Spotlight on the candidates for Anne Arundel County Council District 2

The Anne Arundel County Council has seven members. It takes a majority of four votes to pass any bill, including any bill to protect our environment. The AA Chapter has endorsed six candidates for the County Council. We are confident that, if elected, they will give Annapolis a strong conservation majority on the Council. Now we have to get them elected.

This is the first in a series of weekly emails that focus on one of those candidates each week. This week we will introduce you to Allison Pickard, candidate for District 2. District 2 lies in the northern part of the county between Severn and Glen Burnie. Find your County Council District here.

MEET ALLISON PICKARD

Maryland’s natural resources are our greatest treasures and also an economic engine for our region. There’s never been a more important time to dedicate our efforts to clean air, clean water, and renewable energy sources. The health of our children, communities, and future is inextricably linked to the health of our local environment and resources.

The combination of strong leadership, practical professional experience, and higher education have served me well as I pursue common-sense, results driven solutions to community issues. I have forged strong relationships with other leaders in the county through my work with PTA, the Board of Education, and the School Board Appointment Commission but the most significant work of my campaign has been engaging with thousands of neighbors in my district to really understand what is important to them. I, along with my husband Joe and 3 school age children call Millersville home. We share the concerns with our District 2 neighbors in Glen Burnie and Severn about strong public schools, safe streets, and smart growth. As a candidate for County Council, I bring a refreshingly pragmatic and results-based approach to policy decisions.

Reflecting on my life-long values, I remain committed to working hard and reaching out to all community members, business and labor leaders, elected officials, and community groups to make Anne Arundel County the best it can be.

ALLISON NEEDS OUR HELP

Join her at a meet the Family event: Fun, family fundraiser – Monday, April 23 at Gino’s in Glen Burnie. You can find out more about how get involved with this campaign at www.AllisonPickard.com or Allison Pickard For County Council on Facebook

Meet Allison and our other endorsed candidates at the Anne Arundel Chapter’s fundraiser for the Anne Arundel elections. It will beon Friday, June 8th from 5 until 7. Stay tuned for details.

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00April 13th, 2018|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

Maryland LCV Announces Third Round of Primary Election Endorsements for General Assembly

For Immediate Release
March 6, 2018

Contact: Kristen Harbeson, Political Director
cell: 410 952 8100

Maryland LCV Announces Third Round of Primary Election Endorsements for General Assembly

(Annapolis, MD) Today the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) released its third round of endorsed candidates for the Maryland General Assembly in the 2018 state primary elections. The organization said the Senate candidate and five House candidates are ready to lead their communities with the environment as a central issue to their campaign and tenure as legislators.

The organization has endorsed Sarah Elfreth for her Senate run in Anne Arundel County’s District 30, Allison Berkowitz for Delegate in Harford and Baltimore County’s District 7, Lesley Lopez for Delegate of District 39 in Montgomery County, Sara Love for District 16 of Montgomery County, Delegate Nick Mosby for Baltimore City’s District 40, and Natalie Ziegler’s run for Delegate in Howard County’s District 9A.

“There are a number of high quality candidates in these races and strong conservation leaders are emerging in races where communities are frustrated by their low-scoring incumbents,” said Karla Raettig, Executive Director of Maryland LCV. “Our mission to elect pro-conservation advocates has never been so important. Voters in Maryland are ready for effective leaders to protect our air, land, water, and public health.”

“Maryland LCV is the standard-bearer for the Bay, the ‘political voice for the environment.’ I’m proud to have earned their endorsement and look forward to working with them to increase Maryland’s oyster populations, invest in green jobs, and protect our forests and critical areas.” Sarah Elfreth for District 30 Senate in Anne Arundel County.

“As a representative of District 7, one of my goals would be to help make Maryland a model of what it means to be good stewards of the earth. I’m honored to have the support of the Maryland League of Conservation Voters in my efforts to ensure environmental responsibility and conservation.” Allison Berkowitz for District 7 Delegate in Baltimore and Harford counties.

