Environment

By Jeanne Kirkton

Growing up, I spent much of my childhood playing, catching crawdads in the creek that ran alongside my home and exploring farm fields near and far. Perhaps that's why our natural environment matters so much to me.

Missouri is a state filled with natural beauty and I believe that we are the keepers of those gifts. I want my grandchildren and generations to come to know the serenity of our forests, the purity of Ozark streams, the wonders of plant and animal life and the freedom of open spaces. Missouri tourism depends upon that too.

Urban bicycle trails and mass transit moves people to and from jobs, shopping, school, health care and any number of daily tasks. Preservation and the expansion of our trail systems and MetroLink are vital to the success of the entire metropolitan region both economically and environmentally.

Clean air and pure water are more than ecological splendor. Our physical health depends on it. Throughout the metropolitan region, sewage overflow has polluted many creeks and watersheds and turned them into health hazards. Smog and particulate matter keep St. Louis on the most polluted cities' list. This is why the development and use of sustainable and clean renewable energy as well as transportation and infrastructure repair are high priorities for me.

I am proud to work with the people and organizations that are helping preserve our natural environment and reducing waste and consumption. Together we can make Missouri an even greater place to live and improve the quality of life for all of us.