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Conservation group gets political By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune A conservation group vows to hold political feet to the environmental fire it believes burns in the hearts of the majority of local voters. The Oregon League of Conservation Voters, the self-described political voice of the state's environmental movement, is launching a Jackson County chapter. About 100 people are expected to gather for the chapter's kick-off session, which begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Osprey Brew Pub, 404 E. Main St., Medford. The public is invited to attend. Entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar will be available. Ric Holt and Jack Walker, the two Jackson County commissioners whose four-year terms expire this year, are among the chapter's first targets, said Ashley Henry, local co-chair. "We are particularly concerned about the upcoming election of Holt and Walker," said Henry. "We haven't endorsed any candidates yet, but I will say there is no doubt the conservation community is very displeased with the commissioners." As evidence of their environmentally unfriendly stance, she cites their strong support for the controversial half-finished Elk Creek Dam near Trail. "We would like to see more conservation-minded leadership in these roles," she said, adding that the group also will be involved in state legislative races. Sue Kupillas, the third commissioner on the board, doesn't face re-election for two more years. Holt took exception to being characterized as anti-environment. "We are environmentalists. Why would they pick on me and Jack?" he asked. "We try to save water for the fish. We try to thin the forest so we don't have devastating fires. So who is the real environmentalist here?" Politically, that would be environmentally friendly candidates who protect the quality of the air, water and the future livability in the area, according to chapter organizers. It matters not whether a candidate is Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, Henry said. "We've been talking to folks who are Republicans," she said. "I don't think being a conservation-minded person necessitates that you are a Democrat. "I know quite a few Republicans disgusted with the lack of leadership offered by the county officials," she added. "They don't feel that Holt or Walker represent the county very well." The chapter will focus on issues related to the environment when it comes to endorsing candidates, she said. The league, which has been active in Oregon for more than a decade, largely in the Willamette Valley, has endorsed statewide candidates in the past. "Because of the growing importance of conservation issues in Southern Oregon, particularly Jackson County, and the good chance of making positive change here, the league is expanding," Henry said. The league is also launching a chapter in Deschutes County in Central Oregon this year. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.