Mixed Environmental Grades for Bethwood Lawmakers

When it comes to the environment, Bethany and Woodbridge’s legislators get mixed results.

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 state representatives score?

• State Rep. Vickie Orsini Nardello 100 percent
• State Rep. Themis Klarides, 75 percent
• State Sen. Joseph Crisco: 50 percent

It was Crisco and Klarides’ vote on bill 1196, which set in motion a land swap of state-owned property in Haddam to a private developer, that brought down their scores. The property was originally purchased for conservations purposes, according to the CLCV. Crisco’s rating was also lowered because of how he voted on legislation targeting storm water regulations.

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 CTLCV website.