March 20, 2002
Forest Preserves A
Winning Issue
For Cook County Voters
Overwhelming Victory for Sierra Club-Endorsed
Candidates
for Cook County Board
Results from Tuesday's primary elections in Cook County reveal strong support among Cook County voters for protecting the Forest Preserves, according to the Sierra Club, which saw four of the five candidates it endorsed for Cook County Board win.
In the most stunning upset, former Chicago Park District superintendent Forrest Claypool defeated long time incumbent and favorite to win, Ted Lechowicz. In declaring victory Claypool stated, "I could not have done it without the Sierra Club."
"Over the past year the people of Cook County have learned about the gross financial and environmental mismanagement that has been a way of life in the Forest Preserve District," said Douglas Chien, Conservation Field Representative, Sierra Club. "By electing Forrest Claypool the voters are sending a clear message that they want sound environmental and fiscal management."
"This is a proud day for us," said Cory Jones grassroots coordinator Chicago Group, Sierra Club, "we have demonstrated that people care about their woods, prairies, and wetlands and are willing to vote and make the difference."
Other victorious Sierra Club supported candidates were incumbent Mike Quigley representing the north side of Chicago, who easily trounced his opponent; incumbent Gregg Goslin representing the northwest suburbs; and Joan Patricia Murphy who beat out 5 other candidates including the incumbent William Moran in the south suburbs.
Sierra Club campaigned actively for the endorsed candidates, including sending mailings to Sierra Club members, providing volunteers to the candidates' campaigns, and producing independent voter information for the public.