New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club endorses in Hunterdon County; Flemington races

Today, the New Jersey Sierra Club endorsed candidates in Hunterdon County and Flemington races:  Cullen McAuliffe and Lynne McClintock for Hunterdon County Freeholder, Betsy Driver for Mayor of Flemington, Chris Runion and Caitlin Giles-McCormick for Flemington Council.

Freeholder candidates Cullen McAuliffe and Lynne McClintock have a strong background and involvement regarding environmental issues.  McAuliffe has worked with State Assembly staff and the Zoning Board of Adjustment to implement a sound energy footprint throughout the County.  McClintock will promote policies encouraging greater water conservation and create public participation in clean water initiatives.  Both candidates oppose the Penn-East Pipeline.  By endorsing McClintock and McAuliffe for Freeholder, the Sierra Club believes that they will balance the Freeholder Board, particularly in light of the Clover Hill Sports Complex.  “McAuliffe and McClintock will advocate for better alternatives for the sports complex that would not disrupt wetlands and destroy natural wildlife areas” said John Kashwick, New Jersey Sierra Club Political Chair.

Betsy Driver, in her first year on Flemington Council, helped obtain a clean energy grant to upgrade the library HVAC systems to more efficient units. The grant also paid for the upgrade to LED lighting. Driver is running for Mayor and will look into other green energy initiatives and encourage municipal composting. Chris Runion is a high school environmental science teacher who instills in his students that the biggest environmental issues we face are the result of individual actions.  Runion is responsible for initiating and maintaining Sustainable Jersey for Schools, has secured grants for water bottle filling stations and was awarded funding for organic gardening. Caitlin Giles-McCormick would like to see the Environmental Committee become active again, since it has lapsed under the current administration. She would ensure that the group meets regularly and carries out its responsibilities. Driver and her running mates Runion and Giles-McCormick would be strong leaders on the environment for Flemington.

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About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide and over 20,000 members in New Jersey. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.newjersey.sierraclub.org.