This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Protect and Champion

Anybody in Guilford who wants to do his or her share to protect the environment and Long Island Sound should start by voting for State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-12) and State Representative Sean Scanlon (D-98) this November. As a Guilford resident and a director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV), a bipartisan organization that identifies and supports pro-environment candidates, I’m uniquely aware of the key role these legislators play in protecting our town, state, and regional environment and prosperity.

Ted Kennedy, in only his freshman term, ascended to the chair of the Environment Committee. He’s been designated by the League of Conservation Voters as a 2016 Environmental Champion. He led fights to reduce exposure to toxic pesticides that harm pollinators, eliminate microbeads that harm Long Island Sound, reduce packaging waste, and establish the Long Island Sound Blue Plan. He has a degree from Yale School of Forestry and a long history of fighting off bad ideas for Long Island Sound like the Islander East Pipeline, the Broadwater floating liquefied natural gas plant, and most recently attempts to sell and develop Plum Island.

Sean Scanlon, also a freshman, has demonstrated a keen passion for, and will to protect, the environment. Mentored by two former Guilford-based environmental champions, state senator Ed Meyer and state representative Pat Widlitz, and now working closely with Kennedy, Scanlon earned a 90 percent ranking on CTLCV’s 2016 legislative scorecard and its endorsement. He’s also consistently and passionately supported measures to protect pollinators, to limit packaging waste, and to protect and enhance Long Island Sound.

Guilford residents understand that our beautifully preserved woods, coastal wetlands, and Long Island Sound are key to identity, quality of life, and economic wellbeing. We need to re-elect Senator Kennedy and Representative Scanlon, who will protect and champion these values.

Roger Reynolds

Guilford