Monday, March 31, 2008

Portlanders Celebrate Earth Hour


On Saturday March 29, 2008, citizens of Portland joined millions of people in cities around the world to celebrate Earth Hour. Thirty or more people gathered in Monument Square just before the countdown led by Portland's Mayor and Chairman of the city's Energy and Environmental Sustainability Committee, Ed Suslovick. Portland businesses and residents took part in the global initiative to shut off their lights for one hour in an effort to raise awareness about global warming. Mayor Suslovick isssued a proclamation at the last City Council Meeting announcing that the city of Portland would join "the wave" and encouraged area businesses to participate as well. Earth Hour Portland was organized by a group of women activists from the Sierra Club Maine Chapter, which inncludes myself. All of the organizers are members of the Smart Energy/Global Warming Committee with the Sierra Club. It was a very chilly evening, but many braved the cold to show their committment to finding solutions to the most critical issue of our times. We are in a very good place right now because everyone of us recongnizes that global warming and the emerging energy crisis effects us all. Most of us also recognize that conserving energy is not only good for the planet, but it is good for our economy. For Maine, investing in renewable energy and energy effeciency, is paramount to the future sustainability of the state we love, so remember to make Earth Hour everyday. Thanks to all that participated in Earth Hour Portland!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Next State Representative?

Hello friends and neighbors on the East End! I am running this year for State Representative in House District #120 as a Green Independent. I have created this blog so that we could share ideas and get to know each other better. I have not had a web presence before because I prefer to keep life real with as little virtual communication as possible, but I recognize how the web can help us work together to transform our ideas into action. Like you, I have a special love for Maine and its largest city, Portland. I am concerned that we are not properly investing in the things that will sustain us and ensure a bright future for this state. I believe we need to move from having a state government that is reactionary to one that has vision and plans ahead. We need courageous people in Augusta who will challenge the status quo and reach out to the people they serve to see that our vision is materialized and I think we are just the team to do it! I hope you will E-mail me to share your vision. Thank you.