“Earning the support and respect of Maryland League of Conservation Voters is an honor. Maryland has a diverse set of environmental challenges that we must face in the coming years and I look forward to continuing to work as a partner with Maryland LCV. If given the honor of serving as Delegate for District 39, I will champion Maryland’s role in the global effort to combat climate change and fight for environmental justice for all Marylanders.” Lesley Lopez, candidate for Delegate in District 39 in Montgomery County.

“I am honored to be endorsed by Maryland LCV. Growing up I was taught the importance of protecting our environment and I look forward to working with Maryland LCV in the General Assembly on the many environmental issues confronting us,” Sara Love, candidate for District 16 Delegate in Montgomery County.

“I am privileged to receive the endorsement of Maryland League of Conservation Voters in my campaign to continue to represent the amazing citizens of the 40th district. Protecting the sanctity of our environment for future generations and fighting against misguided attempts to erase decades of environmental protection progress is as important now as ever before. I am eager to stand in the fight with LCV and look forward to pushing for a healthier and greener Maryland.” Delegate Nick J. Mosby for District 40 Delegate in Baltimore City.

“I am very honored to have received the endorsement of Maryland League of Conservation Voters. As a farmer, I realize that the farming community and environmental advocates have not always seen eye to eye, but ultimately we share the same goals, and depend on the same environment. I am grateful to the League of Conservation Voters for the work they do, and look forward to working together to fight the effects of climate change and pass a cleaner and healthier environment on to future generations.” Natalie Ziegler, Howard County candidate for District 9A.

Before each state election, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Board of Directors and staff evaluate questionnaires and conduct interviews with dozens of candidates for state-wide office, including Comptroller, Attorney General, and Governor as well candidates as for the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate. In the 2018 Primary and General elections, Maryland LCV will once again campaign to elect pro-conservation candidates.

More endorsements will be released in the coming months.

###

For almost 40 years, the non-partisan Maryland League of Conservation Voters has served as the political voice of environment. We advocate for sound conservation policies, promote environmentally responsible candidates, and hold individual elected officials accountable through our scorecards and reports.

30 West Street Suite C · Annapolis, MD 21401 · 410-280-9855 · 410-280-9857 (fax) · www.mdlcv.org

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-12-07T13:01:07-05:00March 6th, 2018|Categories: Press|0 Comments

The Life of Ajax Eastman

We have sad news, one of our co-founders Ajax Eastman has passed away on Friday morning of March 2nd. In 2014 we awarded her the John V. Kabler Award for her dedication in protecting Maryland’s environment.

Involved in environmental issues since 1970, Baltimore City’s Ajax Eastman cofounded the Maryland League of Conservation Voters in 1979. She was on the board of the Maryland Environmental Trust, past President of the Maryland Conservation Council, co-chairman of the Maryland Wild lands Committee, and on numerous state boards and commissions. Ajax’s frustration with the failure of traditional lobbying and testimony to pass a bottle bill through the General Assembly led to her decision to enter the political arena through Maryland LCV. She also took on a more successful fight to protect the crown jewels of Maryland’s protected lands—the wild lands, even becoming a namesake. In addition to her hard work in Annapolis, she also is a naturalist and teacher of the state’s natural wonders to kids at camps and in Maryland parks.

Ajax’s memorial service will be on Saturday, March 17th at 2:00 PM at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church on Charles St in Balt.

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00March 2nd, 2018|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

Life. Love. Maryland LCV ❤️️

No doubt about it, LIFE is TOO FULL. Three (teenage) boys, running my own architectural business, keeping the home ‘presentable’, much needed exercise, eating right, and maybe even some quiet time for myself. When DO I get to spend time with my husband, Lance? Thankfully, Lance and I share more than just a passion for each other – but also a passion for our environments.

We are both architects, having met and married while at Mississippi State School of Architecture. Our relationship developed through our desire to shape our built environment. But, most importantly today, we are able to share our passion for our natural environment through our roles on the boards of Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV Education Fund, respectively.

We decided to move to Maryland not only for the career opportunities, but also because we fell in love with Maryland’s diverse natural landscapes which we knew would be great for raising our family.

