In May 2006, Manitowoc County adopted a revised wind energy ordinance, finding faults with current rules.

In July of that year, after hearing testimony and receiving scientific evidence regarding health and safety concerns, the Board of Adjustment granted a Conditional Use Permit for Emerging Energies Industrial Wind Farm in the town of Mishicot.

The BOA disregarded the county's revisions and the permit was granted using the old ordinance. Affected landowners appealed and the BOA decision was overturned in circuit court. The judge ruled the BOA was to enforce the county code in place when the CUP was granted. The circuit court also dismissed a lawsuit that EE filed against the Manitowoc County wind ordinance.

I was greatly disappointed the BOA ignored revisions created to protect the health and safety of Manitowoc County residents, including my constituents, and with the lack of questions to the applicant and lack of deliberation on submitted research.

I informed the county executive of my dissatisfaction with the BOA and Planning and Parks Department. I requested changes to the BOA, but was guaranteed these are good people.

Currently, the Navitas Wind Farm Permit was set to expire in July; this project is proposed for townships that I represent - Mishicot, Two Rivers and Two Creeks.

As a member of Planning and Parks Commission, in October 2007 I requested the department to be kept informed about the Navitas permit. After e-mailing Manitowoc County's corporation counsel in February, I was informed the permit was already renewed!

Navitas submitted the request in June 2007 and it was approved in December by the Planning and Parks Department senior planner. Needless to say, I was angry and expressed my concerns to the County Board and the county executive. Affected residents appealed to the BOA.

It concerns me that on May 19, the BOA allowed the permit extension for the 49-turbine wind farm, using the old ordinance, directly disregarding the health and safety of my constituents.

Counsel reminded the members of the revised ordinance, which they again decided was not important to consider. Residents had submitted research, including a document stating a turbine manufacturer recommends a 1,300-foot safety setback for technicians. Yet the board allowed this project to proceed with 550-foot setbacks from roads and neighboring property lines. Again, I was frustrated with actions of the BOA and their lack of questioning.

The majority of the BOA decided the ordinance changes were not an important factor in their decision. The senior planner testified he reviewed the application and it seemed reasonable. When asked if he investigated claims in the application, he answered no.

Nothing prevented Navitas from starting the project the past two years. Regardless, the BOA upheld the extension. The only item they took from the new wind ordinance was the ability to extend the project, clearly ignoring county requirements on wind turbine siting. It's a reckless decision that could prove costly again to taxpayers.

The terms of two BOA members expire in July. I expressed my dissatisfaction to the county executive. Again, he guaranteed they are good people.

They may be, but they become paralyzed when making hard decisions and lack direction as a board representing Manitowoc County. Inconceivably, thousands of taxpayer dollars were spent defending BOA decisions. I asked the county executive to replace them, but he wants to reappoint them for three more years. This cannot happen. I will be asking the county board on Tuesday to deny these appointments and appoint anyone willing to protect the health and safety of the citizens in Manitowoc County.