We need a wind energy financial public hearing!

To the Editor:

Unfortunately, Rumford officials have taken over 15 months to reach their current impasse on the path to provide a protective, but fair wind energy ordinance. A proper ordinance is essential to protect and enhance Rumford’s environmental and financial assets.

The proposed ordinance should be voted down in June to allow a planned approach accompanied by a six to 12-month moratorium on wind development.

We need time to conduct a wind energy financial public hearing. The hearing should focus attention on the facts and perceptions of benefits to be derived if the voters approve a wind energy ordinance leading to the development of a wind energy facility on our local mountaintops.

The following items for discussion should be included:

* Description of the First Wind proposal (number of turbines, total project value, assessed taxable value).

* Projected tax revenue (without TIF, with TIF).

* Use of tax revenue funds (tax reduction, economic development, etc).

* Other tangible benefits (Need to be quantified).

* Decommissioning of turbines at end of life (financial concerns and surety).

* Cost of electricity in Rumford (going up or going down).

* The potential profitability for landowners who sell or lease land to wind developers. They must be considered.

* The potential loss of property value for homeowners. They must be considered.

* Opportunity to sell electricity to Southern New England (Real or not real).

I hope the Rumford citizens will agree that we must sift through the financial facts to provide a path for clarity and reconciliation. It’s really all about money! The developer expects to win big. The voters may believe that they will receive a large tax reduction.

Let’s ensure that our voters are exposed to the facts, both pro and con.

Len Greaney,

Rumford Center