Elected representatives should attend wind farm meetings
The Cap Times | October 18, 2012 | madison.com
The Cap Times | October 18, 2012 | madison.com
On Oct. 11, the Public Service Commission held public hearings regarding the proposed Highland Wind Farm development for the town of Forest in St. Croix County. The public hearings, which began at 2 p.m., continued until after 10 p.m. with 10 minute breaks every couple hours due to the number of persons testifying.
Absent from the standing-room-only town hall were the elected representatives for the residents of the town of Forest, St. Croix County and western Wisconsin. Whether these individuals support green energy initiatives or not is not the issue. The issue is that in order to fully represent the wishes of the electorate they must first listen to the electorate and with the exception of one individual, no other elected representative was present.
This development of Highland Wind Farm is a big deal not only for the town of Forest but St. Croix County as well. We’re not talking about the windmills that powered the pumps on the farm and ran on gas motors when the wind didn’t blow. We’re talking about 500 foot, 2.5 megawatts with a base of cement and rebar that will go 32 feet into the ground. We’re talking about suspending a locomotive from a 400-foot post.
Our representatives should have been at this hearing to defend the right of the people. This decision is being made by people who do not live in St. Croix County or forest. This will impact our county roads, local roads, and future.
Mark Jackelen
New Richmond
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/10/18/elected-representatives-should-attend-wind-farm-meetings/