November 21, 2011
Letters, Michigan

Townships standing up to wind power set example for Huron County voters

The Bay City Times, www.mlive.com 19 November 2011

Residents of Riga and Ogden townships in Lenawee County proved on Nov. 8 that committed citizens can make a difference. Voters cast their ballots in support of Riga Township’s wind ordinance, which was written to protect Riga’s residents by ensuring safe siting of wind turbines, including a setback from non-participating property lines of four times their height and noise level limits of 40 decibels at night and 45 during daytime hours.

In Ogden Township, voters said no to leaders with a conflict of interest. Voter turnout was 65 percent in Ogden and 63 percent in Riga.

The people of Riga and Ogden townships are an inspiration to the people of Huron County. They have sent a message to officials and wind developers that the health, safety and welfare of the members of their community are more important than potential tax revenue. They have sent a message to wind developers that if they want to come into their community, they will do so with proper guidelines drafted with community input, not by the developers.

A Lincoln Township farmer has filed for a referendum on the latest wind overlay district. Here is the opportunity to show our elected/appointed officials that we want better regulations to protect our families, our neighbors and our homes. Sign a petition, get out and vote and let your voice be heard. Let’s show the rest of Michigan that it is not true that everyone in Huron County is happy living in an industrial wind complex. Let’s show the rest of Michigan that we do not agree that wind turbines are necessary for farmland preservation. Let’s show our officials in Lansing that Huron County does not want to be the energy zone for their renewable energy mandate.

Let’s show the rest of Michigan that we agree with Riga and Ogden voters and like them, will use our voting power to demand change and protect our neighbors.

Bill Williams, Caseville

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/21/townships-standing-up-to-wind-power-set-example-for-huron-county-voters/