Stop screaming "no"

To the Editor:

As a voting, taxpaying resident of Dixfield, I am continuously baffled and disappointed in the anti-wind movements fear of allowing an up or down vote to settle the issue of wind towers in our town.

We as a community have been debating whether we want to allow commercial wind power development for three years now. There have been numerous public forums and informational meetings. A moratorium was enacted, extended, and expired. Wind farms have been erected in two towns close to ours, and several more are debating their worth. After all this, the people of the town of Dixfield know what this vote means. Yes or no. We are not stupid. Patriot has indicated if this ordinance fails, it will not pursue any more development in our town. This vote is it.

To the anti-wind supporters, please stop the fear tactics. In his recent letter, Mr. Mitchell, a prospective selectman, asserted that $40 million of increased town valuation would only benefit “politically connected contractors” and other straw men, along with possibly leaving us with no school system at all. When one reads that nonsense, it brings into question whether he even believes that, or is just trying to scare people.

To Dixfield’s two anti-wind selectman, please allow the citizens to have an honest, legal vote. The fact is, the last time a complete board voted whether or not to put the ordinance on the ballot, the majority decided to do so. Trying to nullify that vote is an affront to the intelligence and morals of our town. Burying your decision to try and do so in bogus legalese only makes it more insulting.

This letter is not for or against wind power. It is a plea to allow the whole town to decide, once and for all. Stop screaming "no" in our faces.

Ben Skibitsky,

Dixfield