2002 Press Releases

September 13, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ APPLAUDS FUNDING FOR GUILFORD OPEN SPACE
$91,000 will continue preservation of Bluff Head

State Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Guilford) announced that $91,000 has been made available to the Guilford Land Trust for the purchase of almost 50 acres of land for open space near Bluff Head, including Meyerhuber Pond.  The grant is part of the Department of Environmental Protection’s open space grant program that was approved by the General Assembly in 1998.

Rep. Widlitz, a member of the legislature’s Environment Committee, said, "This funding is another step toward our goal of protecting the pristine landscape around Bluff Head. Purchasing this property will help preserve the unique character of the Guilford shoreline."

This is the second grant this year to the Guilford Land Trust for the protection of the area around Bluff Head, one of the two most undeveloped traprock ridges in Connecticut.  It abuts other land trust holdings as well as town open space, and is near land preserved by the Nature Conservancy.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

May 8, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ HAILS HOUSE/SENATE PASSAGE
OF MERCURY REDUCTION BILL

Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) praised colleagues in the House of Representatives and Senate for their unanimous support of legislation she co-sponsored that would reduce the amount of mercury in our environment.

Mercury facts:

• Mercury is a neurotoxin that can lead to a number of debilitating ailments including problems in the central nervous system, liver, kidneys and brain.

• The improper disposal of mercury can contaminate food supplies, waterways and ground water.

• One in ten women of childbearing age are at risk of having newborns with neurological problems due to mercury exposure.

"Only one gram of mercury, the amount in a traditional thermometer, released into a 20-acre lake will make the fish unsafe to eat for one year," Rep. Widlitz said.  "Still, every year nearly 7,200,000 grams of mercury are released into our environment through Municipal Waste Incinerators.  This bill addresses these health concerns and ensure a cleaner environment for our children."

The bill would restrict the sale and use of products containing mercury to work toward the eradication of the discharge of mercury into the environment.

The legislation awaits the governor’s signature.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

May 3, 2002

SOUND-SAVING LEGISLATION PASSES HOUSE
Legislation would halt new cross-Sound ventures and overland lines

State Representative Pat Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) today praised colleagues in the Connecticut House of Representatives for passing compromise legislation that would temporarily halt proposed energy cable and pipeline projects crossing Long Island Sound (with the exception of the Cross Sound Cable in New Haven), providing the state with time to develop a comprehensive, environmentally sound plan to meet Connecticut’s energy transmission needs.

"We lost one battle, but we are determined to win the war," Rep Widlitz, a sponsor of the legislation, noted. "I am disappointed that we could not stop the Cross Sound Cable in New Haven, but this compromise succeeds in other areas.  We are setting up a representative task force, including environmental advocates, to come up with a plan for all future Sound crossings.  Perhaps most importantly, we have a one-year moratorium on Sound crossing projects.  It is a bittersweet victory, but an important one."

The legislation includes a one-year moratorium on cross-Sound utility cables and pipelines, a moratorium (until February of 2003) on overland high-voltage power lines proposed for Fairfield County and the creation of a balanced task force.  The task force would include representatives from utilities, the Department of Aquaculture, Atlantic States Fisheries, Save the Sound, Connecticut Seafood Council and Connecticut Fund for the Environment and others.

The measure passed by a vote of 145-0.  The governor vetoed an earlier version of the measure that would have halted the New Haven project as well.  Rep. Widlitz was instrumental in the successful veto override in the House.  The override failed in the Senate.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

May 2, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ SUPPORTS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO CRRA/ENRON FIASCO

Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) has joined with other state lawmakers to call on the Chief State’s Attorney and Chief Court Administrator to convene an investigative grand jury to probe the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA)/Enron deal and the loss of $220-million in state funds.  Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has called the Enron deal an illegal, unsecured loan.

Rep. Widlitz said a grand jury would de-politicize the process. "Legislative hearings are a good idea.  But no matter what we do, the process will be described as  political.   An independent grand jury neutralizes that criticism," Rep. Widlitz said.

"A grand jury will have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation," Rep. Widlitz said. "The grand juror can hire staff and investigators and devote the time necessary to follow all of the leads in this case.  If a crime was committed, those responsible must be held accountable."

