I really had to laugh reading the article in Wednesday's paper (March 1) about the meeting in Sutton with UPC. Tim Caffyn of UPC told the group that "studies have shown that wind turbines do not reduce the value of properties or turn tourists away" but was unable to cite specific studies. He professed to being unable to "have all the answers right off the bat."

Well, this is mighty strange, since he was asked these very questions about two years ago when he came to Lyman with plans to erect an anemometer, and he hoped, about 20 windmills along Gardner Ridge. He didn't have specific studies to cite then, either, although he did hear from recent home buyers who said they would not have bought their homes had there been windmills along the ridge, and from longtime residents who were extremely concerned about the potential loss of value should the windmills be erected.

You have to wonder what he's been doing during the past two years, since he had a very tough time trying to sell windmills in Lyman. If he expected to be successful in Sutton or any other town, you would expect him to do his homework, and be able to cite those studies. But since he apparently cannot, it begs the question of whether there are in fact studies that will tell you anything you want, but which won't resolve the question.

I also find it interesting that he has told Sheffield they would receive anywhere between $150,000 and $300,000 in tax payments. In the Feb. 18 issue of the paper was this paragraph:

"He said he also offered $300,000 in yearly town tax payments to neighboring Sheffield, where his company wants to put up 20 wind turbines."

At the Lyman meetings, he mentioned a figure of only $100,000 per year, so I wonder why the huge discrepancy in offered tax payments. Was the Lyman site worth less to UPC? Or is it a reflection of some sort of desperation, since this company has not had an easy time of selling their wind farm plans? I suspect it's the latter, as Mr. Caffyn's facts and figures seemed to change with every meeting he attended, and that doesn't inspire trust.

I support alternate energy, and very much wanted to see Lyman be in the forefront of this technology, but not in favor of degrading our views. It was a very tough question to ponder, but what ultimately made my decision was a feeling of distrust. After reading what has been taking place in Sheffield and Sutton, that feeling I have remains.

I certainly hope that the residents of Sheffield and Sutton continue to look and listen very carefully to what they are shown and told, ask every question that they can, and consider this plan before allowing it to go forward. Something tells me that UPC will make their money and be gone, leaving NEK residents to live for many years with something they may eventually regret. I truly hope I'm wrong.