The Green Party of St. Paul voted unanimously on October 7 to endorse John Loban in his run for soil and water commissioner from District 4. The district, which includes all of St. Paul west of Rice Street on the north and Robert Street on the south, is now represented by MaryJane (Rachner) Reagan.
Loban, a realtor and former school teacher, has a long record of volunteer service on community boards and planning groups. He is also known for his activity in house restoration and historic preservation. In 1993 he was a candidate for the St. Paul city council. Green Party members believe that his civic experience and dedication to conservation will give needed leadership to the commission in its function of protecting Ramsey County's urban/suburban environment.
"Green Party issues could provide insight and alternatives to help achieve a consensus on controversial issues," said Loban in seeking the endorsement. He agrees that although the powers of the soil and water commission are limited, its influence could be far wider if members spoke out on vital environmental questions, like the proposed airport flood wall.
The five soil and water commissioners must reside in the district they represent, but they are elected by voters throughout the county. Members from districts 1 and 4 are up for election this year. The other three commissioners will be chosen in 2008. Holders of the office meet once a month and receive no salary.
Rhoda Gilman
Spokesperson, Green Party of St. Paul
p: 651-224-6383
e: rhodagilman@earthlink.net
i: http://www.gpsp.org
John Loban, 651-225-3928
