The following Letters to the Editor are from the October 2024 issue of The Lenawee Voice. Letters should be 350 words or fewer and may be emailed to [email protected]. If space is limited, preference will be given to local authors and local topics. Please include your town of residence and a phone number for verification.
Green energy opponents are costing our communities more and more money
The fight against green energy continues to grow more expensive for township residents.
The fight started with a once little-known group in Riga called Interstate Informed Citizens Coalition back in 2009. The director fought off a wind farm in Riga and the surrounding area, chasing the project north to Gratiot County and leaving Lenawee County a huge loss in economic development. The IICC director has now become a Lenawee County Commissioner and has teamed up with a large statewide law firm that successfully implemented exclusionary zoning across the state, causing the state to react by passing PA233. The organized group Our Home Our Voice attempted a failed referendum to overregulate agricultural land, restricting farmers’ ability to diversify their farms. Now this group is attempting to start another war, costing rural townships even more money.
The Riga Township board, which uses this same law firm, recently discussed a law firm billing of $2,900 for the month of May. A board member asked why the planning commission is continually contacting the law firm for advice. At a Blissfield Township Planning Commission hearing it was learned that commission members were in contact with the law firm without permission from the board. How much did this cost township residents? At a Sept. 3 Palmyra Township Planning Commission meeting, it was revealed that a recent meeting with the statewide law firm cost the township $2,500 for one in-person meeting.
At the Aug. 14 Palmyra Township Planning Commission meeting, it emerged that the recommendations of the statewide law firm would result in a proposed ESA Solar development going to the Michigan Public Service Commission. Palmyra Township would lose out on $870,000 in state incentives from a fund set up to reward municipalities that create a local renewable energy ordinance compatible with state law. This money could go a long way in supporting our schools, fire departments and police patrols while giving residents some needed tax relief.
Is this in the best interests of the residents of Palmyra, Riga and Blissfield townships, or is this protracted fight against solar power being undertaken in the interests of outsiders with other motivations?
— Paul Wohlfarth, Ottawa Lake
Consider the contrasts
After watching the Republican and Democratic conventions, I am excited about the opportunity provided to U.S. voters this November. To choose light over dark; good over bad. To choose to move forward or look backward. To choose to set a course that continues to strengthen America as a multi-racial, diverse nation or that seeks grievance via white nationalism. We have a stark choice this fall when we cast our ballots.
The RNC showed an America that I grew up in — white and dominated by patriarchy. Its leader will continue to ensure his own self-enrichment and aggrandizement. Our basic freedoms have been shown to be at risk: family planning decisions; who we love; what we read; who can vote – to name a few! I was shown a vision of America that needs to be rejected.
The DNC showed an America of who we are: Black, white, brown, handicapped, male, female, etc. I want to continue to see our nation take advantage of the Kamala Harris vision of freedom. To continue weaving this great tapestry of America through our strengths and hopes, our freedom to choose — policies that continue to improve our water and air; government structures that support public education, strengthen our taxes, care for the most vulnerable, etc. The list could go on. We were shown a vision of America that provides hope, freedom and, yes, joy! Hope for a better future for all Americans. Joy to be an American.
Consider the contrast you — we — are offered this fall. I look forward to choosing a forward-looking leadership team with policies that strengthen all of America.
— Pat Bogusz, Tecumseh
