Last week, we said we didn’t agree with Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, R-Jamestown. In our reading, Goodell seemed to be advocating for more concensus building regarding ways to treat weeds and algal blooms on Chautauqua Lake.

We are glad to say we were mistaken in our reading of the assemblyman’s statement following a public hearing on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement sponsored by the town of Ellery to use herbicides on parts of Chautauqua Lake. Goodell made three key points in speaking with our reporter. The first is that issues raised during the public hearing were thoughtful issues and that they all have to be addressed as part of the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The second applauded the town of Ellery’s leadership on such a controversial issue and recognizing the courage it takes to move the issue forward. Lastly, Goodell supported herbicide treatment as part of the solution. Note that Goodell didn’t advocate for widespread spraying, but herbicide use as part of a lakewide solution for weeds and algal blooms along with upgraded sewer lines around the lake, upgraded sewer treatment plants and the ongoing work by the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and Chautauqua Lake Association. Specifically, Goodell said treating the lake’s problems isn’t a choice of one plan or another, but should use an all-of-the-above approach.

Goodell is absolutely correct — and he is correct when he reiterated to us that the time for action is now.