As the February 2010 primary election approaches, we see a large field of candidates seeking our attention, support and votes. One candidate who will make a difference in the Illinois State Senate is Heather Steans in the 7th District.
I support her not only because she supports same-sex marriage, but because she has been committed to the environment.
In fact, Sen. Steans has worked to become one of the strongest voices in Springfield for clean water and the protection of Lake Michigan. During her first term, she:
Passed a bill that would allow food scraps to be composted commercially in Illinois. This bill ( SB99 ) allows restaurants, businesses and even individuals to have food scraps picked up and transported off-site to be turned into composta valuable soil amendment;
Encouraged green building in the capital construction bill ( which will also promote green-collar jobs in our state ) ; and
Worked on legislation with the Safer Pest Control Project ( SB1769 ) that creates new notice provisions when a school or day care center applies pesticides on areas where children will be present.
Sen. Steans has accomplished all of this and more in just 18 months. By re-electing her to office, we can be sure she will continue as one of the environment's strongest advocates.
Debra Shore
Commissioner, Metropolitan Water
Reclamation District of Greater Chicago