Rep. Widlitz continued, "Taxpayers are out $220-million dollars.  We all deserve answers."

Rep. Widlitz was instrumental in the passage of legislation to reign in quasi-public agencies like CRRA.  The governor Tuesday signed that legislation.  The measure outlines a plan to create a new CRRA board (members may not be legislators) and allows for legislative and public oversight of the quasi-public agency.  The legislation also directs the Attorney General to coordinate the state’s legal action related to the CRRA-Enron deal.  It also provides the CRRA board with the option of temporarily borrowing money from the state to repay outstanding debt.  CRRA will also be prohibited from contracting outside lobbyists.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

April 30, 2002

GENERAL ASSEMBLY HONORS CONNECTICUT STUDENTS

Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) recently met with Connecticut college and university students during the annual Academic Day Celebration at the Capitol. This marks the fifth year that the celebration has honored the academic successes of the state’s college students.

Rep. Widlitz honored Guilford resident Amy Peluse (Connecticut College) and Stony Creek’s Timothy Penna (Yale University) with official legislative citations.

"It was a thrill to meet with two of the shoreline’s best and brightest," Rep. Widlitz said. "I am certain Amy and Timothy will take full advantage of the opportunities afforded them at these two excellent institutions.  We expect to hear about their future successes."

Students were selected for the honors based on merit and scholastic involvement.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

April 18, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF CRRA LEGISLATION
Bill would clean up trash authority’s mess and rebuild the quasi-public agency

State Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) today applauded House passage of legislation that deals with the issues surrounding the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) and its failed business dealings.  The bill, which Rep. Widlitz co-sponsored, passed in the House by a vote of 137-3.

Rep. Widlitz noted that this legislation was a direct response to CRRA’s approval a $220-million illegal loan to Enron and the subsequent scandal. "We are completely reforming CRRA’s operation."

The bill outlines a plan to create a new CRRA board (members may not be legislators) and allows for legislative and public oversight of the quasi-public agency.  The legislation also directs the Attorney General to coordinate the state’s legal action related to the CRRA-Enron deal.  It also provides the CRRA board with the option of temporarily borrowing money from the state to repay outstanding debt.  CRRA will also be prohibited from contracting outside lobbyists.

"We have created a framework that will rebuild CRRA while keeping it on the straight and narrow," Rep. Widlitz said. "No longer will lobbyists be able to bill expensive dinners or political junkets to CRRA.  They are cut off.  We are cleaning up this 220-million dollar mess and allowing CRRA to move forward with the business of disposing of trash"

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

April 4, 2002

LEGISLATORS ANNOUNCE OPEN SPACE GRANTS

The Guilford Land Trust will receive more than $100,000 in state funding that will be used to preserve Bluff Head in Guilford, State Representative Patricia M. Widlitz, D-Guilford; State Senator William Aniskovich, R-Branford; and State Representative Peter Metz, R-Madison, announced today.

The Guilford Land Trust will use the $106,020 to secure 60.8 acres of land, an acquisition that becomes an integral part of a long-term goal to protect the cold talus slopes of Bluff Head of the Totoket Mountain. This undeveloped property is home to a portion of Mattabasset Trail (Blue Blazed Trail).

"Preserving open space will help us protect the character of Guilford for generations to come," Rep. Widlitz said. "This is an especially valuable piece of property with magnificent vistas and pristine natural beauty that will be preserved not only for recreational purposes, but also as a wildlife corridor."

Rep. Peter Metz said, "This is a beautiful area, and citizens should continue to enjoy it. We are committed to preserving these resources."

Sen. Aniskovich said this is great news for Guilford residents, but "it’s even greater news for the environment surrounding Bluff Head. There is no question that the need to preserve open space and other natural resources along Connecticut’s shoreline is essential to the well being of our environment, and the commitment of this administration toward that goal has been great."

April 3, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ HAILS PASSAGE OF CABLE AND PIPELINE MORATORIUM
Legislation would halt new cross-Sound ventures

State Representative Pat Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) today praised colleagues in the Connecticut House of Representatives for passing legislation that would temporarily halt proposed energy cable and pipeline projects crossing Long Island Sound, providing the state with time to develop a comprehensive, environmentally sound plan to meet Connecticut’s energy transmission needs.

