September 2021 Endorsements Newsletter

September 10, 2021

September 2021 Member Newsletter   Photo by Janie Robinson Sierra Club Election Endorsements It's more important than ever to elect local officials committed to supporting environmental policies that reverse climate change and put in place protections for future generations.  Every year, the Sierra Club takes its candidate endorsement role seriously.  It involves questionnaires, interviews, and two levels of approval within the organization to ensure both the integrity of the process as well as the soundness of our recommendations.  This year, we're pleased to announce our endorsements of five outstanding candidates for the Port Angeles and Sequim city councils and the Port of Port Angeles. Port Commissioner Colleen McAleer to Speak at Our September Meeting   We believe Port Commissioners play an important but often unappreciated role in protecting our marine environment. Endorsed previously by the Sierra Club, Colleen has proven to be a strong environmental champion and advocate for cleaning up the harbor from decades of industrial discharge of toxic wastes and for incorporating environmental sustainability in the Port's policies, programs and actions.  We're supporting her re-election this year.  Join us to meet her and find out what's happening at the Port of Port Angeles.    Thursday, September 16, 7PM  RSVP Required Click to RSVP Vicki Lowe for Sequim City Council   Currently serving on the city’s planning commission, Vicki is a first time candidate running against an incumbent who has shown a disdain for social justice, the tribes and good governance. A life-long resident of Sequim and member of the Jamestown S'Kallam tribe, she has a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of our environment and health. Vicki believes city-wide decisions must be made in a balanced manner, considering the environment, climate change, social and economic justice, and the sustainability of natural resources.  Support her campaign and find out more here: Vicki Lowe Website Lowell Rathbun for Sequim City Council   Lowell is deeply concerned about the many challenges we face from climate change.  He  promises to be an advocate for preparing a climate resiliency plan for Sequim to make the city carbon neutral by 2050 and for balancing growth with increasingly scarce water availability.  Endorsed also by the Sequim good governance league, he supports transparency, good governance and restoring the council's relationship with the tribes.  Support his campaign and find out more here:   Lowell Rathbun Website LaTrisha Suggs for Port Angeles City Council Appointed to fill a vacant council seat, LaTrisha Suggs is a member of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and the first Native American to serve on city council. She is a tribal planner and was a negotiator involved in removing the Elwha dams and restoring this magnificent river. Currently serving on Clallam County's Marine Resources and Solid Waste Advisory Committees, she will bring valuable environmental experience to the council.  She promises to incorporate climate impacts and resiliency into all the decisions that city will be making, including water availability, renewable energy, green-transportation options and infrastructure planning.  Support her campaign and find out more here: La Trisha Suggs Facebook Page Lindsey Schromen-Warin for Port Angeles City Council Elected 4 years ago, Lindsey has a proven track record for being an environmental champion and spokesperson for environmental justice.  He will be a strong advocate for incorporating environmental sustainability and resiliency considerations into the major issues confronting the city, particularly those with regard to housing infrastructure, and transportation. He understands the need to work closely with the tribes on environmental matters and the importance of transparency and good governance.  Support his campaign and find out more here:   Lindsey Schromen-Warin Website What's in Store for Sequim Bay and Miller Peninsula State Parks? In August, a group of naturalists from the North Olympic Peninsula and WA State Parks staff toured the two state parks in Sequim proposed for redesign--Sequim Bay and Miller Peninsula.  Sequim Bay State Park, opened in 1935, has since undergone several restorations, including a boat ramp and RV and tent camp sites.   Sea level rise threatens its shoreline.  Water-facing banks suffer from soil erosion and trees that once helped stabilize the soils are failing. Parks wants to shift a good deal of camping to the Miller Peninsula site.  This park is a contiguous forest covering almost 3000 acres and 3 miles of beach. One mile off shore is Protection Island, host to thousands of migrating birds that come there to nest and breed. The naturalists support keeping Miller Peninsula State Park in its natural form without proposed development that includes a lodge, 150 campsites, and an array of tourist activities that will carve up the beauty of this site and impact wildlife. Park staff will release a draft development plan in September for public review and comment.  After firming up a design concept, staff will submit it to the Parks Board of Commissioners in the Fall or in January.  There will be a public hearing at that time or later.  We'll continue to monitor this issue and keep you informed of opportunities to comment and participate. Olympic National Park to be Included in The Old Growth Forest Network   Join The Old Growth Forest Network when it inducts Olympic National Park into its  national network of treasured forests across the U.S.—one in each county--where logging is prohibited.  Meet on Wednesday, September 22 at 10 AM at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center for the ceremony, which will be followed by a short hike along the Hall of Mosses trail. There can be traffic slow-downs along the entry road due to construction and parking can be limited at the Rainforest Visitors Center, so please allow extra time to travel to this event. RSVPs required:   RSVP   The North Olympic Group's website is updated to reflect current environmental issues and club events.  Members are encouraged to periodically check it out.   North Olympic Group Website Send Feedback on Our Newsletter