Editor:

In the world of business, decisions are made and corporate direction taken. However, to ensure proper accountability for those decisions and directions, one person has the “D”. The “D” means the Decision. The “D” means the responsibility and accountability for that decision.

In the past few weeks, APEX Clean Energy, in an all-out attempt to allay fears over Industrial Wind Turbine encroachment on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (and risk to jobs at that base), brought Mr. Dave Belote to Western New York for private meetings with a number of interested parties. Those interested parties included many political and public groups (Town/County Government and Save Ontario Shores, to name a few).

Reports from these meetings show that Mr. Belote indicated that, in his experience as a US Air Force Officer, Federal employee and through his government acquaintances, the Lighthouse Wind project would be unlikely to pose a risk to NFARS. To support his argument, Mr. Belote produced two “informal review” letters from the Department of Defense Siting Clearinghouse.

While Mr. Belote’s military service to our country is commendable, his current service to Cassidy and Associates (a pro-wind consulting firm) and, previous service as a Vice President of Federal Business for APEX Clean Energy, are of particular interest.

It is important to realize that, regardless of his armed forces service, Mr. Belote is a pro-wind consultant whose job is to minimize the specter of risk at NFARS. Regardless of reality.

The reality is as follows: The verdict on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is fully in the hands of Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission. The decision on whether to close NFARS will be made by and only by BRAC. BRAC has the “D”. Any reason, such as encroachment on military operations caused by industrial wind turbines, will remain a significant factor in potential closure of NFARS.

As such, regardless of the efforts of APEX Clean Energy or Mr. Belote to allay NFARS and Western New York fears, only the BRAC decision determines the future of NFARS and over 3,000 jobs in Western New York.

Neither Mr. Belote nor the DoD Siting Clearinghouse have any input on the encroachment question and therefore the future of NFARS. They do not have the “D”.
BRAC and only BRAC has the “D”.

John B. Riggi
Councilman, Town of Yates

Editor:

As a former military man myself, I want to begin by thanking Dave Belote for his service to our country. We recently paused to recognize our veterans and their sacrifices for our country on Memorial Day.

It was an honor to talk with Dave when he visited our area, to hear about his work and to better understand the vigorous and lengthy process that is in place to review renewable energy projects and potential impacts on military operations. It is important to point out that the current review but there will be a formal review submitted with the Lighthouse Wind Project application.

It was also very interesting and comforting to know that all four branches of the military are pursuing renewable energy projects, and the first priority is not related to reducing carbon emissions but to secure our country’s energy supply. Your readers may not know that the military highly respects Apex Clean Energy enough to do business with them and to sign the largest ever military wind and solar project with Apex Clean Energy at Fort Hood in Texas.

I would now like to address a letter from a former English teacher that I am not going to call by name because I don’t typically want to attack my neighbors personally, and I also have a huge respect for teachers. However, I do believe her letter is worth a response, and I wouldn’t call her a “military expert.” In fact, I was very comforted to know that there is an extensive process within DoD to ensure unhampered operations of their facilities by energy projects on a case by case basis. You can guess all you want, but bottom line, Article 10 requires the final review with Lighthouse Wind’s application.

First of all, Mr. Belote and Lighthouse Wind provided documents and letters from the Department of Defense stating “likely no impact to military operations,” not what was quoted in her LTE saying the military has “no issue.” A formal review is forthcoming, but Apex Clean Energy believed it was important to point out the work done so far to address concerns.

I give the company a lot of credit for reaching out to Save Ontario Shores, a group which organized a press conference In January in front of NFARS stating that the Lighthouse project will threaten an NFARS closure. Based on what? This heightened fearmongering was also spread to government officials, current and former base officials and the general public to raise a bias against Apex in the group’s ongoing efforts to prematurely derail the lighthouse Wind project.

This English teacher’s claim that a former military man/now consultant has “friends” at the DoD.  Yes, Dave Belote actually was commander of Nellis Air Force Base, the largest Air Force Base in the country, and he was also in charge of setting up the DoD Clearinghouse. To suggest partiality within the Department of Defense is blasphemous and bordering on libel. Having served myself, I find it utterly disrespectful to print this type of defamation of character of current or former military personnel.

In our English teacher’s assertion of “cherry picking” Lighthouse Wind provided copies of both letters received from the Department of Defense Clearinghouse. There is an ongoing and ugly campaign that this English teacher and others are using to stop this project before all studies are complete.

