Marion County OLCV ready to play in 2010

Voters will face many tough decisions in city, county and state races throughout Marion County next year.

Fortunately, a strong team of local community leaders have joined forces on OLCV’s newly re-formed Marion County Steering Committee to make sure the public is informed when they cast their votes next May and November. Over the next few months, the steering committee will be identifying pro-environment candidates in several races in Marion County and talking to voters about those candidates.

It's familiar terrain. In 2006, Marion County OLCV helped environmental leader Brian Clem win election as State Representative. Since then, Clem fought hard for responsible land-use protections by helping to pass Measure 49. He has also supported policies that promote Oregon’s energy independence and championed legislation to protect one of Oregon’s natural treasures, the Metolius River Basin. Rep. Clem earned 85% and 84% on OLCV’s Environmental Scorecards for 2009 and 2007 respectively.

Senate President Peter Courtney has consistently earned OLCV’s endorsement and support. Under Courtney’s leadership in recent years (he was appointed Senate President in 1994), the Oregon Senate has passed landmark environmental legislation. In 2007, the Senate voted to expand Oregon’s bottle bill for the first time since its passage in 1971 and to create a responsible and much-needed recycling program for used computers and televisions in an environmentally responsible way.  

In 2009, the Senate supported key legislation to fight invasive species, cut energy waste, cut pollution from fuel, phase out the toxic flame retardant decaBDE, cut river-killing phosphorus from household dishwasher soap and supported the creation of Oregon’s first marine reserves. Find out more about environmental wins—and losses—in 2009.

Courtney was one of only ten Senators to score higher than 90% on OLCV's 2009 Environmental Scorecard.

Over the next several months, Marion County OLCV will be working to elect more pro-environment candidates to office in Marion County. Whether it’s campaigning for the next Mayor of Salem, unseating an out-of-touch, anti-environment representative on the Marion County Commission or adding more pro-environment voices to our legislature - focus will be on electing leaders who will fight for a greener, cleaner Marion County.

Join the fight now! Visit Marion County OLCV to learn how you can get involved today.