Shaban: Pro-Environment Work Speaks For Itself

The that State Rep. John Shaban (R-135th), who represents , part of Redding and Easton, earned a score of 53 out of 100 on votes in 2012 concerning the environment. 

Shaban fired back last week, telling Patch that his voting record and pro-environment work speaks for itself and that he is indeed a friend to Mother Nature. Shaban said the advocacy group's metrics used to determine legislators' scores were questionable and they ignore the reasoning behind votes. 

“Unfortunately, some organizations look at issues with a simple black and white approach when, in fact, there are a thousand shades of gray,” Shaban said. “While the score is calculated by simple 'yes' or 'no' votes on particular bills as they move through the process, the score also ignores the reason for certain 'no' votes, as well as the work that people do to advance a particular cause.”  

As an example, Shaban pointed out his “no” vote on the recent GMO labeling bill—a CTLCV “scorecard” issue—but said he was a member of a task force to draft more thorough legislation to effect GMO labeling, something the advocacy group failed to take into account.   

“It’s a shame really,” Shaban said, “because devices like these scorecards can distract people who are actually trying to promote conservation. Bad policy or poorly written legislation does nothing to protect our environment.” 

Shaban, who is a member of the the Environment Committee, is an environmental attorney, according to Chris Fryxell, his press secretary. 

"In just his first term he has been named an Assistant Ranking Member of the Environment Committee," Fryxell said. "Last session, he supported the plan to improve and increase open space in Connecticut, water conservation and to reduce phosphorous in our water." 

Shaban reiterated his disdain for the advocacy group's metrics.

"You can't quantify a legislator's support for certain issues by shallow and simple snapshots," he said. "My constituents know that I will continue to support meaningful legislation that will protect and preserve our beautiful state."