Sierra Club Endorses in Somerville Alderman Election

Environmental commitment prompts key endorsements

News Release
For Immediate Release
Date September 28, 2005
Contacts: Phillip Sego, Mass Sierra Political Chair (617) 492-1032

The Massachusetts Sierra Club has endorsed three candidates in the Somerville Alderman’s race. The two at-large candidates are Denise Provost and Marty Martinez. The environmental group also endorsed Rebekah Gewirtz in Ward 6.

“These three candidates have demonstrated a solid commitment to environmental issues and a realistic approach in how to effectively tackle key concerns,” says Phillip Sego, Political Chair of the Massachusetts Sierra Club. “Our endorsements were based chiefly on their demonstration of commitment to the environment, in private as well as in public life.”

The Sierra Club, while noted for their high-profile national positions, is deeply rooted in local, regional, and statewide issues. Their endorsement process includes in-depth research and careful analysis of a questionnaire designed specifically to address local environmental issues. The Club’s endorsement is then communicated to Sierra Club members. The Sierra Club is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization with over 26,000 members in Massachusetts alone.

“While the Massachusetts Sierra Club regularly endorses in Congressional and state-level races, this is the first time that we’ve endorsed in the Somerville Alderman election,” said Sego. “Our members’ participation in this election is at an all-time high – people are clearly focused on local efforts to improve our environment. The Sierra Club’s numerous endorsements are a sign that legislative accountability is of growing importance.”

Since elected to the Somerville Board of Aldermen, Denise Provost has been a consistent advocate for open space, responsible stewardship of resources, and improved mass transit. She is a committed urban environmentalist having raised the profile of a variety of tough environmental issues. Over the years, she has worked to promote public policies that will repair and sustain the health of the natural world.