June 2, 2014
By John Feldmann, Political Chair
We’re off to a good start in 2014 for our electoral involvement. We recently had some electoral victories for Sierra Club endorsed candidates. Scott Roberson won a city council election in Independence. Also, Ginny Chadwick won a city council election in Columbia. Hopefully, the rest of the year will have many more victories in the State Legislature.
We’re heading into a very important year in Missouri politics with the midterm elections this November. The stakes are high for everyone in Missouri who cares about our environment; our Ozark streams, the water we drink, the climate we live in. There’s a lot of pressure from factions in the legislature to reduce funding for programs that help benefit Missouri’s environment. Indeed, a majority in the legislature seem to be ignoring the mandate that was passed by Missouri voters in 2008 to create renewable energy sources in Missouri (15% by 2021). We still have major problems with coal generation in Missouri even as many other states reduce their dependence on coal fired power plants. There is a push to reduce the stature of our Ozark National Scenic Riverways from a national park to a state run park.
The Missouri State Legislature is comprised of a House of Representatives chamber and Senate chamber that contains a super majority of Republicans. That means they have enough members to override the governor’s veto of legislation. Unfortunately, they do not generally vote in our favor. Therefore, it is our goal to get legislators elected who will support our environmental views.
This November we have a chance to influence the future of Missouri’s environment. The Missouri Chapter political committee is about to start the biannual endorsement process for candidates to the Missouri legislature (as well as national candidates). We will use our legislative scorecard, questionnaires and other criteria to evaluate candidates. As the election approaches, we will publicize our endorsements to our members through postcards, email and phone calls.
There are numerous opportunities to become involved in the endorsement process through your local political committee.
Contact the following individuals to get involved:
Eastern Missouri Group Ross Hunt, 314-395-8251, rhunt711@gmail.com
Thomas Hart Benton Group Claus Wawrzinek, 816-517-5244, claus.wawrzinek@gmail.com
Osage Group - Hank Ottinger, 573-443-4954, hank@tranquility.net
White River Group Myra Scroggs, 417-224-4482, myrascroggs@sbcglobal.net
In addition to participating in the endorsement process there are opportunities to become involved in “get out the vote” efforts, including phone calling, canvassing, and other voter contact efforts.
We need your help to have a successful political program for the Sierra Club this year. Do not underestimate your ability to make a difference in the election efforts. Individual hard work can provide significant help to campaigns. Please volunteer this year to our electoral effort.