County Legislature should take a stand on wind turbines in Barre

Posted 29 October 2019 at 9:40 am

Editor:

Hearing that the County Legislature has taken a pass on the relative merits of 671’ high wind turbines in Barre is not surprising. Leadership is not the Legislature’s strong suit—or trump card for that matter. But, heck, it is another opportunity to bad mouth the governor.

To me, the 10 towns in Orleans County are a team. When one (Barre, in this case) struggles, the entire team can suffer adverse consequences. And there will be plenty in my estimation.

Our intrepid Legislature doesn’t constitute an official coaching staff for the 10-member team, but isn’t it logical to expect the head coach to help one of his/her team members with a problem that might well adversely affect the entire team (County)?

While wind turbines make sense on the great plains and abandoned oilfields in Roscoe, Texas, they do not make much sense in the Town of Barre, Orleans County, New York.

To me, it is up to the Legislature to act in such a manner as to serve the interests of the entire County. While doing so, they will be positively affecting the habitat diversity of an environment that almost literally has it all.

Anyone who thinks too much of our woodland habitat cannot be lost to wind turbines is thinking wishfully, especially when one considers the many other factors contributing to its decline.

“You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” We are not exactly talking about paving paradise, but you may get the picture.

Sincerely yours,

Gary F. Kent

Albion