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| Letters to the Editor (10-21) |
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Posted: Tuesday, October 20, 2009 11:19 pm
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No wind farm in Greenvale
To the editor:
I am writing to voice concern about the proposed Greenvale Wind Farm.
Yes, we need more sources of renewable energy. That is not in dispute. What is, however, is that the wind farm project area (roughly 820 acres) is home to more than 20 families, which, for a wind farm, is a highly populated area. There are no other wind farms in the seven-county metro. The known health risks (the MN Department of Health has published a White Paper on the subject), safety issues, quality of life and the substantial decrease in property values are the reasons why wind farms are generally developed in remote areas. Additionally, I would like to point out:
• The landowners that have agreed to lease land for the project do not live in the area.
• The companies proposing the project, Medin Renewable Energy and Sparks Energy, are start-up enterprises with no experience in alternative energy or wind farming. They do not know how many, what size or where the turbines will be. They do not have a concrete plan to get the energy to the grid.
• Within the project area, there are fourth and fifth generation family farms, and Lorence’s Strawberry Farm, which attracts thousands of people per year to Northfield.
• Turbines disintegrating in high winds (yes, it happens!) is not only a concern because of human safety but there is a major gas line running directly down the east side of the project area.
• Many large stands of trees in the area act as sanctuaries for migrating flocks and there are wetlands attracting thousands of geese, ducks and other waterfowl each year. There are coyotes, deer, pheasants and wild turkeys, among numerous others. This site is not simply composed of commercial corn or soybean production, but is instead a richly diverse landscape teeming with wildlife.
• Greenvale offers a rural character in commutable distance to the Twin Cities that has become more and more rare. It should be conserved for future generations.
We can develop new sources of energy without adversely affecting so many people and defiling a special and unique tract of green space. Wind farms belong in remote areas with very limited numbers of people. The detriments to people and property greatly outweigh the benefits in this case. The PUC should deny the permit to build it.
Ann Occhiato
Northfield
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Parent feels better now
To the editor:
As another Wednesday approaches, I find myself with a few less questions and a feeling of hopefulness regarding the early release/late start.
Since my last letter was published I have had the opportunity to speak with a couple school board members, teachers and the school superintendent. During these discussions I felt I was able to share my concerns and skepticism of the PLC meeting times and hear their view point of the program. I don’t completely agree with the schedule change, and I’m not sure if I think we are going to see big improvements in our students’ test scores and overall learning. I do feel more hopeful, however, because the school board assures me they are highly scrutinizing this program and are expecting to see results. If the PLCs are as beneficial as they say they will be, as a parent I can look forward to seeing the impact on my own kids. If measurable improvement is not demonstrated, I am hopeful that the program will be reconsidered.
In my discussions with the board members and superintendent, I appreciated their openness to hearing my ideas on alternative meeting times. I suggested a few other options to the mid-week change such as an early Friday release for all academic levels. They genuinely seemed open to suggestions and encouraged me and others to contact them with any ideas. So this is an opportunity as parents to make your voice heard. There are so many parents talking about their frustration and anger with the schedule change. Now is the time for parents to let the school board and administration know directly how they feel and what suggestions they may have.
My challenge to parents is to be proactive. Write or call the administration and directly share your concerns. Stay vigilant with evaluating the program for success. Talk with teachers individually and ask them what changes they are making. Make suggestions to the board on alternate meeting times. Ask lots of questions and hold the district accountable. Bottom line, make your voice heard.
I want the best possible education for my kids and I know my fellow parents do as well. I am open to change if it is going to positively impact my kids. So I am keeping an open mind despite my hesitation of the change. And I am keeping my eyes open for results.
Kari Elliason
Northfield
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Proud our president won Nobel Prize
To the editor:
I am deeply proud of President Obama and the great honor he has received for our nation in the Nobel Peace Prize. He is putting our country back on track. I came of age during the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights struggle, and I have not been proud of my country very often in the latter half of the 20th Century. I thank President Obama for the renewal of hope and pride in my country so much so that I bought a flag to fly next to my Obama sign during the election. Now I can have pride in my country under President Obama’s leadership.
I am deeply grateful for this honor, because the President of my country understands that human relationship, and human connection is the greatest and most evolved form of protection. He knows that:
… my United States does not sanction torture.
… my United States supports and upholds the Geneva Conventions.
… my United States upholds the rule of law.
… my United States does not rig elections.
… my United States does not start wars!
… my United States does not force democracy because that is an oxymoron.
… my United States inspires and leads by example.
… my United States is a nation of immigrants.
… my United States supports the Kyoto accords, and takes care of the environment we live in.
… my United States takes care of its people, the health of its people, and its own environment.
… my United States was built on beautiful human principles expressed in its constitution, it aspires toward their fulfillment, and does not allow their erosion.
… my United States leads the world in its stand for freedom, liberty, democracy, peace … but also for justice for all!
So let’s celebrate this transformational moment and let’s continue to help this administration put our country back on track and be the country we can truly be proud of.
Dorothea Hrossowyc
Northfield
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Central government won’t succeed
To the editor:
Conservatives, in their concern that freedom is maximized and that the trend towards increasing governmental control be minimized, recognize that as our population increases and our daily lives become more complex and inter-related, government continues to have a significant role.
Government has essential tasks to perform in such domains as education, infrastructure, public health, public safety and sound financial and commercial activities. Establishing the balance of responsibility for these domains between individuals, communities and government is a healthy and proper role of political debate. Hence we should welcome conservative and liberal perspectives.