The oppositions’ relentless personal attacks of Apex Clean Energy employees and now a retired colonel, still working in a field he’s trying to move forward for national security reasons as well as the overall health of our planet is shocking and disgusting. Apex is taking the high road, releasing factual information as they are able while continuing to invite opposition to speak with them.

I am delighted to hear Bolote ran for public office in Virginia. I’d like to see more leaders like him running for office, rather than a currant national crop that are showing our children that it is OK to personally attack, name call and bully others with very unacceptable behavior.

I’d be proud to vote for someone who has shown true leadership for our country, a former F-16 pilot who earned two Bronze Stars during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was also recognized as a “Champion on Change” by the White House in 2013 through his work on Veterans Advancing Clean Energy and Climate Security.  Belote fully disclosed in meetings that he was the former VP of Federal Services for Apex, now working for Cassidy and Associates in DC.

And, if you and others are calling for full disclosure of any lobbying work, these were informational meetings. No action was requested by Belote or Lighthouse Wind. And, perhaps it is time for SOS to disclose their lobbying and marketing budget.

Respectfully,

Howard Pierce
Lyndonville

Editor:

I want to apologize to Dave Belote personally for some of the disrespectful letters and personal attacks that I have read recently from Lighthouse Wind opposition.

I appreciated hearing from you about your service to our country and what led to you taking on a leadership role in helping the military move toward renewable energy sources, not just to cut down on greenhouse gases, but for the energy security of our military who are our largest energy consumers. As you pointed out, it’s a matter of energy security for our nation as well.

I want you to know that Lighthouse Wind has a lot of support in this area, some of our largest supporters are our farmers who are grateful for the opportunity to potentially farm a drought resistant crop that is wind. Our community has its roots in the agricultural industry and the Lighthouse Wind project will give our farming community a huge boost, not to mention potential revenue for our towns, counties and/or schools. Many of us see this for what it is – an economic boost in our changing world that can offer welcome economic stability.

I find it ironic that a recent letter writer pointed out that “I’d like my children’s children and theirs to know the same wonders (of Lake Ontario) that I do.” Well, I’d like our children and their children to have a cleaner world to live in, a slowing of climate change and a community that is made vibrant again by an economic shot in the arm that will come from the Lighthouse Wind project. I have found Apex Clean Energy staff very committed to environmental issues, and they recently brought their national wildlife expert to town to meet and answer questions as well.

Thank you again, Mr. Belote. And, please know that not all residents in Orleans County are as rude and disrespectful, but they sometimes make the most noise.

With appreciation,

Susan Campbell
Lyndonville

Editor:

Thank you, Apex Clean Energy, for meeting with public officials and others with Dave Belote, a retired colonel who has been involved with the military and its movement toward renewable energy.

Apex Clean Energy has worked hard to help us all understand the facts around the Lighthouse Wind project, and this time, its impact on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

If the Department of Defense is willing to say that the Lighthouse Wind project will “unlikely impact” NFARS in an informal review, I am going to save my opinion for the final review which will be part of Lighthouse Wind’s final application. As Mr. Belote pointed out in his Letter to the Editor in the Orleans Hub, not all work by the Department of Defense is in the headlines.

I trust our military to make decisions that are in our best interest.

Sincerely,

Linda Fisk
Lyndonville

Editor:

As this year’s Memorial Day passed, I could no longer procrastinate in sending a “Thank you!” to the kind people of Medina for allowing us, the Butts family, to participate in last year’s ceremony.

When I say kind, I speak of the unfailing, remarkable friendliness and helpfulness of everyone we encountered in all circumstances, from being a stranger asking for directions to the formal ceremony.

I am reluctant to mention names for fear of many omissions but some stand out: Catherine Cooper, your excellent librarian, for her patience and help with Uncle John’s memorabilia. Mayor Andy Meier, for his time in showing and explaining sites of particular interest to our family and of pride for Medina. Frank Berger, who was and continues to be invaluable in tracking down our family history.  Butts-Clark American Legion Post, for being an incredible host and responsible for bringing many of our far flung family together for the first time.

Once again, thank you Medina for being the wonderful city, from which, we are proud to trace our heritage.

John Butts (writing on behalf of the Butts family)
Scarborough, Maine

(Editor’s Note: John E. Butts, the only Medal of Honor recipient in Medina’s history, was killed in World War II in Normandy. Medina named a park for Butts and the American Legion post also bears his name.)

