by Tyla Matteson, Chapter Political Chair and York River Group Chair

The York River Group has held candidate forums for 20 years, in Hampton and Newport News, and have enjoyed great success with them. Our local political work provides the candidates with information on issues related to the protection of our natural resources. The forums afford SC members and the general public an opportunity to hear from the candidates, with an opening and a closing statement, and answer questions from the public.

On occasion, there is an issue of significant importance or controversy, such as the proposed King William Reservoir, which not only brings out the pros and cons, but also gets media attention for the issue and for the Sierra Club.

In addition to forums, we also send a questionnaire to all candidates, asking questions on land use and protection, air quality protection, water & wetland protection, addressing climate change, sea level rise, encouraging their city governments and citizens to turn to alternative energy such as solar and wind power, and encouraging recycling programs. The questions are specific to the areas, depending whether the candidates are in Hampton, Newport News, or on occasion Williamsburg.

The questionnaire responses, forum and public statements, and if applicable, voting records, are evaluated by the two appropriate committees, for a possible SC endorsement. Following any endorsement, SC members are encouraged to assist in the candidate’s campaigns, with the goal to elect another friend to the environment.

Forum for Newport News Mayor and City Council Candidates
Date: 6:45-8:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Location: Newport News Main Street Library, 110 Main Street
Contact: Tyla Matteson 804-275-6476 or Ann Moore 757-722-9785

Forum for Hampton City Council Candidates
Date: 7:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Location: Sandy Bottom Nature Center, 1255 Big Bethel Rd., Hampton
Contact: Tyla Matteson 804-275-6476 or Ann Moore 757-722-9785