We've got mail!

Public Shut Out At Wind Meeting

To the editor:

I attended the Oct. 9 Potter County Planning Commission meeting and was disappointed. Friends of mine are concerned about the impact of wind turbines on not only the land value, but the quality of their life on property they have worked long and hard to improve.

On the other hand, recognize our need to develop independence from foreign oil, as well as the need to develop forms of energy that don't pollute. I have seen wind turbines bordering huge farm fields, and thought they were actually pretty, and probably a good thing.

I have since become aware of some other questions:

- Would the foundations of the wind turbines disrupt the water table, affecting local water sources, or even the Allegheny watershed?

- Does the flicker generated by these turbines affect the mental and physical health of those who live and work near them?

So it was that I decided to attend the meeting of the Planning Commission.

Before I entered, I heard an allegation that PCPC Chair Wanda Shirk had been coached by representatives of the company putting up the turbines on how to "manage" citizens who might object. That, I confess, got to me.

Layout of the room was fascinating. A large table took up approximately half the space. Around this sat the Planning Commission. Another row of chairs seated representatives from AES and the press. At least they could hear.

The back quarter of the room was taken up by a table with several very noisy computer-related machines. Then there were rows of folding chairs placed together so closely that a person had no room for his or her legs.

I couldn't hear the Planning Commission very well and was forced to lip-read until a gentleman stood directly in front of me. After he made his comment, I told him that I could now neither hear nor see, and he left.

The commission apologized for the noisy machines, which they explained could not be turned off. But they had no microphones and made no effort to speak up. The same noise created the same problem at a previous meeting.

If a large attendance is expected, surely our taxpaying public deserves the courtesy of a meeting in a room in which they can comfortably sit and listen, not to mention having their concerns heard.

I am hearing from sources I respect that space and courtesy for the public may also have been lacking during at least one County Commissioners' meeting on this subject.

I begin to feel the word "boondoggle" describes this wind turbine project. A very large amount of money stands to be made by a small number of individuals, but will there be significant benefit for the general public?

I listened to Wanda Shirk say that the issue is not about health and welfare, but really only "safety," in case a turbine should fall down. I was not able to raise any further questions about health and welfare because the time for public comment was already over. So I left the meeting, since I was unable to hear or speak.

In this case, the democratic process was "broken" and needs to be fixed. Public servants have a responsibility to conduct open meetings in an accessible fashion.

The problem could have easily been solved by removing one of the conference tables and moving chairs forward. Or finding a larger room, with no noisy machines. Perhaps a microphone could be purchased or borrowed.

If I had been more experienced at attending these meetings I might have known that my only chance to say anything was at the beginning of the meeting. That could have been made more clear.

But I left the meeting having decided that I am not in favor the wind turbines being sited in Potter County, where the water for so many areas originates. Most individuals who have studied the issues, without anything to gain or lose, have found too many potential drawbacks.

Perhaps wind turbines are a good idea for large areas where there is more wind, and fewer homes, and less chance of disrupting the health, welfare and safety of persons who live, work and drink water.

Ronnie Schenkein, DVM

Coudersport

Deer & Forests

To the editor:

I have several observations on the deer forum held in Coudersport recently.

The bulk of Pennsylvania hunters do not realize that the past 70 years of deer management represent what is probably the largest disaster of wildlife management in the nation's history.

If each hunter owned, say, 50 acres of forest land, he or she would soon get the right perspective.

Former Susquehannock District Forester Bob Lewis said at the forum that all one has to do is to examine and analyze the deer exclosure at Cherry Springs State Park. It tells the whole story. It was established about 1963.

The Game Commission offers tours of similar sites, but too few take advantage of this opportunity.

Let's now evaluate two resources Pennsylvania enjoys. One is 17 million acres of forest land and the other is the deer herd.

That is about as far as it goes with thousands of hunters. They think the two resources are about equal. In fact, quite a few believe that deer hunting provides an industry that greatly enriches our economy.

Many years ago, this viewpoint had some validity. Today, however, our forests - - though severely damaged by overpopulation of deer which threaten their sustainability - - produce millions of dollars in wood products. They provide thousands of yeararound jobs, plus untold values as clear air, water and habitat for many species of game including deer, and vast recreational opportunities.

How do deer and forests inter-relate? The forest provides the deer with food and shelter. The basic food provided for the deer are tree seedlings and saplings.

What does a forest need to regenerate itself? Believe it or not, (and many don't believe it), it takes seedlings and saplings to keep itself continually alive. The answer is obvious.

A separate problem is that of managing people. Some clear examples of this are the ill-advised lawsuits brought against the Game Commission by the leaders of the Unified Sportsman of Pennsylvania. Everyone loses through these actions.

These are simply the thoughts of an 85-year-young resident who has been hunting for 70 years and has been a forest manager for 50-plus years.

Tom W. Leete

Coudersport

'Utopia' Dream

Lives On

To the editor:

Our community is blessed with a large percentage of older citizens. These people have worked here, raised families, shopped, gone to doctors, to church, shoveled snow, painted and loved doing it. They have also paid taxes and voted.

Now they are faced with a large home, high taxes, huge heating bills, and health, home and auto insurance. They also face increasing prices for groceries and gasoline. This is a sad situation for people who look to winter with a sad heart and wonder if they will make it.

Some have used all of their nest egg put aside for vacations and good times during their retirement years. Now worry and fear invade their hopes.

My hope and God-given dream for the past four years is a senior citizens' village. The name of my non-profit organization is "Utopia, Emporium's Senior Village." I hope to build 24 small compact homes and one chapel.

Utopia is a Christian organization dedicated to the well-being of the senior citizens-- their comfort, safety and joy in living.

If anyone out there would like to donate land for homes, we would be eternally grateful. If God touches your heart, call me at 486-1704.

I have an account at Citizens Trust Bank under Utopia. Over the past four years many wonderful people have donated small amounts -- even dimes and quarters in a quart jar put out with our card on it. Not one dime has been spent, even for a stamp.

Thanks to those who have urged me on. Sometimes it is lonely out there, so please pray that God will give me the wisdom and knowledge to make this project become a reality.

Betty Parks

Cameron

LETTERS POLICY

The Endeavor believes that the free exchange of ideas is the foundation of our democratic society.

Stewardship of our community and the effective operation of our government institutions depend on a broad spectrum of voices being heard, viewpoints expressed and interests considered.

An important component of that dialogue is the local newspaper, which not only informs its readers, but also provides a forum through which citizens can express their viewpoints.

The Endeavor welcomes letters to the editor for publication each week on page two.

Our policy for letters is as follows:

--no inflammatory, vituperative or actionable content will be published;

--we reserve the right to edit letters for brevity, spelling and grammatical errors;

--letters should be brief (preferably under 500 words).

--letters than have already appeared in other newspapers will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

The Endeavor welcomes the expressions of viewpoints from all of its readers.