Newsroom - 2012
November 19, 2012
LEGISLATIVE ENERGY LEADERSHIP CHANGING AS LONG-TERM POLICY FIGHT BEGINS
With Connecticut's policymakers set to debate a long-term, comprehensive change in energy strategy during the upcoming legislative session, the foremost energy leaders in the General Assembly likely will be replaced by their seconds-in-command, industry sources say. READ MORE
September 27, 2012
STATE FUNDING EXPECTED FOR STRATFORD AVIATION
Rep. Backer/Gov. Malloy secure grant for school at Sikorsky Airport. READ MORE
September 25, 2012
TERRY BACKER, THE SOUNDKEEPER, MARKS 25 YEARS OF PROTECTING LONG ISLAND SOUND
Terry Backer has been the Soundkeeper for 25 years, marking a quarter century of protecting Long Island Sound and taking on anyone and anything that would hurt the body of water. READ MORE
September 6, 2012
THE FARM AT STRATFORD GROWS WITH SUPPORT
For the third year in a row, Danielle Hawthorne presented a sizable contribution to support The Farm at Stratford. Considering her own house sits at the edge of the community gardening property, it’s almost an investment in protecting her own backyard. READ MORE
August 27, 2012
SOUNDKEEPER: SHELL FISHERMAN TURNS GUARDIAN AGAINST POLLUTANTS,
SPARKS GLOBAL MOVEMENT
Almost three decades ago, Terry Backer pulled oysters and lobsters from Long Island Sound with his father, plying the trade his family had held since the 1820s. But the Sound was in bad shape. READ MORE
August 10, 2012
WARMING’S SOUND EFFECT...MALLOY AT PRESERVATION DISCUSSION: ‘CLIMATE CHANGE IS ALREADY HAVING AN IMPACT’
Despite some triumphs reining in nitrogen and other environmentally harmful substances entering Long Island Sound, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and others said maintaining that progress will rely on efforts to address the complex consequences that global warming will have on preservation efforts. READ MORE
July 24, 2012
PANEL EXPLORES HOW TO TURN TIDE AGAINST BEACH EROSION
Can seawater be stopped from further eroding shoreline beaches in Connecticut and eventually claiming developed land? READ MORE
July 24, 2012
STRATFORD TO RECEIVE STATE FUNDING FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Rep. Backer pleased with Bond Commission item. READ MORE
July 12, 2012
REP. BACKER PLEASED NEW PRESCHOOL SLOTS HEADING FOR STRATFORD
School Readiness Key to Education Reform. READ MORE
July 10, 2012
PESTICIDES FOUND IN LI SOUND LOBSTERS FOR THE FIRST TIME: MORE STUDY PLANNED
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has confirmed the presence of pesticides in Long Island Sound lobsters -- albeit a very small sample -- for the first time since the crustaceans began their precipitous decline in 1999. READ MORE
May 15, 2012
BACKER, THE SOUNDKEEPER, WINS PRESTIGIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Reflecting his passion to protect and preserve waterways around the globe, Terry Backer recently received the "River Hero" award from the River Network. READ MORE
May 15, 2012
STRATFORD DELEGATION LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR RAYMARK REMEDIATION
State Senators Kevin C. Kelly and Edwin Gomes and State Representatives Laura Hoydick, Terry Backer and Larry Miller applauded the unanimous and bipartisan passage of legislation that will identify sources of funding for future remediation of the Raymark Superfund site in Stratford on the final day of the 2012 legislative session. READ MORE
May 9, 2012
REP. BACKER INSTRUMENTAL IN CURTAILING USE OF LARVACIDE
Methoprene linked to lobster die-off. READ MORE
April 26, 2012
CANCER SURVIVORS SUPPORTING EACH OTHER
State Representative Terry Backer details his experience fighting cancer and his recovery to continue serving his constituents in the 121st House District.
Video
April 25, 2012
REP. BACKER CAUTIOUSLY OPTOMISTIC ON HOUSATONIC RIVER DREDGING PROJECT
Shellfish/Aquatic Life Protections Sought. READ MORE
April 23, 2012
REP. BACKER HONORED FOR 25 YEARS AS SOUNDKEEPER
Gov. Malloy Proclaims Today “Terry Backer Day” READ MORE
April 13, 2012
GOV. MALLOY: SMALL BUSINESS MUST LEAD THE WAY IN JOB CREATION
Meriden, Middletown, Orange, Essex, Stratford Businesses to Expand and Create Jobs
Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that five Connecticut small businesses have qualified for $1,020,000 through the state’s Small Business Express Program (EXP). READ MORE
April 12, 2012
HOUSE VOTES TO REPEAL DEATH PENALTY
The Connecticut House of Representatives late Wednesday gave final legislative approval to a measure repealing the state's seldom-used death penalty after more than 9 1/2 hours of often gut-wrenching debate. READ MORE
Video
April 4, 2012
BIPARTISAN LAWMAKERS FORM LONG ISLAND SOUND CAUCUS
A 12-member, bipartisan group of Connecticut state legislators have teamed up to form the steering committee for the new Long Island Sound caucus that will address environmental, energy and economic issues impacting the Sound. READ MORE
Video
March 26, 2012
REP. BACKER PLEASED BROWNFIELDS GRANT HEADING TO STRATFORD
Baird Property Getting $500K for Cleanup and Brewery. READ MORE
March 12, 2012
SCHOOL PESTICIDE BAN FACES ROLLBACK THREAT
Environmental activists from across the state packed a hearing room last week to argue against the proposed rollback of a recent law banning pesticides on school grounds. READ MORE
March 5, 2012
STRATFORD DELEGATION SUPPORTS BROWNFIELD GRANT FOR BREWERY
State Senator Kevin C. Kelly and State Representatives Laura Hoydick, Terry Backer and Larry Miller sent a letter to Catherine Smith, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, in support of the Town of Stratford’s application for funding through the 2012 Municipal Brownfield Grant Program on Thursday, February 29th. READ MORE
March 3, 2012
STRATFORD POINT WILL RISE FROM THE ASHES
Flames consume invasive species and thatch on Stratford Point Tuesday,Feb. 28, making room for the return of native plants to the former Remington Arms gun club. READ MORE
February 24, 2012
PETITION SEEKS BETTER ACCESS TO THE LONG ISLAND SOUND
Standing at the Birdseye boat launch in Stratford, Chris German recalled learning to sail in the waters just a few feet away. READ MORE
January 27, 2012
STATE REP. TERRY BACKER TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION
State Rep. Terry Backer will run for re-election in Stratford's 121st Assembly District, a seat he has held for close to 20 years. READ MORE
January 24, 2012
REP. TERRY BACKER TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION
After fighting brain cancer for more than a year, state Rep. Terry Backer said Tuesday that he will run for re-election if he keeps feeling as good as he does now. READ MORE