Wind opponents called ‘terrorists’ by industry rep

Andrews went on to say, “Yes I used the word, terrorist, because this is how Wind Concerns works. If you can’t get your own way using logic and working within the rules and regulations, then you attempt to scare people of the community with information, scare tactics, and outright lies.”

Wind Concerns Ontario represents community-based groups seeking the restoration of local planning control to municipalities over renewable energy developments.

Local member Ann Towell said Andrews was unfair.

“The people of Dawn-Euphemia are not guilty of terrorism,” she said.

She said she’s not totally surprised by Andrews’ comments, however. She believes he is upset because the group is making an impact on the wind industry.

“We have effected some change,” she said, noting turbines cannot be located as close to rural developments as the Canadian Wind Energy Association had wanted.

Along with the most recent comment, Andrews has sent e-mails calling the group’s members “uneducated self-indulgent bullies” who are guilty of fear mongering, said John Laforet, president of Wind Concerns Ontario.

“All this isn’t helpful to the actual concerns at hand,” he said.

Laforet said the members of the volunteer organization are trying to protect their cities and towns in a peaceful and democratic manner.