Southern Sierran
Club elects new board
Measure to restrict immigration overwhelmingly defeated

From Sierra Club Reports

Sierra Club members turned out in historic numbers in April to elect five of their peers to the Board of Directors and to reject a ballot initiative that would have forced the group to support restrictions on immigration. Over 15 percent of the Club’s membership returned 122,308 ballots—the second highest in the Club’s recent history—and defeated the anti-immigration measure by more than a 5 to 1 margin.

Incumbent director Jim Catlin of Salt Lake City, Utah, was elected to a second consecutive term. Former president Jennifer Ferenstein of Missoula, Mo., who served on the board from 1998 to 2004, was elected to a second term, as were Jim Dougherty of Washington, D.C., who served from 1989 to 1992, and Joni Bosh of Phoenix, Ariz., who served from 1989 to 1995. Barbara Frank of La Crosse, Wis., was elected to a first term.

Sierra Club president Larry Fahn said the strong turnout was the mark of an engaged and informed membership.

“At a time when many of America’s basic democratic values are under attack, we’re proud of the fact that we walk the walk when it comes to public participation,” stated Fahn. “The five members elected to our Board of Directors all have distinguished records of service on crucial environmental issues in the Club and in their communities.”

Regarding the resounding defeat of the anti-immigration measure, Fahn added, “Our members have once again displayed great wisdom and made their views perfectly clear. Now we can put our focus back where it is needed most, into strengthening communities and building alliances to protect our environment for our families and our future.”

For more information about the Board of Directors election, visit the Sierra Club’s website at:
www.sierraclub.org/bod/2005election/.

[top of page]