September 24, 2011
Massachusetts, Opinions

Town torn: green economics or the public’s health

Mark Cool, Falmouth

Being a better community isn’t measured in dollars in the town till. Being a better community means being good neighbors. Falmouth is chock full of good folks who gather each spring and fall endeavoring to maintain the “good” in our community.

Falmouth’s fall Town Meeting will soon be in the throes of debate on ideas that are thought to make our community better. This New England tradition is healthy and valuable insights can come from these cross-discussions.

Both politics and ideology will come into play when Article 9 (to suspend town wind turbine operations) is discussed. Scientists, acousticians and possibly State “experts” will offer opinions on Falmouth’s political wind turbine issues, and town politicians and administrators will offer theirs. Who will speak in support of the evidence and experience of your neighbors around Blacksmith Shop Rd?

The concerning health effects are, after all, why Article 9 is on the warrant. What of public health professionals, or documented medical research supporting your neighbor’s negative health conditions? Will the public’s health and welfare be given due process?

When “green” ideology clouds science and Falmouth’s economic health distracts public health judgment, decisions go awry and town politics become dangerous. The recent denigration of a neighbor’s “word” suggests a preference for “green” ideology over scientific evidence. Town officials punctuate the cost of temporarily shutting off the machines suggesting a preference for fiscal profit over the personal health of citizens.

Being a better community isn’t measured by pounds of CO2 eliminated or dollars in the town till. Being a better community is neighbors treating neighbors neighborly, resisting harmful ideologic and political influence, demanding honest medical proof, and working together to make wise decisions and policies.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/24/town-torn-green-economics-or-the-publics-health/