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“Each of the candidates seeking to lead the Green Party of British Columbia would bring a unique set of assets to the position. After careful consideration and with due respect to the other candidates, I have decided to give Jane Sterk this public endorsement in her bid for the position of Leader. I am convinced that Jane is the candidate with the combination of experience, skills, and knowledge best suited to the requirements of the job.

Jane Sterk has sought public office as a Green Party candidate at the federal and provincial levels. She ran and topped the polls in the November 2005 Esquimalt municipal election, with two out of every three voters supporting her. Since then, Jane has gained invaluable, practical experience in her role as a municipal councillor. Her championing of green initiatives has garnered media attention, and she has proven that she is able to work collaboratively with all stakeholders. Local mayors and councillors from all parts of the political spectrum are endorsing her.

Jane is the candidate who will be best able to stand up to Gordon Campbell and Carol James in the televised leaders’ debates – she has the practical experience of dealing with media and the ability to create those all-important sound bytes! She has the professional stature and credibility to build upon the calibre of individuals drawn to the Green Party as volunteers and provincial election candidates. I know from working with Jane that she is realistic about what can and cannot be achieved, is able to prioritize her work and then focus on what is most important.

Jane has the determination needed to ensure that the Green Party provides strong leadership and a full slate of candidates to give voice to the YES side of the debate in these crucial, next 20 months leading to the referendum on electoral reform (BC-STV). And importantly for democracy, Jane has committed to ensuring that electoral financing reform is among the Green Party’s key platform planks in 2009.

Lastly, I am convinced that Jane’s goal of making the Green Party of British Columbia sustainable over the next two years is most closely aligned with my goals in seeking the position of Party Chair. I look forward to working closely with Jane and members of Provincial Council to move the Green Party to the point where it has full-time paid staff members to manage the myriad administrative details of a political party so that the leader and members of Provincial Council are freed from direct responsibility in those activities.

I see the next four years as a period of growth and maturation for the Green Party, as a time to resolve systemic and funding issues, to get the party on a sound footing.
I would ask that you support Jane Sterk in her bid for the position of Party Leader.”

Walter Meyer zu Erpen,
candidate for Party Chair Green Party of British Columbia,
formerly:
Provincial Campaign Manager, 2005
Provincial Fund-Raising Chair, 2003-2004
Victoria-Beacon Hill provincial candidate, 2001
Victoria City Council candidate, 1999

“In a diverse and talented field, Jane Sterk stands out. She is elected,
experienced and engaged.

Jane has demonstrated she can work with other elected representatives to
get things done, and this is important in her ability to carry our message
to a broad base of British Columbians. Within the GPBC, she identifies priorities
to build a strong network of constituency organizations and to put us on
the track for Green MLAs in 2009.

In all this, she is never shy to say this will be hard work � and has never
been shy to work hard to get the job done.

I encourage my fellow Greens to give her first preference in the upcoming
vote. For those who have already committed their first vote elsewhere, Jane
is the best possible second preference.”

Tom Bradfield ,
member Saanich North & the Islands

“It has been my privilege to work with and get to know Jane as we each
serve as elected officials on our respective municipal councils. Jane is
a thoughtful, impassioned and educated woman who, luckily for the rest of
us, has decided to commit her work to our communities and to our planet.
She is direct and clear in her purpose, and works with conviction and determination
to see that the status quo is continually challenged for the sake of our
children and grandchildren.

We have had the opportunity to work collaboratively both officially via
regional committees, and unofficially as likeminded councilors, and in both
capacities I have found Jane to be a bold and effective advocate for more
sustainable policy and practice. It is my pleasure to endorse Jane Sterk
as the leader of the Green Party of BC � although should she be successful
in her bid, I will surely miss her company at the municipal level.”

Sonya Chandler, Councillor,
City of Victoria

“Jane Sterk offers refreshing honesty; a sense of humour that resonates
with people; and, a no-nonsense focus on cutting through the fluff and getting
what needs to be done, done. I know that she has the respect of the council
team, the press, and a sizable segment of the public. She also has my respect
and is someone I trust to do the right thing.”

Brian Gordon, Candidate,

Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, Green Party of Canada

“Jane Sterk would make a fine Green Party Leader. She is organized, thoughtful,
committed, and is a fantastic communicator. It’s been my pleasure to work
with Jane over the past several years and I believe that our party will
flourish with her at the helm.”

