Audubon issues annual legislative report cardDate: 6/30/2009 By Amanda Lemon
Staff Intern
The Mass Audubon's 2008 Legislative Report Card may not have earned a spot on the refrigerator for some.
This year state Sen. Michael Knapik and Rep. Donald Humason Jr., both Republicans of Westfield, earned low marks in the area of environmental protection. Knapik put forth 67 percent, while Humason earned a mark of 46 percent.
When asked for comment on this year's marks, Humason was unshaken. "I'm not suprised," he answered with a chuckle. "But, I take it with a grain of salt because I know I support the environment."
Scores are earned based on a compilation of all roll call votes taken in regards to environmental protection and funding. Mass Audubon then awards legislators one point for each vote made in favor of preservation. Zero points are awarded for a vote against the environment or for not voting at all.
Once an individual legislator's total points have been tallied, the number is divided by the maximum possible score. The result is an easily interpreted grade based on the fundamental 100 point system.
The scores earned by Humason and Knapik are particularly eye-catching this year, considering Mass Audubon Legislative Director Jennifer Ryan deemed the 2007-2008 session to be "the greenest in recent history." The average score in the House was 92 percent, with the Senate just above that at 93 percent.
Such issues as preservation of natural areas, the development of renewable energy sources, protection of the ocean, and the promotion of green jobs all came before the House and Senate in 2008.
According to Mass Audubon's Director of Public Policy and Government Relations Jack Clarke, "2008 was one of the most productive years for energy and environmental bills in the 24 years we have been rating legislators on their votes."
Humason explained that in many instances, it was not an inital bill he did not support, but rather the override of it requesting more money. Humason coined this type of decision making "living within our means."
"If protecting the environment is important, which it is, we should make it a priority within the budget we have ... Twenty-seven billion dollars is the budget for Massachusetts and it doesn't grow on trees ... Anything more has to come from the taxpayer's pocket."
For those who question Humason's commitment to the environment, he noted his involvement with both the Westfield River Watershed Association and the Winding River Land Conservancy. He is also a regular at the spring and fall river clean-up events in his hometown of Westfield.
Humason affirmed, "I'm a man who puts his money where his mouth is." He expressed disappointment in fellow legislators who carelessly toss papers and cans into office trashes, despite vocalized support of environmental bills.
"I recycle. I don't leave my lights on ... I live environmentally conscious and my constituents know that," he explained.
Asked what he felt were the core responsibilities of the government to provide its people with the allotted budget, Humason heavily advocated public safety as a top concern. He also noted education, K-12 and beyond, and the care of the handicapped and disabled, children, and the elderly as top priorities.
To his environmentally-conscious constituents who may be concerned with this year's scores, Humason asserted, "Judge me on what I've done [within the community]."
In the case of Knapik, let it be noted that despite this year's bleak scores, he received 100 percent both last year and in 2002; however, a broad range of scores over the years make it difficult to paint a clear picture of Knapik's stance on environmental preservation .
Attempts by Reminder Publications to reach Knapik for comment were unsuccessful.
Among local representatives in the House, the following received a score of 100 for 2008: Sean Curran, Michael Kane, and Thomas Petrolati. Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera received a 96. Those who received a 100 within the Senate: Stephen Buoniconti, Gale Candaras, and Stanley Rosenberg.
For more information, visit www.massaudubon.org.
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