A "no" vote on Rumford wind ordinance

To the Editor:

As a former selectman of Rumford, I urge you to vote "no" on the Rumford wind ordinance.

I believe it puts Rumford in financial danger for the following reasons:

1. No protection from lawsuits;

2. No money up front for decommissioning or community benefits;

3. Too many loopholes.

Rumford selecten were split, 3-2, and the new ordinance raises noise levels, reducing the safety setback, no free electricity, allows towers up to 450-feet tall, and wind farms nationwide make electric rates increase over 20 percent.

In June, we will have a new Board of Selectmen, so a "no" vote will give them time to make an ordinance that protects the Rumford citizens and not give a sweet deal to a taxpayer funded business.

Eddie Shurtleff,

Rumford