In a previous commentary, we noted the controversy kicked up by the first proposal for a wind farm to land in Logan County.

As a reminder, that observation was simply this: The democratic process is still alive and kicking.

But this isn't the only lesson that should be taken from this recent government exercise.

Clearly, and admittedly, the Logan County Board and its committees learned some hard lessons when it came to handling this major issue.

"You need to read all the material, talk to people on both sides, lay down ground rules and familiarize yourself with the subject," said Logan County Board chairman Dick Logan. "There are coming issues that will need to be addressed in the future."

Although Logan said the county board, as a whole, did a good job of researching the subject and talking to people, he felt the zoning board of appeals lacked structure in its hearings.

That is a kind way to put it.

"I think one meeting ran until the burglar alarms went off," said Logan jokingly.

At times, the process seemed like a circus. Although everyone who wanted to speak had a chance to address the zoning board of appeals - as true democracy dictates - the time it took to put everything on the table was far from efficient.

In looking at how other appeals boards have handled this process, Logan County metaphorically set the record with the time it took to wrap up its hearings.

And some professionalism was also lacking within the appeals board. Members were told they could not have extra time to read important materials pertaining to the subject before taking a vote, and one zoning board of appeals member even applauded after a proponent spoke on the issue.

This hardly gives the appearance of objectivity. Logan said it right: "You need to control your meetings."

He also realizes this same process will unfold again - not just with wind farms, but possibly with coal mines, landfills or ethanol plants. Having said that, we'll also predict with a great deal of confidence that this is not the last wind farm coming to Logan County.

A column elsewhere on this page points to the rising popularity of wind energy and the fact that potent financial interests in the country are getting on the wind bandwagon. And, please, take note that this same column mentions that winds, especially in the Midwest, blow very friendly to this form of energy production.

For that reason - and in the interim until the next wind farm proposal is thrust before local boards and officials - we'd suggest that our local government leaders do some in-depth research into this form of energy and set some protocols in place on how boards handle the issue.

The first time around, although a good example of democratic participation, was not the epitome of government efficiency.

At this point, it's time to say ‘lesson learned' and move on. But every committee and board that likely will be involved in these future processes should be assessing how to proceed the next time around.