Editor:

Although I am not a resident of Orleans County, I reside in Somerset and have researched wind power extensively. Clean energy is the wave of the future. We can no longer depend on coal or oil, or even natural gas, if it means ruining the environment. I was excited to hear that Barre is considering a wind farm in Orleans County. The majestic turbines will be lovely for those driving along your country roads.

I have signed with Apex to allow wind turbines in my area. Apex had studied the existing wind permits and then approached Somerset residents. Anti-wind people began creating an uproar and demanded the town change its requirements. After Apex began getting signatures for those who want wind turbines, Somerset changed its law to thwart Apex. I found this as very unfair and an insult.

Wind and solar are the new green energies. We need both. All scientists say that we cannot continue with fossil fuels. Fracking sends methane gas into the atmosphere in addition to creating health hazards and causing earthquakes. Wind power uses fresh air to create power. Scientists study for years in college, and all the while they are working AS SCIENTISTS. Why do so many people doubt their findings? It makes no sense.

I am urging you to welcome the wind turbines and show that you can’t be swayed by a group of naysayers who do not have science degrees. I would be glad to share information I have researched with anyone who has doubts. I could meet them at Lighthouse Wind office in Barker.

I have signed on with Apex, not because I am money-hungry or any of the other things Save Ontario Shores (SOS) has accused us of. I have been hoping that wind power would come here for years. Now we’ve been offered this wonderful opportunity and people are trying to take it away. Please don’t do the same.

Thank you,

Avis Townsend
Appleton

Editor:

In reference to the article in the Orleans Hub on May 31, 2016 whereby H. David Belote, a retired Air Force colonel, writes in favor of Apex installing wind turbines in the Somerset-Yates area, it seems in the name of “transparency” that any and all compensation Apex is providing to this military person should be fully disclosed to the public.

Mr. Belote is giving his “expert testimony” that the wind turbines will not jeopardize in the least the Niagara Falls Air Base operations. Payment of large sums of money and gifts such as an automobile, credit card allowance for trips, etc., can influence “experts” to testify one way or another.

Apex has proven in the past to be a big lobbyist spending huge sums of money. I do not know Mr. Belote but I think his “testimony” should come along with full disclosure of any and all “compensation” by Apex.

Elizabeth Storch
Middleport

The Department of Defense is actively pursuing renewable energy projects, and while reducing carbon emissions and cost savings are considered important, the driving force for the military is energy security supporting mission accomplishment.

All four branches are progressing toward a cleaner, safer, and energy-independent future, with Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy recently signing the largest U.S. military renewable project to date with Apex Clean Energy: 65.8 Megawatts of off-base wind and on-base solar at Fort Hood, Texas.

Apex Clean Energy, the parent company for Lighthouse Wind, has been engaged in ongoing dialogues with the Department of Defense on commercial projects around the country. While these conversations are not always in the headlines, our nation’s Department of Defense has worked closely with Apex Clean Energy on multiple projects, several of which have included determining mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and viability of military operations centers. There is a process with DOD to ensure unhampered operations of their facilities on a case-by-case basis.

It was my pleasure to visit with various stakeholders in and around the Lighthouse Wind proposed project area last week to share information and clear up some misperceptions regarding the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

As we described to multiple groups last week, the Department of Defense’s Siting Clearinghouse has stated in writing that the Lighthouse Wind project is “unlikely to impact” operations at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, and Apex Clean Energy will work shoulder to shoulder with DOD and the community to support the mission now and in the future.

Based on a thoughtful suggestion from a local Reservist, Lighthouse Wind will install night-vision-compatible lighting to facilitate low-altitude training for the life of the project. Take it from the retired colonel who oversaw close air support for the Battle of Fallujah:  you couldn’t find a better partner than Apex Clean Energy to both provide clean energy and support the local military mission.

Dave Belote

Mr. Belote is a retired colonel with the U.S. Air Force, and is currently Senior Vice President of Cassidy & Associates in Washington, DC. Belote is a former F-16 pilot who earned two Bronze Stars during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is the former commander of Nellis Air Force Base. He is also working as a consultant for Apex.

Editor:

Please allow me to respond to today’s article regarding Apex and their upcoming proposal for wind turbines, and in particular to their claim that the military has no issue with their project.

I find fault with multiple points they’ve made, and I hope you’ll allow me to respond point by point by quoting the original article and then responding to that section:

Article Excerpt:
“Apex Clean Energy, developer for the project, [said] the proposed project would not harm the base’s mission or the future for other military training plans. “H. David Belote, a retired Air Force colonel, now works as a consultant for Apex. He met last week with local officials, Save Ontario Shores members, landowners and supporters of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Belote showed them a March 16 letter from the Department of Defense, stating the DoD doesn’t see a negative impact on the base from Lighthouse Wind.”

