SIERRA CLUB
NEW COLUMBIA CHAPTER

Sierra Club Endorses Williams, Mendelson, Catania, Graham, Norton in General Election

The New Columbia Chapter of the Sierra Club announced today that it is endorsing Tony Williams for Mayor of the District of Columbia. Williams was chosen for his commitment to take strong stands on environmental issues facing D.C., such as:

Opposing plans to construct the "Children's Island" theme park in the Anacostia River;
Supporting a strong residential recycling program; and
Opposing the construction of a prison on parkland in Ward 8.

"Even before he was a candidate, Tony demonstrated a profound understanding of issues affecting the health of the City and its residents, such as cleaning up the Anacostia, and revitalizing the urban core as an antidote to the risks of suburban sprawl," said Mark Wenzler, Political Committee Chair. "We are confident his leadership will bring progress on environmental issues that have been dogging the City for years."

The Club also announced its endorsement of two candidates for D.C. Council At Large:

Phil Mendelson, who over 15 years has led several campaigns to protect neighborhoods, defend parks, and reform government operations;

David Catania, who as a one-year incumbent demonstrated skepticism over half-baked development proposals and a great respect or quality-of-life issues.

In addition, the Club announced its endorsement of Sharon Ambrose for the Council Ward 6 seat, and Kathy Patterson for the Council Ward 3 seat. praising both Councilmembers for their outstanding voting records and leadership on environmental, neighborhood, and health protection issues. Jim Graham is the Club's choice for the Ward One seat; he has pledged to defend the City's parks from short-sighted development proposals.

The Club also endorsed Mike Livingston in the race for Shadow Representative to Congress. Wenzler noted that Livingston has worked for years as an environmental advocate in the City, and that the rising Green Party merits city-wide support. 'The Green Party deserves recognition as a player on the District's political landscape," he added. If Livingston receives 7,500 votes, the Green Party will enjoy ballot status in future elections.