Lack of leadership should lead to change
Kokomo Tribune | April 18, 2014 | www.kokomotribune.com
Attendees at the Tipton County Board of Commissioners meeting April 7 were treated to an appalling lack of both action and concern by the commissioners.
During this meeting, a county citizen voiced his concern for the safety of those living in E.ON’s Wildcat Wind Farm due to the unexplained blade failure of turbine number C14 in that same farm on April 2. This was the second such failure in E.ON’s wind farm since the beginning of February.
This citizen also cited several other blade failures like the ones of Wildcat, all on turbines manufactured by GE, at four other wind facilities around the country. He noted that in those cases, the entire affected wind farm was shut down for the duration of the associated investigation period, and asked if the same consideration would be given to those residents living among the turbines of Wildcat.
The commissioners gave no answer – Not “yes,” not “no,” not “we’ll look into it”, not “we’ll talk to E.ON,” but no answer at all – an indication that these “leaders” cannot answer their constituents with courtesy or even any exhibition of knowledge.
When another county citizen asked if the turbines would be shut down during the investigation, a long and awkward silence followed, after which Mr. Heron replied “thank you.”
Repeating the question produced a second similar dismissal from Mr. Heron. When asked if his terse response meant “no comment”, the commissioners only looked to the county attorney who confirmed that is indeed what was meant.
Mr. VanBibber did finally speak about his concern that E.ON hasn’t responded publically regarding this incident, and that he had sent an email to E.ON and was awaiting a response.
Three commissioners, and the best they can produce is an email, “thank you”, and “no comment”? What a waste for the county residents who took their time to attend and voice their concerns about this issue. What a waste for the taxpayers who pay their salaries!
These three commissioners were elected to represent us, and they seem as though they couldn’t care less about the citizens of Tipton County.
Please take this stunning lack of leadership into account when you vote in the primary election on May 6. Let’s elect officials who actually listen to, and care about, the citizens of Tipton County. Please vote for a much needed change – Vote for Gerald Shuck for Tipton County Commissioner.
Kerri Laubenstein, Sharpsville
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/04/18/lack-of-leadership-should-lead-to-change/