As busy as life can be – I make a particular effort to enjoy the wonderful landscapes that Maryland has to offer. In our hometown of Edgewater, I especially love boating and rafting up Harness Creek. Biking with the Boy Scouts leads to trails of mud in the woods or paths around BWI Airport. We love camping at the beach for LAX tournaments.

Donate today in celebration of your love of Maryland this Valentine’s Day>>

Being architects, we have an insider view into the impact of design and construction. Lance and I feel strongly that if we don’t design sustainably to protect our parks and other natural environments, they are at risk of disappearing before our grandchildren have the opportunity to enjoy wonderful times such as we have with our children. As a Democratic voter, the conversations can often get lively with my Republican husband. One thing that we always agree on is the importance of conservation and sustainability. The environment is not a partisan issue. The health of our air, land, and water affect all Marylanders across the political spectrum. That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to support Maryland LCV.

When we were invited to join the boards of Maryland LCV and Maryland LCV Education Fund, we had no hesitations, as we could see the impact that the dedicated team of hard-working individuals was having to protect our natural resources. We saw that advocating for the best environmental policies is the best way to ensure a sustainable future for all Marylanders.

Donate today in celebration of Valentine’s Day and become a part of a great community of supporters who love the environment as much as Lance and I do>>

The actions taken in Annapolis impact every part of our state. They can protect our farms, forests, rivers, beaches, and lakes – or allow for further harm. It’s up to us to make sure our legislators represent our values in protecting our air, land, water, and public health. Our three boys are the reason we work so hard to protect our state and make sure there is clean air to breathe, clean water for them to drink (and swim in), and wonderful parks for them to enjoy.

We love Maryland and we know you do, too. From the beaches on the Eastern Shore, to the marshes in Southern Maryland, the sprawling farms in Northern Maryland, our bustling historic towns, to the mountains in the west, it’s not hard to find something for everyone in our wonderful state.

Donate today to protect the Maryland we love>>

Thanks for your support, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Melanie Hartwig-Davis, AIA, LEED AP, Board Member

Maryland League of Conservation Voters

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00February 14th, 2018|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

Chispa Maryland’s Story

Every donation will be TRIPLED when you donate and go towards helping us clean up the Bay, address climate change, and keep Maryland healthy!

Several years ago I made the decision to work towards a just society by focusing on the environment and improving the environmental conditions in local communities. And every day I work alongside our Chispa Maryland volunteers and Promotores I know I made the right decision.

As the Director of Chispa Maryland, I see every day the passion and commitment of my community when it’s time to protect the health of our families and fight for a cleaner and healthier environment for all. Their passion and the fact that this is a matter of life or death for our families, since we are overexposed to air pollution and we are some of the most impacted by climate change is what moves me to work day after day energetically with our volunteers and Promotores.

Join me and support Maryland LCV with a donation before Dec. 31st, every donation will be TRIPLED and help address climate change and ensure Maryland is healthy for future generations>>

Now we are working on an exciting campaign, Clean Buses for Healthy Niños or Kids. As a part of the settlement for Volkswagen cheating federal emissions tests, they are paying a $14.7 billion, of which Maryland is receiving 75 million and can use to upgrade our aging fleet of toxic diesel school buses to zero-emissions electric buses. Thanks to supporters like you, this campaign would be able clean the air in our communities, bolster the fight against climate change, and protect the lungs of the 623,000 kids who ride buses every day.

This is last in our series of staff stories, sharing what makes us so passionate about this work. I hope you’ve enjoyed hearing from us and continue to be such great supporters of my work with Chispa Maryland and the entire Conservation Voter Movement.

Saludos,

Ramon Palencia-Calvo, Chispa Maryland Director

Maryland LCV

P.S. Your year-end gift will be TRIPLED if you donate before December 31st. We invite you to take advantage of our monthly giving plan>>

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00December 18th, 2017|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

For madre tierra

Every donation will be TRIPLED when you donate today and go towards helping us clean up the Bay, address climate change, and Maryland healthy!

Protecting the Earth and promoting Environmental Justice are two of the reasons I love working at Maryland LCV. As a Latina immigrant who grew up around nature and green spaces, protecting these is essential to my heritage. Moreover, as an organizer working with Latino communities, I know that fighting for our environment also means fighting to protect the communities that are most impacted by climate change and pollution.

