Greetings!

 

This email has a lot of information; please read through to the end for all local, regional and national content.  

 

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) just released the 2008 Environmental Scorecard. Visit http://ctlcv.org/newsroom.htm and http://ctlcv.org/scorecard.htm. 

 

Average scores increased this year – from 70% to 88% for the House of Representatives, and 71% to 83% in the Senate; 37 of Connecticut's legislators came in at 100%. 

Note this was an odd year and many issues were not voted on.  The best way to evaluate a legislator is to look at the voting record over time; previous years are available on line.  

Earlier this year we sent a link to the National Scorecard tallied by the League of Conservation Voters:  http://lcv.org/scorecard/

 

EVENTS THIS WEEK:

 

Monday, September 15^th  “Election 2008: Will the Environment Win or Lose?”

7:00 – 9:00 pm;  Central Connecticut State University (Davidson Hall, Torpe Theater) New Britain, CT

Campus map: (http://www.ccsu.edu/campus_map/) directions to campus: (http://www.ccsu.edu/viewbook/find_us.htm)*

A non-partisan Panel Discussion will engage leaders and the public in a discussion about pressing environmental issues facing Connecticut and the country:  Global Warming, Mass Transit, Energy, Green Collar Jobs, Natural Resources Conservation, Water Quality and Air Quality.  Learn what’s at stake, hear from experts and political leaders, and speak your mind on these issues.

 

Moderator:

Tom Condon, Hartford Courant Columnist and Deputy Editorial Page Editor

Panelists:

Rev. Tom Carr, Co-Founder of Interreligious Eco-Justice Network

Chris Donovan, CT House Majority Leader

Daniel Esty, Director of Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy

Ray Kalinowski, Republican CT State Representative for Durham, CT

Ned Lamont, 2006 Democratic candidate for US Senate

 

Wednesday, September 17^th  Reminder!  Keep the Woods meeting

7:00 pm;  Maple Tree Café, Hopmeadow St. Simsbury

This meeting will include a short business portion followed by a presentation on the Wild and Scenic designation under consideration for the Lower Farmington River.  Read about it here:

http://www.lowerfarmingtonriver.org/

 

Thursday, September 18^th  Candidate Debate, 16th District, State House of Representatives

7:30 pm;  Simsbury Public Library

Simsbury Citizens First (SCF) will host two debates among the four candidates.  The second debate will be Thursday, October 16^th.

The four candidates, Robert Heagney (Republican), Robert Kalechman (Petitioning Independent), Deborah Noble (Working Families Party) and Linda Schofield (Democrat) have all committed to participate in both debates.  The moderator on September 18th is Trinity College Professor Adrienne Fulco.  Professor Fulco is an Associate Professor and Director of the Public Policy and Law Program.

The format for both debates will allow for opening and closing remarks by each candidate and questions provided to the candidates prior to the debate as well as additional unanticipated questions; some unanticipated questions will come from residents.  Voters are encouraged to go to http://www.simsburycitizensfirst.com/  to submit a question.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

Wednesday, October 1^st    Farmington Valley Candidate Forum Sponsored by 1000 Friends of CT

6.30 pm;  Canton Community Center

1000 Friends of CT is a statewide citizens’ organization whose mission is to promote Smart Growth policies, working to create healthy, engaging communities that keep their unique character.  

This forum will discuss Smart Growth policies and planning in the Farmington River region, including Simsbury, Canton and Avon.   A 10-15 minute presentation on tax reform and how it relates to Smart Growth will be followed by an open, town-hall meeting Q&A with the candidates; the public will be asking the questions.  Visit www.1000friends-ct.org.

 

Saturday , October 11^th  Tariffville Village Association Annual Festival

10:00 – 4:00 pm, 31 Main St., Tariffville Green

Great fun every year in this unique village area by the Farmington River!  Read all about it here: http://www.tariffville.org/events/TVA_Festival_2008.htm

 

Monday October 13^th   The First Family Day at McLean Game Refuge

10:00 - 3:00 pm;  Salmon Brook Park, off Route 10 just north of the Game Refuge

Make Columbus Day Special with this inaugural event.  A fun-filled day with several types of musical entertainment, games, food and tours – including a tour of the Trout Pond.

 

Special update on the Town Farm Dairy:

Many know that there was a problem at the Town Farm Dairy in Simsbury earlier this summer.  Here is an update on how the Town Farm Dairy is trying to regroup and diversify.  The Farm and the Town of Simsbury are seeking ways to move forward with the wonderful local resource.  Can you help? Do you know an organization or individual who can? Think about it!

http://www.courant.com/community/news/fv/hc-simdairy0912.artsep12,0,7799029.story