2002 Session in Review
Dear Maine Conservationist,
The decisions our elected officials make determine our health and quality of life. Because our natural resources are the backbone of our economy, they determine our wealth. Most importantly, they determine whether we will leave the Maine we love to our children and grandchildren.
That’s why Maine citizens need to know how their elected representatives voted on the most important conservation issues to come before them. You will find that information here in our annual scorecard.
We track votes on a wide range of issues: pollution, energy conservation, land use, and wildlife protection. We count unexcused absences as an anti-environment vote, because being present to vote is a key responsibility for a legislator. We compile the results into our Honor and Dishonor Rolls.
Because roll calls don’t tell the entire story, we capture a more complete picture of legislators’ work in our Noteworthy section, found on page 7. Sponsoring bills, forging compromise, derailing bad ideas, and persuading other legislators are all important activities a roll call can’t measure.
How do your elected representatives measure up? Find out for yourself, and let them know how you feel about their work. Learn how the law- making process works, and become a part of it.
Sincerely,
Dan Amory, President
Eliza Townsend, Executive Director
