It's become increasingly obvious that, far from being competing goals, a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand-in-hand. As a native New Orleanian, I see firsthand that the same oil that threatened fragile ecosystems along the Gulf Coast also ruined its fishing and tourism industries; conversely, a clean and self-sustaining community is attractive to business and tourism.

Wise public officials recognize this connection and pursue policies that promote both ends of the equation. Cheryl Kagan has made the environmental and economic issue of Smart Growth (developing walkable neighborhoods close to businesses and public transit) a focus of her campaign for State Senate from District 17, which consists of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Garrett Park.

Cheryl doesn't just talk about Smart Growth, she lives it: her campaign headquarters in downtown Rockville is right next to Town Square and an easy walk to the Metro.

Cheryl's support of Smart Growth is just one reason she has been endorsed by both the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and the Maryland Sierra Club. If Montgomery County and Maryland are going to come back from the Great Recession while preserving our environment, we need people in office like Cheryl Kagan to lead the way.

Jeanne Ellinport, Gaithersburg

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