Sierra Club picks not limited to just one party
Frederick News Post Letter to the Editor
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Sierra Club of Maryland has endorsed a bipartisan slate of candidates for the Board of Frederick County Commissioners. These are the five that will restore the balance between protecting the environ ment and quality of life in Frederick County and development. They will also represent the residents of the county, not special interests.--
When developing 20-year plans, such as the New Market Region Plan, we need commissioners who have the vision to see how the world will be changing. The planning we have seen so far reflects the thinking of the '80s, i.e., endless supplies of cheap gas and plenty of land to pave over.
Gas will probably be selling for $15 or $20 a gallon or more at the end of these planning periods, global warming will be a reality, roads and schools will be more crowded, and clean air and water will be in even shorter supply.
We need a vision that addresses a future less dependent on the automobile, with planning that allows for alternatives such as public transportation and walking and bike riding (as practical means of getting to work and shops, not just for recreation). We need planning that preserves as much farmland, forest and other open space as possible.
The endorsed candidates are: Lennie Thompson (R), Jan Gardner (D), Kai Hagen (D), Dave Gray (R), and Dick Floyd (D).--
Other candidates endorsed by the Sierra Club include Senate District 3: Candy Greenway; House District 3A: Galen Clagett and Sue Hecht; and House 3B: Paul Gilligan.-- --
Caring for the environment is a value issue, not a special interest. Open space, clean air and clean water benefit everyone. Please educate yourself on candidates' environmental positions and get out and vote for the environment on Nov. 7.
CHRIS HODGE,
outgoing chair
Sierra Club Catoctin Group
WHY I'M VOTING FOR KAI!
Peter Michael
Adamstown
The business community supports Kai Hagen for County Commissioner. As a Frederick County business owner, I have come to the conclusion that Kai Hagen as County Commissioner would be very good for business, and that, in contrast, the continuing the status quo of the current pro-development Board of County Commissioners would be just as bad for business as it would be for the rest of the county.
My firm, Michael Strategic Analysis,...