September 13, 2007
Letters, New York

Poll phrasing showed bias, skewed results

Wisely, the Star-Gazette states that its online polls are not scientific in nature. That statement truly applies to the recent wind farm survey. Who would disagree to an alternate source of energy that would reduce our dependence on foreign oil?

The concern I have is how the question was worded. It showed bias toward acceptance of wind turbines.

I’m confident that the majority of those who responded live in the cities and suburbs. Simply put, they don’t have to look at or hear giant wind turbines 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I would like them to consider this scenario: A person buys a piece of property in the country and builds an expensive home. Next, the people who own the adjacent property hear about wind farms and the monetary rewards. Looks like a lot of easy money, and it is. Now, the new homebuilder will be looking at and hearing giant wind turbines instead of a quiet, pristine countryside. Property values will likely decrease.

I believe the question should have been worded, “Would you like a giant wind turbine in your backyard?” I would like to see the survey results on that question.

Per usual, local governments’ and landowners’ quest for money takes precedence over empathy for the neighbor and nature’s beauty.

George D. Radford

Corning

Star-Gazette

13 September 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/09/13/poll-phrasing-showed-bias-skewed-results/