Storm Panel Blown Off Course Into Politics

State Rep. Chris Coutu, Republican candidate for Congress in Connecticut’s Second District, today criticized the state’s “Two Storm Panel” for straying far from its non-political mission and into the political minefield of global warming.

"The 'Two Storm Panel' had a simple, non-political task: determining how Connecticut can better prepare for and respond to major storms. Instead of simply focusing on solutions, the panel veered into politics with its recommendations for global warming,” said Coutu.

“Sometimes government needs to be about simple solutions, not politics.  That’s what we needed from the storm panel, but the panel was blown off course into politics.”

Coutu continued, “Connecticut taxpayers are looking for solutions, not politics.  People were without power for weeks.  When you’re shivering in the dark you’re not speculating about global warming causing rising sea levels, you’re worried about getting your power back.  When your house is flooded you’re worried about storm surges, not global warming.  We need to protect our coastal towns from flooding, but that isn’t about pseudo-science and global warming, it’s about preparation for storm surges.”

“I’ve lived through major storms, Hurricanes Opal and Erin, while serving in the Air Force in the South.  During a hurricane the water rises.  We need solutions for storm surges and downed trees, not speculation about global warming.”