PRESS ADVISORY

West Chester—Sierra Club Southeastern Pennsylvania Group has endorsed Barbara McIlvaine Smith, State Representative for Legislative District 156, which includes East Goshen, West Goshen, West Chester Borough, and the southern half of East Bradford Township. In 2006, McIlvaine Smith was also endorsed by the group, which acknowledged her lifetime commitment to preserving our environmental resources that are essential for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.

As the incumbent, Barbara McIlvaine Smith stands out as a leader with a clear record of service fighting for critical environmental issues. Her efforts helped secure $650 million in the recent State Budget for investment in alternative renewable energies and research, and sponsored programs to provide incentives for the purchase of hybrid vehicles and energy efficient appliances. She also stood with the southeast delegation to demand that the state provide money for hazardous waste clean up while protecting the Keystone Fund.

While on West Chester Borough Council, McIlvaine Smith was the person responsible for gaining the early, unanimous support for Governor Rendell’s Growing Greener II initiative. As the Parks, Recreation, and Environmental Protection committee chair, she was responsible for the borough’s initial participation in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI).

For several years, McIlvaine Smith taught “stream study” to children in grades K-8 at the Brandywine Valley Association. She holds certification in numerous state environmental education programs and is a certified master composter in Chester County. She is a long-time member of the Sierra Club, as well as other environmental groups, including West Chester Fish, Game, and Wildlife, Trout Unlimited, Green Valleys Association, and PA Environmental Council.