Final thoughts

To the Editor:

As you may recall, last November, Rumford’s wind advisory committee created a wind ordinance that was based on the town of Dixmont’s wind ordinance. In doing so, they created a document that would have forced a permanent moratorium on wind power in this community, both personal and commercial.

The citizens of Rumford were wise enough to see through this and voted the ordinance down. Since then, the board of selectmen have worked to create another wind ordinance, which in my opinion is very fair and would allow wind development while also protecting the citizens of Rumford.

There are many financial benefits to the town by having this type of development come to this area. We are already a very green-energy producing town with hydro power, biomass and natural gas. Wind could be an added piece of the green energy puzzle and would also be a great benefit to the local economy while the turbines are being built.

How many opportunities will this town have to reap the benefits of an $80-$100 million investment? Please don’t be duped by all the negative and misinformation being spewed by the anti-wind zealots.

The monies generated from tax revenue would surely help offset our municipal budgets and take some of the pressure off the taxpayers. I urge you to join me in voting "yes" on the wind ordinance.

I have made the decision not to run for a third term, but here are a few final thoughts: I’ve worked on the town’s budgets for six years and have fought for you, the taxpayer. I still feel that our municipal budgets are much too large for our decreasing population.

I remain concerned about where our town is headed. Both union and non union employees of the town continue to demand wage increases and health insurance cost increases which account for approximately two-thirds of our total municipal budget. It is unfair to the seniors who are footing this bill and to the private sector which remains on life support. When was the last time you received a pay increase?

The secret ballot gives you the power to let your voice be heard. Realize that a no vote on any budget item does not shut down the government. It forces the selectmen to go back to the table and bring forth a more reasonable budget figure. The ball is in your court.

In closing, I would like to thank the Rumford citizens who have supported me during the last six years. It has been an honor to serve you in that capacity.

Mark Belanger,

Rumford