Today, however, there are some characteristics of our present life that I assume are not good. It is not good that the recovery appears to be jobless; that many are living paycheck to paycheck often on borrowed money; that many in the world are hungry, and lack good education and health care; and that, in dealing with our challenges, the federal government is running up a huge debt for us and our children that will surely cause a standard of living gap between what we would like to have and what we can afford.
Perhaps we should take the opportunity to define a 21st Century mindset that would be more frugal and Spartan and less materialistic. Perhaps we should examine whether it is reasonable that all should work 40 hours per week, 50 weeks per year, till age 70. Perhaps it is not advisable that everyone spend all their income plus borrowed money from credit cards and perceived home equity plus money from our children and grandchildren. Perhaps we should prepare our society, through education and tax policies, for a new age of innovation. Perhaps, except in the instances of true national emergencies, the federal government should prepare a balanced budget. Perhaps if the right feels it owns liberty and the left feels it owns equality, we should discover who owns community — what significant advances in performance, efficiency and economy free people, together and voluntarily, can accomplish.
A look at history will show the dismal failures of socialism, communism and arbitrary central government. Such a look will also show the accomplishments of individual initiative, innovation, responsible capitalism, maximum local control and freedom.
Mike Piper
Bridgewater Township
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Thanks for making walk successful
To the editor:
The Rice County Humane Society held its first Susan Perry Memorial Walk for the Animals on Oct. 10 at Spring Creek Park in Northfield. We had a great turnout of dogs and people — proof that weather does not stop animal lovers from raising money and showing support for our mission to help the homeless animals of Rice County. It was a great tribute to our friend Susan Perry, who was tireless in her love and support of both animals and their people. Pastor Dan Clites of Rejoice Church offered a very moving tribute and prayer for Susan and a blessing of the animals for everyone. A great big thanks is due to our volunteers, walkers, dogs and especially the very generous Northfield Business Community for their donations of prizes and funds for this event. Those of you who weren’t able to attend can still send donations to the Rice County Humane Society by mail or on our Web site.
Please remember that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and we have special adoption rates this month.
On behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves, thank you to everyone who helped make this event successful.
Please remember to spay and neuter your pets and help reduce pet overpopulation.
Kathy Jasnoch
Vice president, Rice County Humane Society |
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Ann, great points regarding where wind farms should be located. Wind farms are a necessity in the goal of achieving energy independance. However, locations should be greatly scrutinized.
Yes good points Ann. I too think that wind turbine siting should first have local recommendation and input before any decision is made. Siting should not only be done by some bureacrat or panel behind a desk in St. Paul.
This was a poor decision by the legislature when they hastily put through the renewable energy standards when it was the energy companies lobbying for their position when who was protecting the rights of locals and private property owners? Nobody!
The state legislation is only in place if the local authority (township) does not have an ordinance. You can thank Greenvale for not being on top of that. Greenvale could still put a moratorium on windmills until they get their act together with a good ordinance. Aside from that, what about the rights of the property owner who wants to allow these windmills? I thought less government intrusion was the ultimate goal. Land use rights have nothing to do with how long someone has owned a piece of property, whether there are birds and coyotes in the area or who pays the most in property taxes. These same people will also try to stop normal agricultural uses of the property if they get the chance. By the way, the signs in front of your place look a lot worse than looking at a windmill in the distance.
Yeah windturbines in the distance sure but in your backyard?
Yes, I concur with private property rights but there is a balance and community standards or you would have feedlots on every corner and delapitated buildings with no recourse.
Large wind energy conversation systems (five megawatts and over) are subject to state jurisdiction and review not local jurisdiction and review.
https://webrh12.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=216F.011
Small wind energy conversation systems (under five megawatts) are subject to local jurisdiction and review (Minnesota Statute 216F.02). Wind energy conversion systems between five and 25 MW can be subject to local jurisdiction if counties, with notice to the Commission, assume permitting responsibility (Minnesota Statute 216F.08). This assumption requires a county board resolution and notice to the Commission.
Since the Greenvale site is 11 MW it is exempt from local siting requirements or restrictions.
On the other hand, if land use decisions were made via a public popularity contest, nothing would get done. I side with the private property owner's right to use his property over any property owner 500 feet away that think they can stop it by using bogus emotional outcries.
I couldnt disagree more. 500 ft do you know how ridiculously close that is? Would you live next to one of these at 500 ft? How about if I had the property next to yours on the south and I decided to put in a new feed lot would you feel the same that 500 ft is adequate?
These are not emotions these are real safety, health and welfare concerns being raised by local residents who actually live on the property that is being affected.
I too am a property rights advocate but that does not mean the rights of one trump the rights of another.
And know it is not based on a popularity contest. You have rules in place to keep it fair for both sides and if you meet the rules you are issued the permit.
dapa2 said - "You have rules in place to keep it fair for both sides and if you meet the rules you are issued the permit."
Are you contending that they are not meeting the rules, dapa2?
If they are, then they should get the permit, right?
NotYou what I was saying is that this windfarm falls under the rules passed by the legislature that bypasses local control and puts it in the hands of bureaucrats in St. Paul. The standards that were put in place for siting hastily by the Legislature and done with much lobbying by the green energy folks and energy companies fall far short of common sense and are far too easy to get a permit ..... that is what I am saying. 500 ft is not common sense as a set back. Just look around the nation and you will see common sense.... larger setbacks and local control ..... but not in Minnesota.