Join me and support Maryland LCV with a donation before Dec. 31st, every donation will be TRIPLED and help address climate change and ensure Maryland is healthy for future generations>>

One of my proudest moment was sitting beside the Chispa Maryland Promotores as they accepted the 2017 John V. Kabler Award for their leadership in their community to green their schools and communities. Thanks to supporters like you, this past summer, we graduated the second class of Latino leaders as Promotores to engage and educate their communities.

This work allows me to stand alongside and support amazing community members and leaders to protect their health and fight for justice. This is why I am proud to be part of Maryland LCV and the amazing work to make sure Maryland leads the way in protecting our mother earth.

For madre tierra,

Johana Vicente, Chispa Maryland Organizer

Maryland LCV

P.S. Your year-end gift will be TRIPLED if you donate before December 31st. We invite you to take advantage of our monthly giving plan>>

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00December 14th, 2017|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

Trading in my work boots for work shoes

UPDATE: We’ve gotten dozens of donations in the past week and we are only $3,000 away from achieving our goal! Every donation will be TRIPLED when you donate before December 31st– up to $10,000- give today!

I learned the hard way that all the research in the world doesn’t matter once the bulldozers arrive. I started my career as a scientist and researcher in the field catching and releasing bears, bats, and birds. I thought studying their beautiful natural habitats and sharing sound science demonstrating how important they are to ecosystems and the human communities around them would be enough to save them. But time after time the sound science was ignored by short sighted policies.

In a previous position, I taught students to reforest streams along the Potomac River and learned how great policies made thousands of on-the-ground projects possible. Time and time again, I’ve learned how important policy is to protecting the environment we hold dear.

Your gift will help us keep the Bay clean, address climate change, and work for clean air. Every donation will be TRIPLED when you donate before December 31st!

So I traded in my work boots for work shoes and got to work on good policy. Here I am testifying at the Howard County Council meeting for tried and true methods protecting our waterways from the devastating effects of stormwater pollution. I am honored to work for an organization that uses sound science and research to make better policies here in Maryland.

Will you join me and support Maryland LCV with a donation before Dec. 31st? Every donation will be TRIPLED and help us keep the Bay clean, address climate change, and Maryland healthy for all residents, animal and human alike>>

With your support, Maryland LCV is able to ensure our elected leaders represent your environmental values. I’m so grateful to live in Maryland where we’ve made incredible progress over the past year thanks to the conservation leaders that we support.

For all of Maryland’s residents, human or otherwise,

Ben Alexandro, Water Policy Advocate

Maryland LCV

P.S. Your year-end gift will be TRIPLED if you donate before December 31st. We invite you to take advantage of our monthly giving plan>>

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00December 13th, 2017|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Announces First Round of Endorsements for General Assembly

Maryland League of Conservation Voters Announces First Round of Endorsements for General Assembly

Candidates Have Proven Conservation Records and Demonstrated Leadership

(Annapolis, MD) Today the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) released its first round of endorsed candidates for the Maryland General Assembly in the 2018 state primary elections. The organization said the 20 Senate and 61 House candidates have all demonstrated pro-conservation records and leadership on environmental issues.

“On climate change and the clean-up of the Chesapeake Bay, we are at a turning point in Maryland,” said Ed Hatcher, Chair of the Maryland LCV Board of Directors. “Our mission to elect conservation advocates has never been so important.”

“Maryland LCV’s endorsement process is based on proven leadership on the environment for incumbents and a thorough evaluation of new candidate’s background and commitment to the environment. These candidates all boast a 90% or greater average environmental legislative score over the last two legislative terms (2011-2017), or have been honored as a Green Champion or Legislator of the Year,” said Karla Raettig, Executive Director of Maryland LCV.

Before each state election, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Board of Directors and staff evaluate questionnaires and conduct interviews with dozens of candidates for state-wide office, including Comptroller, Attorney General, and Governor as well candidates as for the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate. In the 2018 Primary and General elections, Maryland LCV will once again campaign to elect pro-conservation candidates.

