Opinions
I read that Mainstream's paid appraiser testified to no negative impacts from wind farms, yet admitted property values and talking to other appraisers wasn't "within his study's scope."
Unbelievable.
Mostly, I've kept to myself on wind issues. I'm in town now and wouldn't be affected by turbines other than seeing my taxes and electrical revenue subsidize this boondoggle. Yet I, like others, as we've learned more, find it harder to support them no matter what unreachable goals "green energy" promises.
I caution those for or leaning toward industrial turbines. First watch the documentary "Windfall" by Laura Israel. You'll see the farming town of Meridith, N.Y., transformed from congenial community to unfriendly factions, purposefully orchestrated by artful wind developers pitting neighbor against neighbor, strong-arming municipalities, targeting the town's council, and practicing the dirty politics of clean energy.
You'll see subsidy-swayed council members pushing the agenda over all objections, even after their own planning council comes back with a yearlong study on impact. You'll "follow the money" and see profits made through grants, depreciation and reselling of these inconstant turbines.
You'll see Tug Hill go from 20 to more than 200 turbines, the actual effects of "shadow flicker" in rural houses from blades spinning thousands of yards away, residents enduring sleep disorders and health issues, and the very real loss of property values.
You'll also see Meridith's citizens regain control from their uncaring, single-minded, interest-conflicted council by speaking up and voting them out.
There will be a free public screening of "Windfall" at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Sterling Public Library. I hope to see you there.
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