REDWOOD NEEDLES

Presented by the Sierra Club Redwood Chapter Newsletter, The REDWOOD NEEDLES

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Candidate Statements for the Sonoma Group Elections

Veronica (Roni) Gacobi

I am applying for the Sonoma Group's ExCom because I am willing to serve for environmental needs. Some of the experience I have had that could be helpful to the ExCom is my work reviewing EIS's and serving as the Region 9 Bicycle Policies Coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency. I've evaluated and designed more efficient, lower usage energy systems for numerous businesses and schools including Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories. My suggestion to recycle paper at PG&E was implemented company wide. I have been a volunteer for the Special Olympics for the past four years, and I have volunteered at a number of schools creating an Environmental Club or helping with existing clubs and I improved recycling at three schools.

I would like to further develop my effectiveness and that of others for environmental activism. I have found the internet to be a quick, convenient, and thorough way to speak out to decision makers on environmental issues and use it readily. I continue to expand my network of information and action as I sign up with additional excellent action sites. I would like to be more effective locally also. I would like to learn from others to increase my effectiveness and share anything I've learned that would be effective for others. These are some of my interests that lead me to applying to serve on the Sonoma Group's ExCom.

Anne Hudgins

For the past seven years, I have been a part of the Land Use Committee for Sierra Club's Redwood Chapter. Under the dazzling tutelage of Moira Chatten, I learned the policies, processes, and procedures of this very well-managed organization. It is an honor to work with such knowledgeable and dedicated people. And I am still learning.

My other volunteer activities include: Outreach Chair for Madrone Audubon Society; Docent at Bouverie Preserve; Advisory Committee for "Partners For Health;" Oversite Committee, Youth Community Park, Santa Rosa Parks and Rec. Dept.; Community Action Team, City of Santa Rosa (Appointed by City Council); Host for "Habitat Network of Sonoma County"--a training program stewards who will go into the community and assist home owners, businesses, schools, and local government departments to develop wildlife habitats.

In my spare time, I earn my rent money by teaching Sustainable Gardening for Community Education at SRJC, and serving local clients to my landscaping/consultation business. By the end of this year, I hope to finish my Master's thesis ("Ethicology") and receive my M.A. from Sonoma State University where I earned a B.A. from the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies in 1994. If my past experience and expertise in any way qualifies me to serve on the Executive Committee of our Sonoma Group, I promise to give it my best effort.

Thank you for considering me.

Winona (Nona) Leone

I am applying for the ExCom as a member of the Sierra Club for 18 years, except for a short period from 1997-1999 when I served as a volunteer with the US Peace Corps in Ukraine. I have a strong interest in hiking, but also I recently joined the Sonoma Group's Political Action Committee and find the involvement exciting. My interest in the environment and sustainability has been continuous since the 60's. I have been a recycler and involved with non-chemical farming in the Central Valley. My management experience working for a major telecommunications company and running my own consulting corporation for over 10 years will be helpful in coordinating projects for the Sierra Club.

I have worked as a volunteer in the Peace Corps and with the Adult Literacy program. During my stint in the Peace Corps, I witnessed a country that has no environmental programs and, thus, is a global threat. Also, I recently worked as an employee with a non-profit organization in Oakland on a transit village, a prototype complex at the Fruitvale BART station, combining housing, office and retail in one place and promoting the use of public transportation. I am very aware of the dedication and motivation necessary to accomplish goals through political activism. I want to be involved in the Sierra Club's efforts to lobby for sustainability, land use and water resource strategies.

Harry Hagaman

I would be honored to serve on the Sonoma County Excom. I have lived in Sonoma County since 1995. Also I had previously lived in Sonoma County while pursueing a bachelors degree in art at SSU. As a local Sierra Club member, I have been active in a number of projects including Coastal Clean-up, Rural Heritage Initiative, and the glassy-winged-sharpshooter issue, as well as tabling at various events and writing letters for Sierra Club Alerts. I have enjoyed making a positive contribution. Outside of Sonoma County, I've participated in the Wild Heritage campaign, Headwaters action, and the Seattle WTO protests. Thank you for considering me for Sonoma County Excom member.

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