More endorsements will be released in the coming months.

###

For almost 40 years, the non-partisan Maryland League of Conservation Voters has served as the political voice of environment. We advocate for sound conservation policies, promote environmentally responsible candidates, and hold individual elected officials accountable through our scorecards and reports.

30 West Street Suite C • Annapolis, MD 21401 • 410-280-9855 • 410-280-9857 (fax) • www.mdlcv.org

(Please see attached list of endorsements)

Maryland League of Conservation Voters: 2018 Endorsements – December 12, 2017

Senate:

District 3 – Ronald N. Young

District 8 – Katherine Klausmeier

District 11 – Bobby A. Zirkin

District 12 – Edward J. Kasemeyer

District 13 – Guy Guzzone

District 14 – Craig J. Zucker

District 15 – Brian J. Feldman

District 16 – Susan C. Lee

District 17 – Cheryl C. Kagan

District 19 – Benjamin F. Kramer

District 20 – William C. Smith, Jr.

District 21 – Jim Rosapepe

District 22 – Paul G. Pinsky

District 23 – Douglas J.J. Peters

District 24 – Joanne C. Benson

District 27 – Thomas V. Mike Miller

District 32 – Pamela Beidle

District 39 – Nancy J. King

District 44 – Shirley Nathan-Pulliam

District 46 – Bill Ferguson

Delegate:

District 3A – Carol L. Krimm

District 3A – Karen Lewis Young

District 8 – Eric M. Bromwell

District 10 – Benjamin Brooks

District 10 – Adrienne A. Jones

District 11 – Shelly Hettleman

District 11 – Dana Stein

District 12 – Eric Ebersole

District 12 – Terri L. Hill

District 12 – Clarence K. Lam

District 13 – Vanessa E. Atterbeary

District 13 – Shane E. Pendergrass

District 13 – Frank S. Turner

District 14 – Anne R. Kaiser

District 14 – Eric G. Luedtke

District 15 – Kathleen M. Dumais

District 15 – David Fraser-Hidalgo

District 16 – Ariana B. Kelly

District 16 – Marc Korman

District 17 – Kumar P. Barve

District 17 – Jim Gilchrist

District 17 – Andrew Platt

District 18 – Alfred C. Carr, Jr.

District 19 – Bonnie Cullison

District 19 – Marice Morales

District 20 – David Moon

District 21 – Ben Barnes

District 21 – Joseline A. Pena-Melnyk

District 22 – Tawanna P. Gaines

District 22 – Anne Healey

District 22 – Alonzo T. Washington

District 23A – Geraldine Valentino-Smith

District 23B – Marvin E. Holmes, Jr.

District 23B – Joseph F. Vallario, Jr.

District 24 – Erek L. Barron

District 24 – Carolyn J. B. Howard

District 25 – Darryl Barnes

District 25 – Dereck E. Davis

District 26 – Kriselda Valderamma

District 27B – Michael A. Jackson

District 28 – Sally Jameson

District 28 – Edith J. Patterson

District 30 – Michael E. Busch

District 32 – Mark S. Chang

District 32 – Theodore Sophocleus

District 34A – Mary Ann Lisanti

District 39 – Kirill Reznik

District 39 – Shane Robinson

District 41 – Samuel I. Rosenberg

District 42A – Steve Lafferty

District 43 – Curt Anderson

District 43 – Maggie McIntosh

District 44A – Keith E. Haynes

District 44B – Charles E. Sydnor, III

District 44B – Pat Young

District 45 – Talmadge Branch

District 45 – Cheryl Glenn

District 46 – Luke Clippinger

District 46 – Brooke E. Lierman

District 47A – Diana M. Fennell

District 47A – Jimmy Tarlau

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-12-07T13:11:00-05:00December 12th, 2017|Categories: Press|0 Comments

Why I’m a Conservation Voter

Every donation will be TRIPLED when you donate before December 31st. Your gift will help us keep the Bay clean, address climate change, and work for clean air for Maryland’s children>>

I’ve had a challenging (and tiring!) year on many fronts. It has been hard watching the Trump administration threaten the things we value: our clean air and water, healthy communities, and the foundations of democracy.

