need better mental health and drug rehabilitation programs. And let’s agree that no one’s desire for an assault weapon or high-capacity magazines is more important than the public health.

If we aggressively tackle these problems, we may be able to boast that America, after suffering tens of thousands of coronavirus deaths, has one of the best health care systems in the world.

Steve Stycos

Cranston

Steve Stycos is a citywide member of the Cranston City Council and a Democratic candidate for mayor.