Avila a strong advocate for cleaner water

I was dismayed by the lack of endorsement of Frank Avila for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioner. The Daily Herald is correct that Avila "certainly has the engineering experience and has been an important asset to the board"; however, the Herald is erroneous in stating that Avila seems reluctant to confront the pressing issue of pharmaceuticals in our waterways.

As a former aide to the commissioner, in the early 2000s I worked closely with him on this matter. He was the first commissioner to raise the matter among the board, which led to a series of efforts by the district to understand and grapple with this important environmental issue. Even a simple Google search reveals that Commissioner Avila has and continues to be on the forefront of addressing - by way of public education, advocacy and policy - pharmaceuticals permeating our water.

Voters would be remiss in not returning Commissioner Avila, the only civil engineer on the district's board, back for another term.

Howard Handler

Skokie