The importance of compromise

To the Editor:

Last year, the majority of voters defeated the anti-wind ordinance that was presented to them by the Board of Selectmen. Selectman Jeff Sterling took “the bull by the horns” after that vote and with the support of Selectmen Brad Adley and Mark Belanger, his compromise wind ordinance will appear on this year’s ballot.

Those of us who turned out last year to stop the anti-wind ordinance now must turn out again to vote “yes” to adopt the compromise wind ordinance. (Question 2 under Ordinances)

The new ordinance protects the residents of the area, while allowing the wind company to complete the project. This also allows local landowners to earn money for use of their land by leasing space for a tower and or a transmission line.

There will be local construction jobs created in the short term and there will be maintenance jobs that will be permanent. The project will also provide the town with much needed tax revenue.

I congratulate Selectmen Sterling, Adley and Belanger for finding a compromise and showing that Rumford is open for business.

Arthur Boivin,

Rumford