The Loma Prietan
July/August 2003
Political Committee Gears Up for November Elections: Volunteers Needed
by Stephanie Shaaf
It may feel like summer is just beginning, but the November 2003 elections are just around the corner. The Sierra Club's Political Committee is beginning to tackle the endorsement process for the November races, and we have our hands full. This election season brings us council races in five Santa Clara County cities and 10 San Mateo County cities, in addition to elections for the Coastal Water District and San Mateo County Supervisors. State and federal primary elections will follow close on their heels in March 2004.
All this activity makes it the perfect time to volunteer with the Chapter's Political Committee. The commitment can be as little as one or two evenings total. Why not volunteer to host the interviews for your city council candidates in your house? Volunteers are particularly needed in the following cities: Brisbane, Burlingame, Foster City, Gilroy, Los Altos, Redwood City, San Bruno and South San Francisco. If your city of residence is not holding elections this year, try taking part in the election in a neighboring city or in an area where your favorite environmental issue has particular relevance.
The Sierra Club's top priorities are fighting sprawl and promoting smart growth, as well as the protection of open space. These issues come into play in many of the November races. The Conservation Committee recently passed a resolution opposing the proposed development of a Super Wal-Mart in Gilroy. On the other side of the coin, the Club has recently expressed support for smart-growth and infill development in cities such as San Carlos and Redwood City. We would of course like to elect council members in these cities who would support the Sierra Club's position on such projects.
Protection of our precious coastal land has always been a Club strength. Recently, proposed developments have threatened the coastline in cities such as Half Moon Bay, where the Wavecrest development threatens 490 acres of prime habitat for birds and other animals. It is critical that we elect environmental candidates to join our existing allies on the Half Moon Bay City Council.
Another key race this year will be the Coastside County Water District, where four of five seats are up for grabs. In what has become one of the most politically divisive issues on the Coastside, the District is hoping to get a July commission hearing in Petaluma on its plans to expand its current 10-inch pipeline to 16 inches. The Half Moon Bay City Council has taken the position that the proposed pipeline expansion is larger than necessary and will encourage further development.
The Sierra Club historically has had a high success rate in getting endorsed candidates elected, but we can only engage in a limited number of races based on the size of our volunteer pool. Your participation in the endorsement process could make the difference in helping the residents of yet one more city find out which candidates would truly be friends of the environment. Please help us elect more environmental candidates this November.