As a proud Democrat, I was disappointed by the lack of courage demonstrated by Congressman Barney Frank in supporting the Cape Wind proposal and Buzzards Bay Wind Farm proposal. In his typical style, Congressman Frank seems to be supporting the Cape Wind Project and Patriot Renewables, LLC, Buzzards Bay Wind Farm Project, with little to no recognition of the negative economic and social impact that these projects will have on the families and friends that use and revere these pristine waterways on a daily basis.

As a native son of Fairhaven, my fondest memories are of friends and family enjoying the bounty of Buzzards Bay, Martha's Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound. From fishing these waters, to working on the Steamship Authority boats, to active duty in the Coast Guard, my memories are vivid of the diverse shades of green, blues and whites painted on the backdrop of what I often refer to as "God's Country." So, at the end of the day I will admit that I don't want anyone messing around with "my" backyard's canvas. But it is not just NIMBY, my concern is the real environmental damage these projects will inflict, if approved.

However, my role as a successful international maritime safety and security expert has persuaded me to express serious concern about the effect these projects will have on Buzzards Bay, Martha's Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound.

The fact that Congressman Frank has avoided addressing in detail why these proposals are seriously flawed suggests to me that his view of his responsibility to his constituency may simply be limited to those who he believes can support his lifestyle as a congressman.

The facts are as follows:

The Massachusetts Fisherman's Partnership (3,000 members) states that the Cape Wind Project would prove to be "a significant hazard to their vessels in this waterway." The Massachusetts Audubon Society has determined that up to 6,600 birds could be killed per year by the Cape Wind Project alone. Add the Buzzards Bay Project and we could expect that number to escalate to 10,000 bird casualties per year. The Marine Mammal Commission has stated that the wind project would equate to "taking of marine mammals by harassment."

To the best of my knowledge these monstrosities will be a threat to environment, navigational safety and most importantly will be an impediment to security. I was recently told that the turbine blades are not recyclable and do not break down as biodegradable materials. The change out cycle of blades alone is frequent and undeterminable based on the harsh conditions found on Nantucket Sound and Buzzards Bay. What do we do with them?

The damage done to marine life, marine flora and fauna is undeterminable in an already abused environment. Navigational safety problems are imminent.

Here's the one that bothers me the most. The British Ministry of Defense recently discovered that jets flying over a wind farm would be lost from radar. This alone is unacceptable, as Boston cannot afford a 9/11-style attack. The arguments for these wind farms is that they will be an important source of alternative energy, yet they are being put into an environment that will have great risk for this key supplier of alternative energy. Being downed would be creating an environmental, energy and national defense crisis.

So to the man I have voted for to represent this district I will say this. You recently misled the fisherman over fishing vessel safety and certainly misle d the public by throwing a few dollars into a questionable New Bedford mayoral administration's efforts to mask the true problems of fishing vessel safety. You now are deluding the public on the efficiencies and safety of wind power on Buzzards Bay, Martha's Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound.

The Honorable Thomas "Tip" O'Neil once said, "Politics is local" and "Remember your roots." In my book, when it comes to maritime initiatives, a focal point for Congressman Frank's constituents, he has two strikes. An editor once said you seemed to "Sound more like a Bush Republican" on Fishing Vessel Safety issues. I also argue that you seem to stand for everything that a "good" Republican stands for and that's not keeping the middle class moving forward, but taking the stand for developers and industrialists that might support your political lifestyle.

When it comes to Fishing Vessel Safety, there is a chance for Congressman Frank to rectify the damage done to the fishing families by adding the text below during the House Senate Conference on the recently passed bill to reauthorize the Magnusson-Stevens Act: The text should incorporate provisions such that no one may operate a commercial fishing vessel licensed under provisions of the
Magnusson-Stevens Act unless the vessel has been surveyed by a competent marine surveyor and found to meet a recognized seaworthiness standard within one year prior to initiating the planned voyage; the person in charge, prior to getting under way, has conducted an examination of the vessel and found it and its operational and safety equipment ready for service; the person in charge has an established communications plan that includes periodic reporting, at least once every 24 hours; the person in charge has a voyage plan, that takes into account project weather conditions, that is deposited with a responsible shoreside party; the required life safety and fire safety equipment is on board and ready for service; the crew has demonstrated completion of a formal training program meeting at least the standards of Fishing Vessel Operation Safety Support Level of the International Maritime Organization Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (1995). This demonstration must include an identification card with a signature, color photo, and fingerprint; the crew is certified to be physically fit for the intended service and meets drug screening standards; and the vessel operates in accordance with fish stock management requirements.

Similarly he has an opportunity to assure that the full spectrum of the environment, safety and security issues are addressed for any approval process for wind farms by having the House and Senate direct the commandant of the Coast Guard to seek public input from all stakeholders and interested parties through a Notice in the Federal Register. It's time that the public be allowed to be involved in this process.