Environmental Group Rates Stratford State Reps

When it comes to the environment, most of Stratford's representatives in Hartford make the grade, according to one report.

The 2011 Environmental Scorecard from the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) dissects voting records on key environmental issues by state representatives and state senators.

This annual scorecard is released each year "to shine a light on our elected officials, and to give you, the voter, the information you need to know who’s on your side, who’s living up to your expectations as a leader on the environment -- and who’s not," the report states.

So, just how did your elected leaders score?

• State Sen. Kevin Kelly, R-21: 50 (F)
• State Sen. Edwin Gomes, D-23: 83 (B)
• State Rep. Laura Hoydick, R-120: 80 (B-)
• State Rep. Terry Backer, D-121: 100 (A+)
• State Rep. Lawrence Miller, R-122: 71 (C-)

The state senators and state representatives received a score of 100 on votes that, according to the CLCV, were "pro-environment," and a score of 0 on votes the conservation group deemed "anti-environment."

's perfect score reflects his one "pro-environment" vote for the Community Green Fund. Although the bill did not pass, it would have "created an alternative to funding conservation with local property taxes, resulting in stronger conservation and local control," according to the report.

State Sen. Kelly's failing grade comes from 4 out of 8 votes being considered "anti-environment" by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.

Although the proposal died, Kelly voted in favor of Bill 1019, which "would have undermined the effectiveness of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection by setting a 45-day deadline for decisions on permit applications," the report said.

Environment vs. Economy?

The issue of a state faced with a billion dollar budget deficit and the constant call for job creation at times appeared to clash with the need for environmental safeguards during the legislative session. But, overall, the CLCV said major disappointments were few.

"In view of the budget crisis, the legislature did well to hold the line on many environmental protections and funding, while providing new policy for energy conservation and control of toxins," wrote CLCV Co- Chairs, David Bingham, a Democrat, and G. Kenneth Bernhard, a Republican.

However, noted Lori Brown, executive director of the CLCV, "There were issues this session where legislators were presented with a false choice between the environment and the economy. We applaud the legislators who did not buy that argument when they cast their votes. Good government requires leadership on both."

The full report is attached as a PDF and is also available on the CLCV website.

What do you think about how Stratford's representatives scored? Tell us in the comments.