Monday, July 23, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
What Others are Saying About Gov. Blunt Appointing Parnell to Clean Water Commission
"I have known Todd Parnell for over 20 years and no one has a deeper appreciation for the Ozarks and its waters than Todd. He grew up in Branson on the shores of Lake Taneycomo. He has floated and fished all his life.
"He has a deep and abiding concern for the quality, purity, and clarity of our life sustaining water. Todd has always been ready to put this appreciation and commitment into action. He has written and published books on the importance of our water resources. He was a driving force to create the Upper White River Basin Foundation. It was his leadership while Chair of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks that started a program to assist in generating sustainable funding for non-governmental organizations working to preserve water quality and improve our environment.
"I am absolutely convinced that Todd's commitment to our environment in Missouri can only strengthen the efforts of the Clean Water Commission.
"One of the challenges that every governor faces is appointing just the right person to the many boards and commissions in state government. It was a brilliant stroke that prompted the Governor to appoint Todd Parnell to the Clean Water Commission."
John Moore
Executive Director of the Upper White River Foundation
and former President of Drury University
"Todd Parnell is an ideal candidate for the Clean Water Commission. He understands the value of clean water, as well as the critical nature of a strong economy. Most impressively, he grasps the fact that each is dependent on the other. I believe that Governor Blunt has shown great wisdom in selecting someone with a broad business background who clearly understands all aspects of water quality."
Loring Bullard
Ozark Watershed Committee Executive Director
"We are excited to hear that Todd Parnell will be serving on the Clean Water Commission. Todd is an advocate for our environment and has been very active in water quality improvements and issues in our region. Todd has also been a tremendous asset to the James River Basin Partnership by serving on the executive board for over 5 years and has been instrumental in the successes of our organization. Todd has a sound comprehension of the interconnected relationships between economics, environment, and quality of life that allows him to make educated decisions regarding difficult environmental issues. We are pleased that Todd will have the opportunity to serve our state and are excited to have such a supporter of water resources represented on the commission."
Holly Neill
Executive Director for James River Basin Partnership