Patrick Hayes, Webmaster,
GPBC

“Jane Sterk is my choice for leader of the Green Party of BC. Jane is enthusiastic,
reliable, a super worker who is dedicated to the principles of the Green
Party. Her work on municipal council has demonstrated that she is up to
the task. We would be well-served by such a capable individual.”

Diane Perry, Provincial
Council Ombudsperson,
female & Volunteer Co-ordinator, Financial Agent, Saanich South CA

“I am pleased to offer my endorsement of Councillor Jane Sterk for leader
of the Green Party of British Columbia.”

Hendrik de Pagter, Director,
Victoria Beacon Hill CA

“Jane has long been a strong voice on regional social issues and environmental
sustainability, and her concern for public health has made her an asset
to both the Esquimalt city council and to greater Victoria.”

Philippe Lucas, Green Candidate,
Victoria Council

“I am happy to endorse you. I think you are doing a great job in Esquimalt,
and I have been impressed when I’ve heard you on CBC radio.”

Alan Philip

“I am glad to hear that you are running but with mixed feelings as you
are doing such a good job in Esquimalt.”

Dorothy Tupper

“Jane has the experience we need to get the party organized prior to the
2009 election and would make a good leader. She is a credible candidate
for election to the legislature and has the ability to grow the green community.”

Heather Drugge,
Former Media and Communications Chair, GPBC

“Jane, I’m joining the provincial Green Party in order to vote for you.
After reading about the other candidates, meeting you, and seeing your endorsements,
I intend to put my vote (and several of my relatives, too) towards your
becoming Leader of the BC Green Party.

Thanks for putting your name forward. Stay healthy, keep the energy up,
and good luck – for all our sakes.”

Sharon Lawrence

“Jane Sterk would make an excellent leader for the Green Party of BC –
she is an excellent speaker, articulate, and always ready with a sensible
answer. Her positions are always consistent with the long-standing Green
party basic values. Jane appeals to a wide spectrum of citizens concerned
about the future of our planet because she has the answers and makes the
solutions sound so irrefutable – why wouldn’t you vote our party after you
have heard her speak? That’s what we need in a leader”

Murray Gudmundson
Former Federal, Provincial & City of Vancouver Council candidate
Former Provincial Speaker 1987 (in the days before we had leaders)
Former Provincial Council member 1985-1990

“I believe the new leader of the Green Party must have a strong political
base and experience in local politics. Jane Sterk has demonstrated that
she can organize to win local elections and be an effective local leader.
Jane also understands that the Green Party must present an economic vision
that counters the destructive forces of globalization and privatization.
I strongly support Jane Sterk as the next leader of the Green Party of British
Columbia.”

Jeff Chilton

“After careful consideration of all the excellent candidates running for
the BC Green leadership, I have decided to offer my endorsement to Jane
Sterk. I am supporting Jane because she has elected experience, proving
to be successful and respected within her community for her public service.
Jane also offers life, professional and organizing experience that the Party
needs as it builds toward the next election. Jane clearly understands policy
and she has experience implementing a Green vision. As well, she understands
the nuts and bolts of organizing priorities.”

Andrew Lewis
2001 GPBC Provincial candidate
2004-06 GPC Federal candidate
GPC Deputy Leader, 2004-06
GPC Shadow critic, Natural Resources
Nominated GPC candidate, Saanich Gulf Islands

“Jane Sterk is in a perfect position to become leader of the Green Party
in British Columbia. She has first hand experiences from her successful
2005 election in Esquimalt, she lives in Victoria and she has a wealth of
wisdom and tenacity that will position her perfectly as a successful MLA
candidate in 2009.”

Ian Gregson
Candidate 2001 and 2005 BC elections
Financial Agent Vancouver East
Federal EDA, President Vancouver Hastings Green Party

“Jane Sterk gets my vote as leader of the Green Party of BC because I think
she has the experience and skills that will get our party in shape for the
election in 2009. We have a lot of work to do to elect our first provincial
MLA and Jane is the person I trust to make that happen.”

Pam Munroe
former Treasurer Green Party of BC
current Financial Agent Comox Valley Greens

“I have had the fortune to get to know Jane as a fellow municipal councillor.
Jane always brought clarity and fresh ideas to the table, and would make
a great leader of the Green Party of BC.