"What we need is a plan," Rep Widlitz noted. "A comprehensive framework for energy infrastructure within which these applications would be required to fit.  It’s illogical to proceed without one - like building a house without a blueprint, one room at a time."

The measure passed by a vote of 138-11 and was sent to the Senate where it awaits further action.

Rep. Widlitz, a sponsor of the amendment, said, "I urge my colleagues in the Senate to move on this issue. This is the most important environmental legislation that we will pass this year."

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

March 22, 2002

BIPARTISAN GROUP OF LAWMAKERS SEEK GOVERNOR’S SUPPORT OF SOUND CABLE MORATORIUM

A bipartisan group of state legislators including Rep. Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford), Rep. Raymond Collins (R-Milford, West Haven), Rep. Richard Roy (D-Milford), Rep. Peter Panaroni (D-Branford), Rep. Robert Megna and Rep. Peter Metz (R-Madison), today sent a letter to Governor John Rowland requesting support for a moratorium on all pipelines and cables that would cross Long Island Sound.  Cross Sound Cable LLC has already received the approval of the Connecticut Siting Council, Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Environmental Protection to run a power line from New Haven to Long Island.

"There’s broad support for a moratorium on all projects," Rep. Widlitz said, "Before we move forward on any of these proposals, there first needs to be a comprehensive plan in place that deals with environmental impacts and energy infrastructure."

Rep. Roy said, "At the very least, I would ask that the Governor support a moratorium.  There are multiple projects already in the works.  We need a coordinated plan in place to protect the Sound, Connecticut’s most visible and valuable natural resource."

"I would ask for Governor Rowland’s assistance on this issue," Rep. Collins noted. "I am sure that would help convince the Army Corps of Engineers to rethink its support of the Cross Sound Cable.  We are trying to protect one of the state’s most prized recreational treasures as well as one of its most active economic engines."

The group asked the Governor to support the General Assembly’s moratorium plan as well as ask the Army Corps of Engineers to reconsider its decision to support the Cross Sound Cable LLC venture.

March 18, 2002

REPS. PANARONI, WIDLITZ SUPPORT PILOT MONEY FOR BRANFORD

State Representatives Peter Panaroni (D-Branford) and Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) today urged support for An Act Concerning Payments-In-Lieu-Of-Taxes (PILOT) For Nonprofit Hospices (SB 160).  The legislation would include nonprofit hospices in the group of medical facilities for which the state pays grants in lieu of taxes.

Branford is the home of Connecticut Hospice.  As a non-profit, Connecticut Hospice does not pay property taxes to the town.  PILOT grants would allow Branford to fund valuable programs like education without overburdening property taxpayers.

"Small towns like Branford are desperate for revenue," Rep. Panaroni said.  "This bill will allow towns that host valuable nonprofits like Connecticut Hospice to adequately fund services like education and public safety."

Reps. Panaroni joined Branford First Selectman Anthony DaRos and Connecticut Hospice President Rosemary Johnson in support of the bill before the legislature’s Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee.  Rep. Widlitz is a member of the committee.

Rep. Widlitz said, "Connecticut Hospice has helped countless families deal with tragic circumstances.  We need to make it easier for towns to welcome nonprofits within their borders.  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation."

Connecticut Hospice inaugurated hospice care in America in 1974.  Since then, it has been the leader of the growing hospice movement throughout the nation, and beyond.

March 15, 2002

REPS. MEGNA, WIDLITZ SLAM DEP AND SITING COUNCIL
FOR CROSS SOUND CABLE APPROVALS
Megna: Money corrupted what should have been a fair process

Representatives Robert Megna (D-New Haven) and Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) lamented the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) decision to issue a permit for a proposal to run an electrical transmission cable along the floor of Long Island Sound from New Haven Harbor to New York.  Cross Sound Cable LLC had already received the approval of the Connecticut Siting Council.

Rep Megna called the DEP’s decision the "& last straw in a system that has been corrupted by money and politics."

"Clear evidence, and even the approval opinion of the Siting Council, says there exists the real possibility that the wholesale price of electric will rise as a result of the cable  costing Connecticut consumers more money for power," Rep. Megna said. "The New York Siting Council said the simple alternative to a cable would be a generator on Long Island."

