On Earth Day Sierra Club Endorses Sam Liccardo for Mayor
Organization Cites His Continuing Commitment to Innovative Solutions that Protect the Environment and Improve the Quality of Life for Residents
San José, CA – The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter has become the second major environmental organization to endorse Sam Liccardo for mayor of San José. As San José celebrated Earth Day, the group noted Sam’s work to improve public spaces, promote the green economy and push the development of alternative forms of transportation.
“San José deserves a mayor who will be a true leader on critical environmental issues. Sam Liccardo has proven that he will work with others to encourage the development of green technology to create jobs while lowering carbon emissions and he’s fought to improve parks and public spaces,” said Ann Schneider, Co-Chair, Loma Prieta Political Committee. “While we celebrate Earth Day, there is no better time to make this announcement and support a man we know will continue to act to make San José an example to the nation in smart environmental stewardship.”
“I’m honored to have received this endorsement. Yesterday, our city lost a true leader and an environmental pioneer, Mayor Janet Gray Hayes. She was an inspiration to so many of us in public service and will be remembered for her staunch advocacy of policies to promote smart growth. As I receive this endorsement, I pledge that as mayor I will work to continue her legacy of fighting to protect our environment. I know that we can’t have a thriving city without a healthy environment,” said Liccardo. “I’m proud to have been endorsed by the Sierra Club and look forward to standing with them to improve the quality of life for all our residents.”
Today’s announcement marks the second major environmental endorsement for Sam Liccardo. Just two weeks ago, he was endorsed by the Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters.
On the city council, Sam Liccardo has been an effective advocate for environmentally-friendly policies. He successfully led a citywide task force to revise the General Plan to halt sprawling development in hillsides and open spaces. He worked to make parks and public spaces more accessible to residents. He spearheaded an innovative public-private partnership to employ homeless residents to clean the creeks in which they formerly lived, in exchange for housing. Additionally he helped lead the effort to bring BART to San José, implement bus-rapid transit and launch ZipCar and bike share programs.
About Sam
Councilman Sam Liccardo is a candidate for mayor to make our city safer, our economy stronger and our government more responsive and responsible.
He represents San José’s Third District on the San José City Council, one of the most diverse communities in our city. Prior to winning election to City Council, Sam served in the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor of sexual assault and child exploitation crimes and as a federal prosecutor.
Sam’s work in the community includes teaching government and political science at San José State University, co-founding an innovative program to mentor children, serving on the boards of several affordable housing organizations, and advocating for a successful countywide transit ballot measure in 2000 that is helping to bring BART to San José.
About Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
The Sierra Club advocates for policies that protect our natural environment, supports environmental candidates for public office, and provides opportunities for people who want to develop leadership skills to give back to the community and help the environment.
http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/politics