Jane is
• a visionary – she aims for a better future for all
• balanced – she understands and respects all sides of issues
• grounded – she can separate the wheat from the chaff to get at the
  heart of an issue
• courageous – she will stand up for what’s right
• honest – she takes the high road with integrity and grace”

Andrew Fall, Councillor,
District of Highlands

“I support Jane Sterk as Leader of the Green Party of BC. Working with
Jane on the Township of Esquimalt Council has been a wonderful experience,
as we both share similar values with respect to sustainability, governance,
and community.

Jane has the abilities to serve the Green Party of BC as its leader. These
include her support for sustainable community, her cooperative way of working
towards common goals, and her continuous motivation to influence community
decisions and generate positive results.

To whatever challenges she faces, Jane applies creativity and innovation.
She is decisive, and is comfortable in understanding and explaining the
reasons for her judgments. She always considers the opinions of others,
and works in a consultative framework.

These abilities will serve her well as leader of the Green Party of BC.”

Hy Freedman, Councillor,
Township of Esquimalt

“Sterk has emerged as a true political heavyweight – her balanced, methodical
and sensible approach easily puts her on par with any of her peers. Indeed,
after one year of service, an argument could be made with reasonable success
Sterk is strongest Esquimalt councillor currently in office – she is easily
on par with far more seasoned politicians of other jurisdictions and she
has tackled all challenges put before her with aplomb and dedication.”

Esquimalt News Editorial,
December 6, 2006

“Councillor Jane Sterk has been a tireless worker on Esquimalt Council
since being elected in November of 2005. She chaired the newly created Environmental
Advisory Committee for its first year, spearheading initiatives to make
Esquimalt a “greener” community. Actions included the implementation of
a Pedestrian Charter, formulation of a Greenhouse Gas Reduction challenge,
initiating a process to implement community gardens, development of a green
building protocol, getting Council to adopt a resolution on urban agriculture,
and encouraging the engineering department to incorporate into their planning
the use of rain gardens and other ecological means to better manage storm
water run-off. Jane has served for the last year as the Council alternate
to the Capital Regional District and regularly attends Te’ Mexw Treaty Advisory
Committee and Community Commuter Rail meetings on behalf of the Mayor. She
has been an invaluable member of Council bringing a forthright, reasonable
approach to all community matters including land use issues, redevelopment
of the Town Center, sustainability, budgetting and administration of the
corporation.”

Chris Clement, Mayor, The
Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt

“In working with different councils, the Island Corridor Foundation, and
the Capital Regional District board I have come to respect the personal
leadership, the insight, values and principles based on sustainability continuously
displayed by the committed work of Jane Sterk, councillor, representative,
and alternate director to the Mayor of Esquimalt at the Capital Regional
District. Dr. Sterk demonstrates a strong focus on public service and on
the value of the individual as she constantly explores both established
and innovative ways and means to bring new energy to the fields of community
and environmental wellness.

Sustainability is not a magazine headline for her. It is the vital commitment
that shapes her lens and insight in situation analysis, in thinking through
and around issues, in simplifying administrative mythology, and rendering
improvement. This commitment fuels her awareness and challenge to the status
quo.

Her ‘conservative’ values, courage, and personal mission of finding a way
while working within the means available compels well thought out initiatives
as she pushes and pulls sustainability to the fore in her quest to make
a difference.”

Graham Hill, Mayor, Town
of View Royal

“I enjoyed working with Jane Sterk through the CRD�s Solid Waste Advisory
Committee where we both sat as Councillor Liasions on behalf of our respective
municipalities. Jane is a moderate, intelligent and proactive voice on a
wide range of environmental issues. She is anxious to embrace new ideas
and technologies that have positive results and meaningful impacts for environmental
protection and enhancement.

Jane demonstrates a willingness to listen to other points of view and is
particularly effective in a group setting. She is a thoughtful leader and
decision maker and is not afraid to support initiatives that are leading
edge. She believes in public consultation and education to ensure that governments,
agencies and communities are well informed and work together on environmental
challenges. Above all, Jane does her homework, keeps on top of new information
and research and encourages collaboration and partnership.”

Cairine Green, Councillor,
Municipality of North Saanich

“Jane has a rare ability to see the world as it is, to imagine something
better, and then to lead people to work toward the solutions. Her environmental
and social values run deep, and more than once I’ve seen Jane’s courage
at work, speaking truth to power. For example, Jane has challenged local
government staff and politicians to show leadership on environmental issues.
In 2006 Jane organized two forums to discuss innovative sewage treatment
options which would better serve her community.

Jane has my full faith and support as a Green Party candidate.”

Stephen Salter PEng, Victoria
Sewage Alliance