SierraScape October - November 2007
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Executive Committee (ExCom) members meet once per month to authorize club actions and assist activities of other Eastern Missouri Group (EMG) members.
There are seven voting members on the ExCom. Three persons will be elected, each to fill a two-year term. Voting instructions are given on the ballot (see page 6).
The following are statements by candidates for the ExCom, listed in alphabetical order.
Mike Bollinger
I've been an active Sierra Club member for about ten years, initially attending general meetings, helping with lemonade sales, and volunteering to assist with a few technical issues, then eventually helping to lead efforts on many others. I was the EMG Conservation Committee chair for approximately four years, until replaced in early 2006 by Becky Denny. I have a BS in Environmental Chemistry (from Missouri State) and a Master of Public Health specializing in Environmental and Occupational Health (from SLU). I have almost 30 years of professional experience in the environmental field. I am employed by the local electric utility and work in their corporate environmental function. Thus, I would refrain from any policy discussions or decisions regarding my employer. Recently I have not been active with the Club, as I was assigned to work on-site with the Johnson's Shut-Ins and the Black River recovery efforts (following the failure of the Taum Sauk Power Plant). I am now working predominately in St. Louis and look forward to resuming a more active role with the Club, whatever that might be. I believe I could be an effective member of EMG's ExCom; I ask that you give me that opportunity.
Rick Haeseler
Although I have been a Sierra Club member for years, I only recently became involved by attending general and some committee meetings. Most organizations function with the active involvement of only a small group of people. Usually each of these people does multiple jobs. In this situation there is a tendency for burnout to occur. I present myself, not as the most experienced candidate for the Excom but, as new (55 year old) blood wanting to help our more experienced leaders keep Sierra Club moving forward.
I have prior experience working on issues regarding landfills, recycling and conservation as a member of a small town government. In addition to the central issues of global warming and wild area preservation, I believe a special effort is needed to show the general public (especially in urban areas) how our activities apply to their daily lives. We should also reach out to different groups, on an issue by issue basis, to maximize our influence.
I'm offering my services to help the Sierra Club achieve continued success in helping our environment.
Henry Robertson
I've now served two terms on Excom. I also serve at the Chapter (state) level on Excom and as Clean Air/Energy chair. In my spare time I often represent the Club as an attorney with Great Rivers Environmental Law Center.
Two years ago I founded the EMG Energy Committee. Our volunteers have been active, representing us at the Ozark Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Expo, making a power point on climate change aimed at high school students, and working on the Sierra Club's "Cool Cities" campaign. This program asks mayors to sign a pledge to reduce their cities' greenhouse gas emissions and then actually do something about it. I urge all our members to volunteer some time to help with this effort in your own towns; we'll help.
Next year the Excom will be busy considering endorsements for political candidates. My approach is not to endorse candidates just for being marginally better than their opponents or because they're Democrats; they should show some commitment to our positions on environmental issues or at least be willing to learn.
Serving on Excom is a way for me to give back in return for being able to do what I care about in the name of an active, effective organization. It's not tough duty and can even be fun. If I'm reelected, I hope that the next time my term expires someone will be there to get rid of me and be a fresh face.
Ken Schechtman
I am a lifelong activist committed to the notion that change does not happen unless ordinary people join together and demand it. Environmentalists have been doing so for decades, and anyone who considers the clean air bill or our many reborn streams and lakes must marvel at the successes, even as we battle for all that is yet to be won and for all that is currently being stolen.
I have been Vice Chair of our Executive Committee for the last six years and am an active member of our Energy and Political committees. I am also a Washington University Professor who brings to the Club a dedication to environmental ideals, a scientist's measured analysis of issues and, most important, an abiding commitment to an effective results-oriented Club that lets no one forget that we did not stand by and watch.
As a hiker with a reverence for nature, I have an obligation to Missouri's forests and to our wild and special places. As an advocate, I have authored dozens of published oped articles over many years and have become a frequent contributor to this SierraScape. As a citizen, I have been a long-time activist in numerous progressive causes. And as a parent, I can do nothing less than fight for the planet I will one day leave behind. I hope you will again offer that opportunity.