Rep. Megna continued, "Most of the opposition to the cable was silenced with cash.  Proponents of the cable promised millions of dollars to organizations controlled or run by politicians who have been noticeably silent on this issue.  Then there was the $5-million for the shellfish companies who were also noticeably silent. The Siting Council hearings are supposed to be open and fair, but the influx of money corrupted the process."

Rep. Widlitz said, "This decision could have the impact of taking New Haven Harbor out of the picture for future economic development.  The cable project is not only a detriment to the environment but also to Connecticut’s economy.  New Haven Harbor is one of the state’s most important commercial ports.  Laying this cable in a federal navigation channel is unprecedented and illogical."

March 14, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ WORKS TO STOP TRASH FEE HIKE
Bill would place one year hold on any CRRA fee increases

State Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) has helped craft legislation to stop proposed increases in tipping and recycling fees by the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA).  The bill (HB 5607) would place a one-year moratorium on fee hikes and would allow CRRA the option of using resources other than fees to restore financial stability.

CRRA currently has $43-million in reserve.  Robert Wright, CRRA’s executive director, testified before the Environment Committee that it would take approximately $26-million to offset the proposed increase in tipping fees during a one year moratorium. 

Rep. Widlitz is a co-sponsor of the bill, "We need to take action to protect our towns from serious economic fallout of the highly questionable action taken by the CRRA Board," Rep. Widlitz said.  "This bill will shield our towns from CRRA’s attempt to shift the burden of the loss of $220-million in the Enron deal to local taxpayers and allows the three person team appointed by the Governor a window of opportunity to investigate alternative solutions to the problem."

The Environment Committee unanimously approved the legislation and sent it to the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee for review.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

March 6, 2002

REP. WIDLITZ CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
Bill would halt new cross-Sound ventures

State Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) today joined with state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and a bipartisan group of legislators to support legislation that would temporarily halt proposed energy cable and pipeline projects crossing Long Island Sound.  An Act Concerning the Protection of Long Island Sound (HB 5609) would also require the state to develop a comprehensive, environmentally sound plan to meet the Connecticut’s energy transmission needs.

Currently, two applications for cross-Sound projects are pending before the Siting Council. "What we need is a plan," Rep Widlitz noted. "A comprehensive framework for energy infrastructure within which these applications would be required to fit.  It’s illogical to proceed without one  like building a house without a blueprint, one room at a time."

The bill was the subject of a public hearing Wednesday before the Environment Committee.

"I want to thank the chairs of the Environment Committee for raising the bill," Rep. Widlitz said. "Long Island Sound is a finite and fragile resource.  It is our responsibility to protect it for the wildlife it supports, for its recreational value and for Connecticut’s economy."

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, Finance and Workforce Development Committees.

February 19, 2002

SPEAKER LYONS APPOINTS REP. WIDLITZ TO POWERFUL FINANCE, REVENUE AND BONDING COMMITTEE

House Speaker Moira K. Lyons (D-Stamford) has named Rep. Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) to the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.  Rep. Widlitz will continue to serve as Deputy Majority Leader and as a member of the Education, Environment and Workforce Development Committees.

In her letter to Rep. Widlitz, Speaker Lyons noted, "I am certain that you will make a significant contribution to the legislative process in this new position."

The Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee reviews and debates all legislative matters relating to finance, revenue, capital bonding and taxation.  The committee only deals with the financial aspects of legislation, not the overall function of a bill.

"I want to thank Speaker Lyons for the opportunity to serve my constituents and the people of Connecticut as a member of this important committee.  We already know that the state needs to tighten its belt thanks to this economic slowdown.  Now more than ever we need to make sure state dollars are being spent efficiently and carefully.  I am ready to start crunching numbers."

The committee also has cognizance of all legislative matters relating to the Department of Revenue Services and the Division of Special Revenue.

February 14, 2002

REPS. WIDLITZ, PANARONI TO TAKE PART IN PIPELINE HEARINGS

State Representatives Patricia Widlitz (D-Branford, Guilford) and Peter Panaroni (D-Branford) have been named "interested parties" to the Islander East LLC pipeline proposal before the Connecticut Siting Council.  The designation will allow Reps. Widlitz and Panaroni to formally present their objections and questions to the council during their upcoming hearings on the plan to run a gas line from Branford to Long Island.  The alternate proposal would have the pipeline run from Guilford to Long Island.  Both lawmakers have publicly denounced the two suggestions.

