Voting without information
Daily Freeman | 11/11/13 | www.dailyfreeman.com
The Town of Denning Zoning Board of Appeals is reviewing a proposal for the installation of a 170-foot wind turbine. Few residents were aware of the Sept. 30 workshop (only four residents attended). At the public hearing on Oct. 30, there were over 20 members in attendance, the majority of whom objected to the project on the grounds that adequate independent research has not been done into the possible impacts of the turbine. Unfortunately, the Zoning Board has scheduled a vote on the project despite the glaring lack of information.
Although I am a huge proponent of green technologies, it brings me sadness to know that the Zoning Board is eager to vote on an issue that will transform the landscape of Denning, the surrounding towns and the lives of my neighbors and family forever, for the benefit of one individual.
Should the variance be granted, my son will never know the silence that descends after a snowstorm ends without hearing the constant “whoosh” of the turbine. He will never again look up at the blue sky without seeing the flickering of the turbine’s spinning blades. He will never again wake without hearing the constant hum of the turbine’s engine.
I fear that my family has made a grave mistake in deciding to invest everything in a place that I am now unsure is best for my son. We are facing the imminent threat of having our quality of life permanently changed and there is nothing that I can do to protect him.
Local government is obligated to safeguard communities. I hope they realize the magnitude of the decisions they make. They have an immense responsibility to every citizen living in our special community. A decision in this matter should be in the best interest of all the citizens of Denning.
Tiffany A. Gillman
Denning
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/11/voting-without-information/