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2008 Election Candidate Forum: The Questions Question 8: The environment is sometimes an important factor in deciding local and state elections. What strategies should the club pursue for electing pro-environment candidates to local and state offices? Candidate responses were limited to 150 words per question. Lane Boldman This IS an area where numbers have an effect. Our grassroots-based structure allows us to have an exceptionally effective influence on State and Local issues, because in contrast to my answer to question #7, our activists at the state and local level ARE seen as part of the community.  But we have a problem in that we have not effectively integrated our national and local work across the board. As a former Chapter Chair, I can say clearly that we as a Club have not done a good enough job of supporting local Chapters and Groups when it comes to political training. Since funding for political work is always in short supply, we need to look beyond dollars and develop our resources that enhance the valuable efforts that local volunteers can provide. Since resources are tight, I would look at online training tools and resources that are specifically designed for local activists. Joni Bosh Questionnaire Not Returned Clark Buchner My answer to this question is not altogether different from my answer to question seven above. It is much easier to connect with people at the city, county and state level elections. Working in campaigns and doing door to door work helps build loyalties rather quickly. In my state of Tennessee, I find that a $100.00 contribution to most any local candidate will get you instant recognition. If you are able to personally donate to one or two candidates that you target to support, you can more than get your foot in the door to visit with them about environmental politics. The strategies we should use are the same ones that we have used successfully and that are taught in our political training workshops. We just need to work harder and get more people engaged. Jeremy Doochin Citizens have a far greater capacity to affect state and local elections. A state legislator may be swayed on his vote by just ten constituents that write in letters or call. This is why substantial national c (4) funding is crucial for our statewide political efforts. The greatest way to impact elections at the local level is to disseminate environmental voting information, similar to the League of Conservation Voters. We can organize effective environmental campaigns with the implementation of pilot projects, and organizational materials. Creating environmental coalitions that will challenge candidates on their environmental positions is greatly effective. Another method is to host environmental political debates and forums. Jim Dougherty See answer to #7, above. Larry Fahn Questionnaire Not Returned Barbara Frank Organize, organize.   Get the issues out.  Be media savvy. Local issues resonate.   Use them. David Scott The Club’s Political Committee is headed in the right direction here.  The Sierra Club must build state and local networks of well-trained, active political committees.  Electing good local candidates means trained volunteers and staff must do the work of creating good questionnaires and interviewing candidates as part of a fair, non-partisan screening process.  We also need to raise far more money to fund state and local political efforts, and do more accountability work. Jerry Sutherland Since local and state issues are experienced by voters first hand voters are more aware of them, substantiating my answer to question 6.  In recent years, the Political Committee has directed substantial resources to key local and state races and should continue to do so. We also need to provide more tools such as messaging and talking points that all activists can use when speaking with friends, family, neighbors, and associates - including guidance on how to set up house parties. It's important to remember that having earned a "seat at the table" isn't enough. Follow-through on implementation of pro-environment agendas is critical. And we can't give up if our candidate doesn't win. Many landmark environmental laws were passed in unfriendly Congresses and signed by unfriendly Presidents because they felt sufficient pressure from their constituents. Grassroots campaigning by the Club creates that pressure. Matt Urban See #7 above. On a local level, it’s also critical to clearly follow voting records of local and state officials, and communicate that to the public. It’s important for people can clearly understand who is truly looking out for their best interests so that they can make informed voting decisions. Nathan Wyeth Questionnaire Not Returned << Question 7   Question 9 >> Show all questions Show all candidates Back to Candidate Forum Main Up to Top HOME | Email Signup | About Us | Contact Us | Terms of Use | © 2008 Sierra Club