Greetings Sierra Club members:
All members are encouraged to vote in our annual Executive Committee election. This year there are five candidates vying for four open seats on the nine-member Committee. Statements from the five candidates are below.
Voting begins October 15 and closes at midnight November 15. You must have your membership number to vote. All members will receive a postcard or email containing their membership number. If you do not receive a postcard or email by October 15, please send an email to ronaldhaines@aol.com with your name and complete address.
2021 CANDIDATES FOR LOXAHATCHEE GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Patricia G. Edmonson
ExCom Member, Co-Chair Political Committee
I bring added value to the Executive Committee because I have been active in environmental issues for decades, serving on numerous advisory boards and committees as an elected official and a private citizen.
I chaired the Lynnhaven River Preservation Project in Virginia Beach, VA and initiated the school garden project as a School Board Member. On the City Council, I focused on ending development that disturbs the ecosystem. I also served on the PB Soil and Water Conservation District.
My primary interest is helping the Sierra Club protect the environment through political action.
Janet Kanai
Longtime member, Volunteer ICO
I am running for the Executive Committee because it’s time I stepped up. We live in a difficult time, and our environment is undergoing monumental changes. I want to do what I can to help preserve our natural world.
My professional background was magazine publishing. As Production Manager, I was responsible for the manufacture of seven national magazines. My skills are diverse, ranging from communications to art to business. I later owned a small pet sitting business.
Now, happily retired, I volunteer for ICO and help with the annual fundraiser. I also serve on the Board of my neighborhood association.
Glenn Laufer
ExCom Member, Volunteer ICO
It started in 2003 when my neighbor, Sheila Calderon, was planning outings for the ICO (Inspiring Connections Outdoors) group. I asked her what she was doing. The next thing I knew I was mud slugging.
I learned about the environment and the beautiful nature centers around the area. I took the kids camping, canoeing, swimming and out on beach cleanups.
Sierra Club ICO Group is the best experience I have had throughout the years.
I am currently on the Executive Committee and look forward to continuing with the outings for adults and ICO.
Drew Martin
ExCom Member, Chair Conservation Committee, Political Committee Member
I am an active attendee at numerous public meetings including South Florida Water Management District, Palm Beach County Commission, Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative and Palm Beach County Water Resources Task Force. I have worked with South Florida Water Management to provide plans intended as a model to restore the Everglades Ecosystem. I served on FL Chapter Conservation Committee. National Sierra Club Zero Waste and Marine Team.
Awards: National Sierra Club award 2020, Kabler Award from the Everglades Coalition 2012, Environmental Champion Award from John D. McArthur State Park 2010.
Mary Mertz
Longtime member, Political Committee Member
I have experience organizing events, initiatives, programs, writing and strategic planning.
Chair LWVPBC Environmental Group; member LWVFL National Resource Group; and S FL Plastics Coalition. Planned/hosted events on climate topics and presentations for Delray Beach’s Annual Climate/Art Weekend in 2019-20; published Letters to the Editor; presented to city councils, the PBCBCC, and at PBC Legislative Delegate hearings in 2018-20; coordinated candidate forums; participated in workshops/advocacy sessions for 1000 Friends, Sierra Club, others.
Completed Audubon Everglades Conservation Stewardship Program and Sustainability Certification Course by IFAS, offered through WPB Office of Sustainability.