My response:
We’re talking about a letter that was written to a consultant.a consultant who likely has friends at the DoD, seeing as he’s a retired officer of the Air Force. Not a letter, mind you, written to the community or to the local government. Big difference. The letterhead is real; however, that does not make it official in terms of how the community ought proceed.

Article Excerpt:
” ‘The project is unlikely to impact military testing and/or training operations in the area,’ Steven J. Sample, chief of the Military Evaluation Branch for the Department of Defense, wrote to Taylor Quarles, development manager for Apex.”

My response: Ladies and gentlemen, this is almost certainly what we English Teachers call a logical fallacy called “cherry picking” which means only saying the part that’s useful, instead of providing the whole scope of the quotation’s intent. Testing and traininghmm, okay. But what was the whole quote? What if it were, “We don’t know yet if the Base will be affected, seeing as we don’t have any firm numbers as to actual height, but we can say that the project is unlikely to impact military testing and/or training operations in the area. And hey presto! Great Quote!

Article Excerpt:
“The DoD did an informal review of the project, and is awaiting locations and heights of the turbines. The DoD, as well as the Federal Aviation Agency, will take a more thorough review of the project once the final application is submitted, which is expected this summer.”

My response: Yes, we’re all of us waiting. My guess? They’ll submit at the last possible minute so as to give people the least amount of time possible to research the application’s efficacy. (Best bet? Fourth of July weekend. Less people reading the paper! Perfect!)

Article Excerpt:
“Belote said the far western end of the turbines are about 25 miles from the base. “It’s not an impact,” he said in a phone interview.”

My response: Wait, who’s Belote? Oh, right. The consultant (fancy talk for person who gets lots of money to tell their employer what they want to hear and to encourage Congress to do the same; sometimes they even help write the legislation! Hooray for money! (I wish I were kidding. I am not.)

Article Excerpt:
The turbines won’t affect drone operations when those begin at the base, Belote said, and he doesn’t expect there will be issues with radar from the turbines, which could peak at more than 600 feet to the top of the spinning blades.

My response:
English time again. Let’s inspect that sentence more carefully: “when those begin at the base” Got it. Drones can launch just fine When They Begin at the Base. In Niagara Falls. Nothing on how they’ll do once they drift on over to Somerset.

Article Excerpt:
The radar issue will be reviewed by the North American Aerospace Defense Command, but that organization needs to know final locations and heights. Belote said he expects that review will be this summer or fall.

My response:
In other words, Belote is not the person in charge of giving us the answer, nor is his firm (of, ahem, consultants) responsible to even provide an answer yet. Seeing as they don’t know final locations and heights and such.

Article Excerpt:
“Belote served as the first director of the Pentagon office that approves or rejects wind and solar projects around military bases. He said in his current role as a consultant that he wouldn’t advocate for a turbine project if it would hurt a military operation.”

My response:
Hmm, wonder what would happen if I google Mr. Belote? Why look at that: A website for Virginia Democrat Dave Belote, retired Air Force Colonel, looking for donations to support his run for Congress. And there’s more: Quote from the website: “After retiring from the military, Dave wrote energy policy for the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, then was vice president of a Virginia-based wind and solar developer.
Now, Dave assists businesses with energy projects that relate to national security
and the military.” (Want to see for yourself? http://www.votebelote.com/dave-belote/)

My response:
I Wonder If It’s The Same Guy? I’m thinkingthe odds are in his favor!

I will admit I put that one sentence in bolder type. I thought it was relevant. And distressing. I feel like he used his military credentials to convince and to build his credibility, but I have to say, it had quite the opposite effect, on me at least. He is a man who, once he retired from the military, made money on wind turbines, and who now works for the same kind of folks at Apex.

Read between the lines, neighbors, and you’ll find the same things I do: People from other places trying to wreck what we have here and using any means necessary, including deceit. Also, I’ve got to say: While I might have some sympathy for a real homeowner who lives lake side and might even need to make a little money, I’ve got a lot less sympathy for some politician from Virginia who’s got no real stake in this. It’s not his home. And if we lose this battle? What does he care? He just got another Wind Energy Paycheck, desecrated countryside or not.

