Green Election Special 1998
November 1, 1998
1) Sierra Club Endoresments
2) Referendum Endorsements
3) Huntsville Times Enviro. Gubernatorial Interviews
4) An Important Non-Enviro Related Amendment
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1. Sierra Club Endorsements - The Alabama Chapter of
the Sierra Club, after
extensive interviews and research, endorsed the following candidates
for the
November 3rd election.
Federal Office:
U.S. Congress, 3rd District - Joe Turnham
State Offices:
Governor - Don Siegelman
Attorney General - Terry Butts
Secretary of State - Jim Bennett
State Senate, District 2 - Tom Butler
State Senate, District 6 - Roger Bedford
State Senate, District 18 - Rodger Smitherman
State House, District 38 - Bill Fuller
2. There are several statewide and local environmental referendums
on the
ballot. The following is a listing of enviro support and opposition
to the
ballot measures.
Statewide Referendums
Amendment Number 2 - This amendment will authorize the sale
of bonds for the
purpose of financing the renovation and improvements to our state
parks and
historic sites. This measure has been endorsed by the Alabama
Environmental
Council.
* Environmental groups have not endorsed or opposed Amendment
Number 3, an
Agricultural Research Bond Issue or Amendment Number 7, a proposal
that
restricts State government's ability to impose an unfunded mandate
on local
governments.
Local Referendums
Jefferson County BARTA Advisory Vote - This vote, which is
non-binding, would
advise the Jefferson County Commission whether the public supports
a 1/4
cent sales tax increase to support BARTA, a newly reorganized
regional mass
transit system. This measure has been endorsed by the Alabama
Environmental
Council, Cahaba Group of the Sierra Club, Birmingham Audubon Society,
American Lung Association of Alabama, Birmingham League of Women
Voters,
Citizens for Transit and many more citizen, business and civic
groups.
Birmingham Water Work Board Sale (City of Birmingham) - The
city of
Birmingham is proposing to sell the Birmingham Water Works Board
to raise
money and finance improvements to the city's school system. Several
environmental groups have expressed concerns that the sale would
encourage
development of publically owned watershed lands which would destroy
habitat
and endanger the system's drinking water. The Cahaba Group of
the Sierra
Club and the Alabama Environmental Council have asked their members
to Vote
No on the proposal.
3. Huntsville Times Gubernatorial Enviro Questions -
The following is a
reproduction of a Huntsville Times interview with the gubernatorial
candidates. It appeared in the Times on October 29th.
*****
Should the Alabama Department of Environmental Management be strengthened?
James: As the environmental challenges increase throughout
the state I would
support strengthening ADEM to meet the existing circumstances.
Siegelman: Yes
******
ADEM has been accused of being too friendly toward industries
it polices. Do
you agree?
James: I do not share that view. Public and environmental interest
groups
have more than adequate opportunity through public hearings and
other
administrative remedies.
Siegelman: As attorney general and as lieutenant governor,
I have always
supported legislation that supported our environment. I believe
that the
quality of life is a strong enticement for new businesses to come
to Alabama
because, just like us, they will raise their families here and
they want to
do so in a clean and healthy environment.
******
What, if anything, should be done to stop municipalities from
dragging their
feet in building new sewer plants while being allowed to exceed
their ADEM
dumping permit limits?
James: If that occurs to the detriment of the environment,
then I would
require an act of legislation to provide the authority to take
the necessary
action.
Siegelman: ADEM needs to be overhauled from top to bottom.
*****
Do you favor the so-called Fisherman's Right to Know law that
would require
industries dumping directly into the states bodies of water to
post what and
how much they're dumping?
James: We do want Alabama's fisherman to know. Currently, the
Department of
Conservation Game & Fish Division is preparing to answer any
question
fishermen have rather that risk confusion brought about by technical
signs
posted around the state.
Siegelman: Yes, I strongly believe in protecting our natural
heritage. this
specifically includes protecting the quality of water in our lakes
and rivers
and streams for fishing and recreational purposes.
******
Congress is threatening to cut funding for TVA's environmental
programs,
including waste-quality monitoring on the Tennessee River. Should
the state
take over this function if funds are cut?
James: We are hopeful the TVA funds are not cut. If that were
to occur, the
state must show responsibility because under no circumstances
should we allow
the quality of water and wetlands to deteriorate.
Siegelman: The U.S. government just passed a budget with the
greatest
surplus in recent times. I will encourage Alabama's congressional
members to
fight for Alabama and to keep the funding there. The state of
Alabama must
take every step necessary to protect the quality of water in our
lakes and
rivers and streams.
******
Specifically, how does your approach to the environment differ
from your
opponents?
James: Alabama has put on the negotiating table an equitable
formula for
shaping the waters of the Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin. To protect
Alabama's
interest, we will ensure that Georgia will not get more than its
fair share.
I support enforcing state laws that protect the environment, and
we will
continue our efforts to upgrade our park system for families and
tourists.
Our natural resources must be preserved and multiplied for
generations to
come. Alabama's record on the environment is solid.
Siegelman: My pro-environment record speaks for itself: I was
the only state
official who publicly testified against the U.S. Army's designation
of
Anniston as the repository for the destruction of nerve gas; I
banned 22
states from dumping hazardous waste in Alabama; I opposed the
hazardous waste
dump near Emelle; I opposed at-sea burning of hazardous waste;
I supported
the expansion of the Sipsey Wilderness and Cheaha; I opposed the
spraying of
herbicides along state highways; I opposed the deep well injection
of
hazardous waste; I was chairman of the Environmental Enforcement
Panel for
the National Association of Attorney's General.
4. Something Non-Enviro But Important - Alabama Arise,
the state's leading
anti-poverty organization has recommended people to vote YES for
Amendment
Number One. Passage of this amendment would help set up a $12
million dollar
revolving loan program aimed at supporting small business job
creation. The
funds provide "gap financing," loans to businesses that
otherwise could not
obtain bank loans. The program will help create jobs in low income
communities. For more info about Amendment One call Alabama Arise
at
800-832-9060.
*****
Remember To Vote Tuesday November 3rd!!!!
And Vote Green!!!!
Please share BEN with friends and fellow conservationists.
If you have any questions about BEN, contact Pat Byington at
205-226-7739 or pkbyington@aol.com