At the same time, I welcomed a new baby in June and am inspired by all of the new people I see getting involved the issues I care about. Here at Maryland LCV, we accomplished so much in 2017– including increasing our state’s renewable energy goals and banning fracking.

We could not have done that without the voices of our long time supporters and new supporters alike. I’ve also been so energized by all of our donors who are increasing their investment in our work. We’ve all realized it’s time to double down on our efforts if we want to protect our environment for our kids and grandkids to enjoy.

The environment has been a top priority for me in every election I’ve voted in since 2000, when I turned 18. Growing up in Michigan I spent a lot of time outdoors, especially enjoying Lake Michigan during the warm months. Now that I call Maryland home, I’ve been working since 2010 to help elect pro-conservation candidates. I spent many years working directly on campaigns until my position became available at Maryland LCV.

This is my dream job because I am working for an organization that educates voters, expands the voter base, helps elect candidates that will protect the environment, and then- my favorite part– keeps them accountable one they are in office. Will you join me and support Maryland LCV with a donation before Dec. 31st? Every donation will be TRIPLED>>

One of the things I love most about the Conservation Voters Movement is being connected to a national group in Washington, D.C. that works on federal issues, so we can really dig in and focus on state and local issues. I also love being a part of a network of over 30 other state leagues, including the one doing great work back where I grew up and where much of my family still live.

Even though it can be easy to lose hope when we look at federal rollbacks of environmental protections I am here to tell you we are making progress in Maryland and we are just getting started. Our movement is growing stronger every day as Marylanders overwhelmingly support protecting our water, land and air.

No matter what part of Maryland you live in and whether you have lived here your whole life or just part of it- we all have an obligation to leave our planet as healthy as we found it. That effort starts in our own backyard, and at the local and state levels. Please join me and chip in whatever you can to support our work. A generous supporter has agreed to triple your gift until Dec. 31st but don’t delay.

We are already making big plans for 2018. Please give generously so we can continue our important work. Thank you so much for all you do.

I look forward to working with you in 2018,

Karen Doory, Development Director

Maryland LCV

P.S. Your year-end gift will be TRIPLED if you donate before December 31st. Please give what you can, every gift is appreciated.

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00December 11th, 2017|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

We can’t do this without you

We can’t do this work without you. Will you join me and support Maryland LCV with a donation before December 31st? Every donation will be TRIPLED and help us to do this vital work on behalf of the voiceless, to keep our air, water, and land clean and our communities healthy and strong>>

My parents raised my brother and me with the unshakable belief that politics is an active verb, and government is a participatory institution. Its key purpose is to protect and care for those who can’t protect themselves, and so those of us with the ability to speak are bound by a moral duty to do so on behalf of the most vulnerable amongst us. It is this touchstone belief that led me to the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, and to the work that we do here: protecting the land, air, water, and communities of the Maryland that I love so much.

It is my joy and honor to be able to do this work with my colleagues, here, as the political voice of the environment – and your voice in the halls of Annapolis. We can do this thanks to supporters like you.

That would not have been possible without you, Dannielle. Will you join me and support Maryland LCV with a donation before December 31st? Every donation will be TRIPLED and help us to do this vital work on behalf of the voiceless, to keep our air, water, and land clean and our communities healthy and strong>>

We can elect pro-conservation candidates as our elected leaders, who will champion smart, strong and visionary actions to protect our most cherished resources.

I am so happy to live in Maryland, in my little Baltimore row-house, where so much progress can be made, thanks to all the people – like you – who are willing to work with and invest in Maryland LCV – and to make sure that government represents our conservation values.

With gratitude,

Kristen Harbeson, Political Director

Maryland LCV

P.S. Your year-end gift will be TRIPLED if you donate before December 31st. We invite you to take advantage of our monthly giving plan>>

By Dannielle Lipinski|2019-11-23T06:17:20-05:00December 8th, 2017|Categories: Blog|0 Comments

About Dannielle Lipinski

2020 Environmental Legislative Summit