Alton, Illinois Mayor, Brant Walker, publicly signs the Mississippi River Proclamation to support a healthy Mississippi River (Photo courtesy of Piasa Palisades Sierra Club)
Hello, River Citizens!
After a long election season, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the elected officials who have made a pledge to protect our mighty Mississippi River: the River that is incredibly important to so many of us. It is a critical source of drinking water for 18 million people, a diverse habitat for wildlife, is the backbone of our economy and a rich part of our heritage. It provides our favorite fishing, birdwatching, boating and hiking spots and inspires music, art and writing.
Photo Courtesy of Eric Warner
Because our River is facing enormous challenges, like harmful algal blooms from agricultural pollution and catastrophic flooding in River towns and cities, it is crucial that elected officials take action to help clean up and protect our River.
As U.S. Representative Ron Kind says, “the ecological health of the Mississippi River and its economic importance to the many people that make their living or seek their recreation is based on a healthy river system.”[i]
Fortunately, there are many leaders like U.S. Representative Kind who care deeply about the River and are committed to protecting it. For example, fourteen mayors of Mississippi River towns and cities have passed proclamations voicing their support for polices and practices that ensure the future health and vitality of the River. This is a great step in strengthening the relationship between River mayors (and other elected officials) and River Citizens, and serves as the foundation for future collaborative efforts to address problems facing the River.
Thank you, Mayors, for showing your support for the 1 Mississippicampaign and for pledging to support policies and practices that prioritize the health of the River!
Mayors who have publicly signed the Mississippi River Proclamation. Is your mayor on this list?
Robert Gallagher (Bettendorf, Iowa)
Tyrone Coleman (Cairo, Illinois)
Francis Slay (St. Louis, Missouri)
Tim Kabat (La Crosse, Wisconsin)
Jo Anne Smiley (Clarksville, Missouri)
Roy D. Buol (Dubuque, Iowa)
Russell Loven (Guttenberg, Iowa)
David Lattus (Hickman, Kentucky)
Larry L. Brown (Natchez, Mississippi)
Robert A. Myer (New Roads, Louisiana)
Paxton J. Branch (Tallulah, Louisiana)
George Flaggs (Vicksburg, Mississippi)
Brant Walker (Alton, Missouri)
Errick D. Simmons (Greenville, MS)
Dubuque Iowa Mayor, Roy D. Buol’s, signed proclamation
Additionally, many mayors, governors, and state and federal legislators have signed up to become River Citizens, including three members of the United States Congress: Representatives Ron Kind (WI), Cheri Bustos (IL) and Keith Ellison (MN); seventeen mayors, a governor and four state legislators. Like you, these elected officials have taken the pledge to be guardians and caretakers of the River. Thank you all for taking that pledge!
U.S. Representative Keith Ellison becomes a River Citizen in March, 2015
Let’s keep the momentum going, River Citizens! Invite your friends, family and community leaders to participate in the 1 Mississippi campaign. Ask them to become River Citizens today! They can easily sign up on our website here. Please also forward our newsletters and action alerts, visit our website regularly, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Together, we can make a difference to protect and improve the health of the Mighty Mississippi!
Thank you,
Brooke Thurau
1 Mississippi Campaign Coordinator
Why Are You a River Citizen?
Do you want the chance to win a 1 Mississippi t-shirt and signed copy of Paul Schneider’s book,”Old Man River?” Simply email Brooke Thurau to submit your testimonial:a few sentences describing why you are a River Citizen. We’ll reach out to you to let you know if you’ve won!