"We live amid some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation," Rep. Widlitz said. "We have worked diligently to protect and preserve open space, restore tidal salt marshes and improve water quality in the Sound.  Now our progress is being threatened by this pipeline."

The Branford proposal would:

• Cross both fresh and saltwater bodies, forested wetlands and protected open space

• Impact existing homes and buildings within 100 feet of the pipeline

• Cross more than 8,000 feet of shellfish leases

• Create a noise hazard during construction

• Enter at Juniper Point

The Guilford proposal would:

• Traverse West Woods open space

• Cross the Long Cove Preserve

• Enter Long Island Sound at Sachem’s Head

Rep Panaroni said, "The pipeline is a bad idea.  It will alter the landscape of the shoreline. It will adversely impact the environment.  We need to make sure the Siting Council takes a hard look at these proposals."

The Siting Council has scheduled a public hearing Tuesday, April 2, 2002, from 7-10 p.m. in the Totoket Room of the Canoe Brook Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Road, Branford.   The Islander East pipeline is on the agenda.  Interested residents are encouraged to attend.

Rep. Widlitz represents the 98^th District which includes parts of Guilford and Branford, is a Deputy Majority Leader and serves on the Education, Environment, and Workforce Development Committees.

Rep. Panaroni is currently serving his third term in the General Assembly.  Presently he is vice chair of the Transportation Committee and serves on the Public Safety and Public Health Committees.

January, 15, 2002

GYMNASIUM NAMED AFTER JUDGE KENEFICK

Superior Court Judge James G. Kenefick Jr. was center court this month -- as the town of Guilford named the local high school gymnasium after him, in honor of his many years of service to the local school system.

Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Kenefick spent 20 years on Guilford’s Board of Education.  He’s also an ardent supporter of Guilford’s athletic program.  According to the Guilford Public Schools’ website, Judge Kenefick "can often be found on the sidelines of a soccer field or seated in the stands of a basketball or football game cheering on Guilford’s athletes."

"Sometimes in your life you are lucky enough to meet a person who makes you a better person by knowing him," said state Rep. Patricia M. Widlitz, who represents Guilford and was among those honoring Judge Kenefick at the January 3 ceremony.  "He has devoted his life to the children of Guilford -- his own and everyone else’s -- and he has devoted a good part of his life to improving the school system.  He’s there to support the Guilford schools in any way possible."

Representative Widlitz presented Judge Kenefick with a proclamation during the ceremony, which occurred at a packed high school basketball game between Guilford and North Haven.  Many people attended the ceremony, including Judge Kenefick’s family, former and current Board of Education members, local dignitaries, school administrators, and basketball fans from the two towns.

Guilford Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Whelan presented Kenefick with a plaque, honoring him for his service and support.

"He’s a very special person," Chairwoman Whelan said.  "His dedication is just unsurpassed."

Chief Court Administrator Joseph H. Pellegrino said the honor illustrates the commitment of Connecticut’s judges to their communities.

"Our state judiciary excels in its ability and talent on the bench," Judge Pellegrino said. "But these also are men and women who care deeply about the towns in which they and their families live.  Judge Kenefick is a perfect example of that devotion."

Judge Kenefick’s six children went through Guilford public schools, and all but two of his 15 grandchildren are in the same school system.  So he and his wife have been to a lot of games over the years, and they still head out to root for the home team.  "We’re just there all the time," he said.

"It’s fun," Judge Kenefick said.  "People always complain about kids, that they’re no good, but that’s not true.  The school system is great, and the kids are great."

Judge Kenefick added that he didn’t know about the ceremony until a week before it occurred.

"It was exciting," he said. "It was a nice honor."

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Judge Kenefick was appointed to the bench in July 1997. From 1975-1995, he served on the Guilford Board of Education -- as chairman for 10 years, secretary for eight years, and vice chairman for two years.  He also was active in the PTO and served on the high school’s advisory council.

From 1969 until his appointment to the bench, Judge Kenefick worked at the law firm of Tyler, Cooper & Alcorn in New Haven.