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Endorsing political candidates who are aligned with Sierra Club priorities is one of the most important things the Mt Baker Group can do to advance our local environmental agenda. We take endorsements quite seriously and have an established process. Here is how it works:
First, the MBG Executive Committee (ExCom) selects MBG members for the Endorsement Team. This year we have eight members: six from Whatcom County, one each from San Juan and Skagit counties.
Second, we invite all pertinent local election candidates to be considered for endorsement. Races need potential environmental significance, like county and city councils, port commissioners, PUD commissioners.
Third, we email a detailed questionnaire to all candidates interested in being endorsed.
Fourth, candidates who return the questionnaires are then interviewed.
Fifth, after all interviews are conducted, the Endorsement Team decides who to recommend for endorsement. Their recommendations are sent to MBG ExCom.
Sixth, ExCom then votes on each recommendation. Accepted recommendations are sent to the Chapter Political Committee. They decide which recommendations to accept and pass them on to the Chapter Executive Committee.
Seventh, Chapter ExCom then decides whether to accept the recommendations passed up to them.
Eighth, candidates who finally achieve endorsement are notified and Sierra Club works with them to help them get elected.
These steps involve questions, vetting, and possible disagreement among the members of each voting body. Endorsements are not always unanimous and, occasionally, a recommendation is rejected.
It’s an involved and thoughtful process, but not perfect, and not everyone will always be happy with our endorsements. We can be assured that endorsements are made only after considerable time, research, and debate.
Any MBG member can join our Endorsement Team! Let us know you’re interested at: MtBaker@washington.sierraclub.org.
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