October 15, 2008
West Roxbury
Parkway pols rate high with green group
The 2007-2008 legislative session was by some accounts one of the most successful in regards to environmental issues.
Recent scorecards put out by the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters placed many Parkway legislators in the top tier when it comes to voting for and supporting environmental legislation, at least as defined by the advocacy group.
“I think it was probably one of the best sessions we’ve had [for the environment],” said state Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez, D-Brookline. “It was my fifth year there, and I remember many of these [environmental] pieces being there on the back burner when I first got there.”
Sanchez, whom MLEV reported as having an 86 percent voting record in support of environmental legislation, was most pleased last year with the passing of the Green Jobs Bill, which provides grant money for local companies who train workers for jobs in the renewable energy sector.
“We’ve taken steps in green jobs and green industry, and it looks like we’re going to have another green session,” Sanchez said.
State Rep. Mike Rush, D-West Roxbury, agreed.“I’m looking forward to another aggressive legislative season for environmental issues,” Rush said.
Rush has been lauded by the MLEV for his efforts last year, receiving an endorsement by the MLEV for his continued support of the environment — made clear by his 92 percent voting record in favor of green legislation as defined by the advocacy group.
Pleased with the progress made last session, specifically noting the passage of the Green Communities Act, the Environmental Bond Bill and the Global Warming Solutions Act, Rush is optimistic this support will overflow into his efforts for the year ahead. These include garnering approval for the Updated Bottle Bill (which currently is being examined by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy) and getting backing for his own proposed legislation — a comprehensive statewide recycling bill.
Residents know Rush for his efforts to revive Havey Beach, a once-popular recreation area on the VFW Parkway that years of neglect has left unsuited for public use.
While he was unable to get funding for the entire project last year after his proposal was cut from the Environmental Bond Bill, Havey remains persistent about the need to protect what little open space is left in the city. Rush said he had obtained funding for a cost analysis study and to build restrooms.
“We have some phenomenal areas of open space, and I want to be the steward to continue to push for [their protection] in the area and across the state,” Rush said.
State Sen. Marian Walsh, D-West Roxbury, also plans to work for preservation in the Parkway area, specifically Bellevue Hill, a spokesperson for the senator said.
“She’s definitely deemed the last session as being successful as far as environmental issues go, because of the new administration working on addressing issues head-on and making it a priority in the state,” the spokesperson said.
Walsh, according to MLEV definitions, voted in favor of environmental bills 88 percent of the time last legislative session.
State reps Angelo Scaccia, D-Boston, and Willie Mae Allen, D-Mattapan, also showed favorable support of the environment based on MLEV records. Allen supported 88 percent of last year’s green legislation, while Scaccia supported 81 percent. Neither could be reached for comment.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/west-roxbury/town_info/government/x453215897/Parkway-pols-rate-high-with-green-group