We need to keep on keeping on, neighbors. It’s ours. Lake Ontario and all her gorgeous shores. Oak Orchard River. The Wildlife Refuge. They are ours, and some of Western New York’s greatest and most valuable assets. I’d like my children’s children and theirs to know the same wonders that I do.

Respectfully,

Karen L. Jones
Shelby

Editor:

I have just finished reading the article about State Senator Robert Ortt’s ethics reform packageI commend him for this.

While there is still much more that can be done to clean up Albany, this package is a step in the right direction. Yes, Senator Ortt is a Republican and I am a Democrat, but we are New Yorkers first, and New Yorkers deserve better than what Albany is giving us.

Sincerely,

James C. White
Gaines

Editor:

In Somerset and Yates, residents have seen the words transparency and robust used in many statements prepared by Apex Clean Energy. The wind developer wants to put 70 turbines with spinning blades that are taller than the highest building in the City of Buffalo into our rural communities.

In response, the affected towns, and Erie, Niagara, and Orleans counties, have studied the issues and said “no” to this project. The counties and the majority of the affected towns’ citizens have recognized that such structures in a rural/residential/tourist area are not appropriate for the region that already sends excess renewable hydro power throughout the state.

Apex has regularly declared that they operate in a transparent manner and plan to prepare robust studies to address the issues surrounding the proposed placement of industrial turbines in our communities. But questions surround that vocabulary.

How is it possible to be fully transparent when records readily available on the Internet show hundreds of thousands of dollars spent each year by Apex in order to reach influential federal and state officials who can advance their business goals and generate large profits for their management?

For example, the American Wind Energy Association website shows that this spring Apex will spend $50,000 alone at the upcoming AWEA conference for name badges (lanyards).  Spending this kind of money for publicity at a trade association event clearly demonstrates the unequal balance of power between mega million-dollar wind developers and the small towns they seek out. To a small town, $50,000 can mean the difference between maintaining or discontinuing a town service.

The AWEA conference Facebook page states that attendees at Windpower 2016 will learn how to be a player in Washington, which is not something rural communities or average citizens have the money to do.  This is the kind of tactic that voters across the country – whatever their politics – are rejecting.

For research to be valid, it must ask the right questions, be done in an unbiased manner, and contain accurate data. Further, all aspects of the studies must be open and available to all. When the health and wellbeing of communities are at stake, nothing should be secret or declared by a company to be proprietary.

Robust studies cannot be conducted when representatives of the affected communities are excluded from meetings discussing aspects of those studies. To exclude representatives of the affected towns is to present government officials with only the wind developer’s point of view. This is especially troubling in light of the fact that under New York State’s Article 10, towns have lost home rule and wind projects can be ordered sited by the state.

The project that Apex wants to impose upon citizens demands true transparency and truly robust, independent studies.  To do less is unfair to everyone in the region.

Peg Schwabel
Somerset

Editor:

After four months of debate the Town of Murray has finally acknowledged it is over-taxing its water districts. I would like to thank Supervisor John Morriss for confronting this issue and reaffirming the looming fact that our water department is losing money. We have come a long way since I first raised the issue and now that we are in agreement hopefully we can work towards a solution.

As acknowledged by Supervisor Morriss, the Town of Murray has been taxing water district residents in excess of the bond principal and interest payments for the loan residents agreed to borrow for installation of water line infrastructure. Your special district tax on your property is to pay back that loan not operation and maintenance. According to the original engineer’s report, “The cost for operation and maintenance is included in the water rate charged to each user of the system.”

Now begins the real work: fixing the issue. Councilman Paul Hendel suggested comparing our water rates to neighboring towns possibly raising the rates. Our water rates are in line with other municipalities. Lets’ not throw more good hard-earned money after bad. Other water departments can sustain themselves at rates and costs similar to Murray’s. So why can’t Murray be self- sustaining as well? The answer must lie in the operation of the water system itself. Instead of increasing taxes let’s investigate definitively what our problem is. Excessive salaries, too muck pork, water loss or all of the above?

Now that the Town of Murray has hired a new CPA book keeping firm, the Town Board and Water Superintendent should schedule a public work meeting to address this crisis and identify the root cause of the problem, suggest possible solutions, implement a plan and monitor the department’s performance going forward.

The Town of Murray admits we’ve been over taxed for years and our water department is still in the red. The Town owes water district residents an explanation of how we got here and how the problem will be fixed. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, dig deep and address the root cause of the problem.

Joe Sidonio
Town of Murray