There he goes again! In his latest letter (The Republican, February 14, 2008) Frank Maisano accuses “a loud few in western Maryland” of being “selfish” and using “loose facts” in opposing proposals by the Pennsylvania company he represents to erect intrusive wind turbines along the ridges of Maryland state forests in Garrett County.
Selfish? We who live on the Mountaintop love the Bay. Personally I feel a surge of great civic pride every time I pay my flush tax to save Chesapeake Bay while sending my wastewater down to New Orleans.
Loose facts? Let’s look at the record. A few months ago wind proponents were claiming that their proposal was supported by a majority in Garrett County. Funny, I don’t hear that argument very often anymore.
Similarly, wind proponents were citing a letter by members of the Western Maryland Delegation as evidence that the latest wind proposal had the political backing of area legislators. But recently, 21 western Maryland delegates and senators sent a letter to DNR Secretary Griffin stating, “The exploitation of western Maryland’s pristine forests for private gain must not be permitted.” Only two of those members represent Garrett County; I guess the other 19 must have selfish motives of their own.
So, having witnessed the demolition of these earlier arguments, Mr. Maisano’s latest revelation is this: “Public lands belong to all Maryland residents.” This time he got it exactly right. Actually these public lands are maintained for the benefit of all citizens – including representatives of Pennsylvania wind companies – in their natural state. Whether visitors are hikers, campers, birders, hunters, or lovers of peace and solitude, they come to western Maryland to enjoy the atmosphere and environment of the mountains unimpeded by huge industrial structures.
In a feature story in the Home section of the January 24, 2008, Washington Post a frequent visitor to Meadow Mountain stated, “I couldn’t believe it. It’s so quiet here at night, you can actually hear birds’ wings flapping in the wind.” Let’s keep it that way – for everyone.
Sincerely,
Bob Lewis
Oakland
21 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/21/look-at-the-record-industry-spokesman-is-wrong/