[Philadelphia, PA] – Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania (CVPA), believing that the environment should be a top concern for voters, candidates, and the media in every election, is pleased to announce the endorsement of Councilwoman Helen Gym and challenger Justin DiBerardinis for Philadelphia City Council, at-large; and Jamie Gauthier for Philadelphia City Council District 3.
Helen Gym is seeking re-election to an at-large seat on Philadelphia City Council. Since her election in 2015, Councilwoman Gym has been a progressive voice for education, the environment, and economic justice. She has worked to reduce lead exposure, has committed to stopping fossil fuel expansion in Philadelphia, and will work for a carbon-free SEPTA system by 2035.
Justin DiBerardinis is vying for an at-large seat as an outspoken champion of environmental justice issues. In his current role as Program Director at Bartram’s Garden, DiBerardinis has worked towards restoring the health of the Schuylkill River. He is committed to mitigating the effects of climate change on low-income communities and moving Philadelphia towards a carbon-free future.
In Philadelphia’s 3rd district, which covers much of West Philadelphia, Jamie Gauthier is running to unseat a 27-year incumbent. As the former Executive Director of the Fairmount Parks Conservancy and the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Jamie has spent her career creating green spaces across Philadelphia, growing sustainable businesses, and encouraging the use of renewable energy. When elected to City Council, Jamie will be a strong advocate for green initiatives, reducing air pollution, and fighting climate change.
“As Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia needs leaders on city council who will lead the charge for pro-environment policies” said Josh McNeil, Executive Director of Conservation Voters of PA. “Jamie, Justin, and Helen are environmental champions who will fight to give Phialdelphians healthy air to breathe, clean water to drink, and renewable energy to power our economy.”
Conservation Voters of PA knows that good laws come from good lawmakers, so it seeks to endorse and support environmental champions running for office at the state, county, and municipal levels. In 2018, CVPA helped more than 75% of its endorsed candidates win their elections. To learn more, visit us at www.conservationpa.org.