STATEN ISLAND --- On Feb. 24, 2009, voters on Staten Island will cast their ballots to fill the City Council seat vacated by Michael McMahon, who has joined the U.S. House of Representatives.

The special election is a unique opportunity for residents to make their voices heard about one of the most pressing issues facing the 49th District: water quality and access to the North Shore waterfront.

A new nonpartisan voter outreach program, conducted jointly by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and the Natural Resources Protective Association, is encouraging voters to get the facts about the candidates' plans for water issues and cast their vote based on their findings.

To raise awareness of the initiative, tens of thousands of registered voters will receive information in the mail and a follow up phone call. Residents are also encouraged to attend a local community forum (details below) to meet the candidates and hear them speak. Voters can get more information and connect with all of the candidates seeking to represent them in the City Council at www.nylcvef.org/statenisland.

This nonpartisan voter participation program does not support any candidate or political party.

"Our city legislators have the power to make New York a more sustainable city," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the NYLCV Education Fund. "As our population surges, our local elected leaders need to have a plan for their communities."

The Staten Island Community Forum will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Wagner College, Sprio Hall Room Two 631 Howard Avenue, Staten Island.