My eco-challenge: And the race begins!

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release
September 30, 2008

Saanich candidate files nomination and issues eco-challenge

Victoria – Dean Murdock filed his nomination in the Saanich Council race today and issued a Green Campaign Challenge to other candidates.

“I’m challenging candidates across the region to reduce the ecological footprint of their campaigns,” said Murdock, Sierra Club Victoria chair and vice president of the Quadra Cedar Hill Community Association. “On the doorsteps, people are telling me they’re concerned about the mounting costs and impacts of multiple election campaigns.”

“My campaign will use 100 per cent recycled paper, we’re re-using old lawn signs and lumber from previous elections. I’ll be traveling on foot, by bike, bus, and carpooling in my campaign, and I’ll be keeping my website up-to-date with all my campaign information to reduce the use of paper.”

The Capital region has approximately 365,000 residents, 165,000 dwellings, and 91 locally elected officials. The impact of all the local candidates printing and delivering campaign literature is staggering.

“Community Associations can help too,” said Murdock. “By arranging All Candidates’ meetings on major bus routes or by organizing car pools, we can further cut our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Murdock has been an outspoken regional environmental advocate. He led the Cool Capital Coalition of 26 groups that pressed the CRD to adopt the Regional Climate Action Plan last February. He also serves as a community representative on transportation and environmental advisory committees for Saanich and the CRD.

Murdock works for the BC Ministry of Health Services as a Manager of Health Sector Monitoring. He and his wife have lived in Saanich for nearly twenty years.

In the coming weeks, Murdock will release his full campaign platform, including transportation, affordable housing, and climate and environmental leadership as priority initiatives.