But Cook County can be so much more than a collection of political fiefdoms. Its extensive forest preserve holdings can be better managed to help Cook County residents experience the beauty of the outdoors, and the natural heritage of our region. County operations, like the hospital and court system present many opportunities to save taxpayers money and reduce pollution by promoting energy efficiency, recycling, alternative fuels, and other best practices.

These issues are at the core of Mike Quigley's campaign for Cook County Board President, and they have been his priority as a Commissioner. His 2004 report Greening Cook County typifies his comprehensive and deep understanding of the link between a healthy government, a healthy environment, and a healthy public.

For years, he was a voice in the wilderness of county politics for good government and healthy forest preservers. Now a few more courageous voices have joined him on the Board to challenge the status quo. We are grateful for these voices, but it all began with Mike Quigley, and he is the clear choice for voters who want our forest preserves and the environment to be a priority for the next President. He started the movement to reform county government, and he is the best candidate to finish the job as its President.

Our volunteers are prepared to work hard to elect Mike Quigley the next Cook County Board President. Starting this week, our volunteers will be working to educate voters about Mike's record, and his agenda for protecting our preserves and our environment. We will be working in Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs to rally support for this champion of good government.

Thousands of Sierra Club members and many more who use our forest preserves regularly are hungry for a President who shares their love of the wetlands, prairies, forests, and recreational opportunities offered in Cook County's forest preserve system. We will be working to mobilize these Cook County residents as a political force to help this campaign to fundamentally change Cook County Government.

We also know that for many voters, their priority will be finding a candidate who will clean up county government, end the scandals, and root out corruption. We know Mike Quigley will be focused on using County government to improve people's lives and protect our environment. We know he is the best choice to clean up county government.

Past visionaries like Daniel Burnham are to thank for the forest preserves we enjoy today. Mike Quigley is the right candidate to build on that legacy for the 21st century. Mike Quigley is the right candidate to reform all of Cook County government and Sierra Club is proud to endorse him to any voter looking for a President with a proven record of fighting for what's right.