Mass Audubon Touts Eldridge as a Strong Leader on the Environment

BOSTON – State Representative James B. Eldridge (D-Acton) was cited by Mass Audubon as among the top leaders and advocates for environmental protection in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

In their 2003 Legislative Report Card, Mass Audubon gave Eldridge a 93% rating, one of the six highest ratings of any of the one hundred sixty members of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.  Compiled from an analysis of the twenty-three environmental roll call votes taken by House members in 2003, this rating reflects the strong support of environmental protection that has been one of the top priorities of the 37th Middlesex District, which Eldridge represents.

“As both a legislator and a resident of Acton, one of my greatest concerns is ensuring that our environment is preserved for us and protected for future generations,” said Eldridge.  “I am especially proud of this rating, because it reflects my strong belief that more needs to be done to ensure environmental concerns as a top priority of all legislators.”

 “Overrides of Governor Romney’s fiscal year 2004 budget vetoes dominated this year’s Report Card,” notes the report.  Eldridge agrees that an inordinate amount of legislative effort went into undoing the Governor’s cuts to environmental protections and programs.  “This is part of a broader theme in the Romney Administration:  the sacrifice of the needs of our communities, in education, health care, local aid and the environment in reaction to the state budget crisis.”

Eldridge cites the successful House overrides that protected the Open Space Acquisition Fund and the Riverways Program as key legislative actions in this effort.  “The Riverways Program, which Governor Romney tried to cut last year, is vital to keeping the Nashua River and the SuAsCo Watershed useable and healthy for residents of the 37th Middlesex District,” said Eldridge in a recent address to residents of the Town of Harvard. 

Additionally, Eldridge has been a strong supporter of the Community Preservation Act and the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund – both of which have been targeted for budget cuts during the FY 2004 and FY 2005 budget processes.  “Several constituents, especially those in the western towns of the 37th Middlesex, have been concerned about the Inland Fisheries fund.  Cuts to this program would impact sportsmen and our environment.  The effects to conservation efforts could be devastating if we can’t convince more legislators to protect this fund,” said Eldridge.

A central theme of Eldridge’s service has been preservation of the environment.  He helped make Acton Clean-up Day a successful town-wide event, serving as its Director from 1996 to 2002.  He served as Vice President of Acton Conservation Trust from 1998-2002, and has been a long-time member of the Organization for the Assabet River, Assabet River Rail Trail, the Nashua River Watershed Association.  As a State Representative, he has worked tirelessly to emphasize the need to protect the natural resources of North Central Massachusetts.  “I will continue my commitment to the towns of the 37th Middlesex District, and their environmental needs.  It is so important that we all work together to protect our natural surroundings, because they are some of the key things that make Massachusetts such a great place to live.”