January 31, 2011

Sierra Club endorses Sheila Stocks-Smith for Springfield Mayor

The Sierra Club is working to elect Sheila Stocks-Smith as mayor of Springfield. Here's part of an email sent to members.



Much is at stake for Springfield in the upcoming city election. The candidates we choose will decide whether our city will continue its path as a clean energy leader, promote smart growth policies, conserve our resources, and protect open spaces. It's important that Sierra Club members and environmental allies work to elect a candidate who will support issues we care about. That's why Sangamon Valley Group members engaged in an extensive endorsement process which included a questionnaire and interviews with candidates for mayor.

We're confident that Sheila Stocks-Smith is the best choice for mayor of Springfield. Her endorsement was supported unanimously by the Executive Committees of both the Sierra Club Sangamon Valley Group and the Illinois Chapter.

Sheila's background working on environmental issues sets her apart from other candidates. She promoted environmental education programs in District 186 schools and taught a course on public engagement in environmental issues at the University of Illinois Springfield. She has been involved in the Local Foods Task Force and was an early supporter of making Springfield part of the Cool Cities initiative to reduce global warming pollution. Her efforts have helped to expand recycling programs in both the private and public sector.

As mayor, Sheila Stocks-Smith will be a partner in continuing to protect our environment and promote smart growth policies that are important to Sierra Club members.
You can learn more about Sheila by visiting her campaign website.