‘A bit dramatic’
The Courier-Times | Aug 15, 2018 | www.thecouriertimes.com
Mr. Travis Weik,
At this point in the wind issue you are right. Pro wind people would be booed, although “tarred and feathered” is a bit dramatic. But what about the many years that the topic has been in Henry County? Where were all the letters and testimonies from the pro wind lease signers then? You sat through many meetings and listened to the grave concerns of the non-lease signers, I know because I read your coverage of them – well done I might say.
You said there were “jeers” (being rude, mocking) from the crowd when Mr. Morrell said that wind is dead in Henry County. Apparently you missed the point. Many know that the wind issue is not dead! Of course the audience would react verbally to that statement! There again, “jeers’ is a bit dramatic.
I resent that you said “The anti-wind crowd believes that they are on the side of truth and righteousness.” I am a 75 year old wife/ mother who was born and raised in Henry County. My husband and I have put blood, sweat, and tears over the 50 years we have lived on our beloved rural paradise, turning it from an eyesore into what we feel is a showplace. “Anti-wind” people are not bad people wanting to stir up trouble just for the fun of it. Do you actually think we that WANT to spend countless hours of our lives going to meetings at the court house, researching wind turbines, writing letters, and making testimonies? Believe me when I say that we all have plenty of living to do besides all that! We simply want to protect our health, our property values, and what we have worked so hard to obtain. We don’t want to have to move from this beautiful county, nor do we want to see our families move because of turbines. If you think, as you make it sound, that we are trouble makers, you are sorely wrong! The only positive thing that I will take away from this wind farm fiasco is getting to know the many beautiful people in our county that I can call friends.
I also resent that you said “Sheriff’s deputies were lined the courtroom to make sure that no one tried taking a swing at the appointed officials at the front of the room.” Yes, two deputies were there, as they should be in this day and age at any major public meeting. You portrayed the audience as a bunch of maniacs ready to pounce on anyone not of their opinion. It is terribly sad that you have formed this opinion, perhaps not on your own. Try interviewing county residents who are quote “anti-wind,” those who are trying to protect their lives and the lives of others. I challenge you to print this letter in the paper. It is up to you.
Sincerely,
Susan Stoots
Greensboro Township
[This letter is in response to a column written by Courier-Times reporter Travis Weik, which published in the Friday, Aug. 10 newspaper.]
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2018/08/17/a-bit-dramatic/