Sierra Club endorses Hugh Shields for state representative

(From the Sierra Club)

The Missouri Chapter of the Sierra Club today announced its endorsements of Hugh Shields for State Representative in the 161st District in Joplin.

"We are very pleased to announce today that the Sierra Club officially endorses Hugh Shields for election," said local Sierra Club Political Chair Myra Scroggs. “Mr. Shields will stand up for clean air and clean water in Joplin. Unfortunately, his opponent, Rep. Bill White, has not done so. Rep. White only scored 10% on the Sierra Club Missouri Legislative Scorecard for the 2013-2014 General Assembly, voting to overturn the will of Missouri Voters by weakening our renewable energy standard, even though Jasper County voters gave the Renewable Energy Standard at 62 % yes vote in November 2008. Rep. White has also failed to stand up for protecting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and for protecting our groundwater from coal ash contamination.”

" Hugh Shields will stand up for Joplin residents", added local Sierra Club chairperson Dr. Judy Dasovich. "Hugh has traveled to Jefferson City to advocate for a healthy environment, volunteering his time to make a difference in his community. Given the legacy of contamination from past mining in the Joplin area, we need someone who will stand up to the big polluters and protect public health."

Hugh Shields is running in the 161st State House District, which includes much of the City of Joplin. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, and polls are open from 6 AM til 7 PM.

Along with the endorsement, the Sierra Club will lend its volunteer strength to Shield’s campaign. "We pledge to do all we can to help ensure that Mr. Shields is elected," said Missouri Chapter Director John Hickey. "Scores of Sierra Club volunteers will contact voters about the critical public health and open space issues that are at stake in this election."