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The Sangamon County Valley Group of the Sierra Club,
the organization that pressed city utility officials last year to implement
more stringent pollution controls on Springfield’s new power plant,
this week mailed questionnaires to individuals vying for mayor and seats on
the City Council. On March 27, at the group’s monthly meeting,
the Sierra Club will hold a candidates’ forum, during which office
seekers will be able to make short presentations with respect to their
positions on environmental issues. Mayor Tim Davlin’s administration has been
widely criticized for keeping aldermen out of the loop for months while
negotiations were taking place, then hastily attempting to pass the
contract. The questionnaire aims to gauge the candidates’
commitment to the controversial agreement reached between the Sierra Club
and City Water, Light & Power to add conservation programs, lessen
toxic emissions from the 200 megawatt coal plant, construction of which is
now underway, and purchase 120 megawatts of wind energy. Candidates are
also asked whether they would support the use of Sangamon River Valley
wells, as opposed to building a second lake to accommodate
Springfield’s water needs. Other issues addressed include enhancing bike paths,
expanding evening bus service, green building codes, and introducing more
fuel-efficient vehicles to the city’s fleet. According to Sierra Club board member Will
Reynolds, mayoral write-in candidates Paul Duiker and Mario Ingoglia will
also receive survey forms, as well as invitations to the forum.
Contact R.L. Nave at rnave@illinoistimes.com
This article appears in Mar 1-7, 2007.
