PLAN-Boulder County (PBC) is a citizens' organization that has worked since 1959 to ensure that governmental policies in the City of Boulder and in Boulder County be sensitive to all environmental issues. PLAN-Boulder County makes endorsement decisions after studying written answers to our candidate questionnaires and conducting candidate forums that allow our board and members to question candidates on the issues. We also study voting records of incumbents, looking for a strong record on the environment, open space acquisition and conservation and use that encourages compact and sustainable cities for all residents.

PBC has endorsed incumbent Councilman Shaun McGrath and candidates Macon Cowles and Eugene Pearson for seats on the Boulder City Council.

Shaun McGrath has shown intelligence, fairness, an open mind, and a strong environmental ethic. He is a creative and strong leader on this council.

Macon Cowles has spent his life fighting for environmental causes in his legal career. Locally, he led the rejuvenation of the Sierra Club group and has been a strong, open-minded, hard-working, and dedicated member of the Planning Board. To call Macon an ideologue, as some have, is nothing but political rhetoric. Macon is independent, fair, considerate, and open-minded.

Eugene Pearson is the candidate we have been waiting for from the university. Every election, it seems, we are presented with a university candidate, but most do not possess the kind of knowledge necessary to be viable city council candidates. In Eugene Pearson we have a candidate who, at age 22, has rich and varied experience in the political terrain at CU and a truly impressive knowledge of city politics and city business.

At almost every election forum this fall, nearly every candidate has indicated that relations with CU are among the most important city issues. Eugene is the only candidate with the experience and knowledge of CU and its administrators to really make a difference. We urge Boulder citizens to vote for Shaun McGrath, Macon Cowles, and Eugene Pearson.

Pat Shanks
Boulder