Both candidates for the 150th state Assembly understand the importance of eradicating invasive weeds and algae blooms to keep Chautauqua Lake beautiful, which will drive tourism and improve the quality of life for local residents.

The mutual agreement also includes the use of herbicides in the lake to kill the nuisances. Incumbent Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown, said he advocates for the use of herbicides. He said there were good reports of lower algae blooms in the lake where herbicides were applied. He added homeowners were happy and there was also no negative impact of fishing in the lake reported.

“No action is not an option when dealing with invasive plants,” Goodell said.

The challenger Einach said she holds to the precautionary principle of not using herbicides until you have to do so.

“I understand when some application of herbicides can be helpful,” she said. “Maybe we have to use herbicides until we have better control.”

Both candidates also agree the disagreements between lake groups and lakeside communities aren’t productive. Goodell said the Chautauqua Institution’s lawsuit is of concern.

In July, the Chautauqua Institution filed an Article 78 proceeding against the state Department of Environmental Conservation and town of Ellery seeking to stop future use of herbicides on Chautauqua Lake by declaring the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement approved in April was invalid.

Last week, the town of Ellery called for its day in court to be held in Chautauqua County instead of Erie County. Ellery argues Chautauqua County is an appropriate venue for the proceeding since Chautauqua County is within the judicial district where the complaint was filed and is the county affected by the court complaint.

Julia H. Purdy, an attorney for The Knoer Group PLLC representing Ellery, also argues that the case should be moved to Chautauqua County because it is related to a case decided in state Supreme Court in Chautauqua County earlier this year.

The motion to change venue and a motion by the Chautauqua Lake Partnership to intervene in Chautauqua Institution’s lawsuit against the town of Ellery and the state Department of Environmental Conservation has pushed oral arguments in the case from early October to Nov. 14.

“I’m working directly with Chautauqua Institution staff and the Chautauqua Lake Partnership to seek a resolution that is a win-win for both parties,” Goodell said.

Einach said it doesn’t bode well for the health of the lake when communities pull out of comprehensive plans created through the collaboration of lakeside communities.

“It degrades the process of coming together to work on the cleanup of the lake,” she said. “We have the people. We have the brains. We have the technology. We just need to do the work.”

Einach said $100 to $150 million should be funded by the state Legislature to clean up the lake during the next 10 years. She said new funding streams would allow further clean up of the lake.

Goodell said the state Legislature has allocated in the budget $60 million to 12 lakes, including Chautauqua Lake, in the state to eradicate harmful algae blooms. He also said the state budget annually includes $100,000 to $125,000 for the Chautauqua Lake Association and this year included $90,000 for the Chautauqua Lake Partnership.

“The state is doing a lot. Millions and millions of dollars already spent and it is having an impact,” Goodell said. “It is frustrating that it is slow, but it is having an impact.”

Goodell said local lake groups and municipalities are not alone in the fight to improve the quality of the lake. He also said privately owned tourism businesses also have a stake in ensuring Chautauqua Lake is beautiful. He added the new owner of the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, David Hart, president and chief executive officer of Hart Hotels, has pledged to assist with the cleanup of the lake.

“They cannot afford to have this hotel next to a swamp. Lake quality has to be good next to their hotel,” Goodell said.