October 24, 2010
Letters, New York

Aubertine’s loyalties with special interests

Watertown Daily Times, www.watertowndailytimes.com 24 October 2010

Our present state senator, Darrel Aubertine, is quick to point out he saved hundreds of jobs in the north country. The only visible jobs he created are those of friends from Albany and New York City hired to knock on doors and attend campaign rallies. Those jobs will end Nov. 2 and do nothing for people living in the north country. Jobs are not the only misleading fact espoused by the senator.

Fact: Our state senator has signed a lease agreement with a wind developer. A clause contained in that agreement states, “Owner shall assist and fully cooperate with NYW (Acciona) at no-out-of pocket expense to owner, in complying with or obtaining any land-use permits, environmental studies, impact reviews, or any other approvals required for the financing, construction, installation, replacement, relocation, maintenance, operation or removal of wind power facilities, including execution of applications for such approval.” Acciona has since received Aubertine’s full cooperation and assistance. As chairman of the Senate Energy Committee; he renamed the north country Energy Valley, perhaps on their behalf. Once he signed that contract, his loyalties shifted from citizens he was elected to represent to special interests of a foreign corporation developing a wind project in his hometown.

Fact: Aubertine sent a letter to the Cape Vincent town board saying, even though they have signed contracts that benefited them financially, they had a responsibility to vote on wind development.

Fact: Time and again, Aubertine has put his and developers’ interests over those of constituents. He willingly transferred his loyalties by signing an agreement to give full cooperation and assistance to a wind developer.

As a constituent, I can’t find one reason to continue electing the state senator. He claims to be “one of us,” but in truth, he is not. He is an Albany wheeler-dealer who has sold out his hometown to special interests who are lining the pockets of friends and family.

Patty Ritchie’s candidacy is a refreshing breath of ethics, communication and commitment to her constituents. She repeatedly met with citizens in Cape Vincent and surrounding communities. I have no doubt that strong work ethic and presence will continue. I am confident Patty Ritchie will never trade her loyalty in a breach of ethics.

I live in Cape Vincent, but I won’t be voting for the incumbent Cape senator. I will proudly cast my vote for Patty Ritchie and do so with great optimism that my choice will help elect a true public servant. I urge you to do the same.

Noel Bonvouloir

Cape Vincent


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/24/aubertines-loyalties-with-special-interests/