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Wind Turbine Hearing For Public Comment Public Information Hearing For Draft New Comprehensive Development Plan Garrett Democrats Oppose Public Land Wind Turbines Letter To The Editors Regarding Wind Turbines Letter To The Public Regarding Wind Turbines
Wind Turbine Hearing For Public
Comment
Public Information Hearing For Draft New Comprehensive Development Plan
The Garrett County Planning Commission will sponsor a public information meeting beginning at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3, 2008 at the Garrett College Auditorium. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for the public to review and comment on Chapters 5 through 11 of the Draft New Comprehensive Development Plan. These 7 chapters include: Chapter 5 - Water Resources Element; Chapter 6 - Transportation Element; Chapter 7 - Sensitive Areas Element; Chapter 8 - Community Facilities Element; Chapter 9 - Housing Element; Chapter 10 - Mineral Resources Element; Chapter 11 - Economic Development Element.
The Consultant, ERM, will provide a presentation on these 7 chapters, and a question and comment period will be provided immediately following the presentation. Chapters 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 are currently available on the County website. Interested parties may go to http://www.garrettcounty.org/events.aspx and click on the link labeled Chapters 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 of the proposed Comprehensive Plan. Chapters 5 and 9 will be available on the County website beginning Friday, February 22, 2008, and paper copies will be available in the Planning Office. Further information may be obtained in the Planning Office at 301-334-1920.
Garrett Democrats Oppose Public Land Wind Turbines
Press Release: For Immediate Release, No Embargo Wednesday, January 16, 2008 to The Republican and Cumberland Times-News Contact: James R. Stanton, Chairman, Garrett County Democratic Central Committee
The Garrett County Democratic Central Committee voted to oppose a proposal to use public state forest land to build industrial-size wind turbine plants in the Potomac State Forest and the Savage River State Forest. The GCDCC will present testimony in opposition at the Department of Natural Resources public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, January 30, 6:30 PM at Garrett College and at the DNR hearing in Annapolis Thursday, January 31, 6:30 PM at the Arundel Center.
James R. "Smokey" Stanton, Chairman, said, "All residents, voters, visitors, and businesses should attend both hearings if at all possible to voice opposition to our public lands being used in this manner. Also, everyone is urged to write letters, call, and send e-mails to the Governor, our Senator and Delegate, the County Commissioners, and the Secretary of Natural Resources letting them know of the strong opposition to the US Wind Force Proposal."
"These wind turbines are not the relatively smaller ones already in Somerset County and Grant County. The proposed turbines in the state forests are monster turbines, reaching 40 stories in height and with a huge footprint. By comparison, Garrett Memorial Hospital is about 4 stories high, and the Wisp condominiums are about 7 stories high. Turbines this tall and the very large bases will disrupt both recreational uses and good forest management practices."
"We are aware of the lobbying in Annapolis that US Wind Force is paying for, and we are aware of the law that was passed deregulating wind plants. We also know that the County has not adopted any zoning laws restricting windmill development, and the draft Garrett County Comprehensive Plan appears to encourage such development."
"The effect of those decisions is to block most opportunities for public input, therefore it is absolutely critical that the public be heard through attending and speaking at the public hearings, through letters and e-mails, and by telephone calls."
"The tactics of these developers are slick and seductive. They promise taxes, but take advantage of tax subsidies. They speak of economic development, but take advantage of 6-year depreciation. They promise jobs, but use out-of-area contractors leaving 5 or 6 minimum wage maintenance and security jobs. They promise cheap energy, but sell to the electric grid with no electricity or reduced rates for Garrett County. They claim to be environmentally sensitive, but construct transmission lines and access roads, and place no trespassing signs and guards to stop the public from using public lands. They say the gypsy moths have already eaten the forests so there is nothing to destroy."
"Now is the time for all concerned about Garrett County to stand up and be
heard opposing these proposals."
Letter To The Editors Regarding Wind Turbines
To: Editors, The Republican Newspaper and The Cumberland Times-News From: James R. Stanton, Chairman, Garrett County Democratic Central Committee Date: January 16, 2008 Re: Public Lands Use By Private Investors
Concerning the industrial wind turbine plant that US Wind Force is proposing to use on public lands, the Garrett County Democratic State Central Committee is opposed, and urges all county residents, voters, and businesses to show opposition by attending the public hearing on Wednesday, January 30, 6:30 PM, at Garrett College.
Public land should not be used for this purpose. Our state forests are essential to support our local economy and jobs, and these lands must be protected.
Large propellers sitting on our ridge tops are the reverse of the "leave no trace" philosophy of the DNR and those who live in and enjoy our County.
The same company is seeking to construct at least five additional similar plants in or near Garrett County, and there are an additional seventeen plants under consideration by other companies. These are in addition to the existing turbines already placed in Somerset County, PA, Grant County, WV, and other close-by areas. The total number of turbines in Garrett County could easily number 300-400 massive machines, each approximately 40 stories high.
We believe our environment and economic development associated with Deep Creek Lake must be protected for the future. The tourist and vacation industry of Garrett County may be damaged by this type of large scale, industrial use of public lands. The turbines will be able to be seen from most of the County, and it is likely that restrictions will be placed on use of the state forests by the public for a 20-40 year period. This type of development, and resulting restrictions, will severely damage lumbering and forest management practices, hunting, camping, hiking, fishing and other recreational uses.
The jobs resulting from this project will be extremely short term construction jobs, lasting only about six to nine months, and are described as skilled - most of these jobs will not be filled by local people. The permanent jobs may be as few as five, and these will be low-paying, minimum-wage maintenance and security jobs. This type of short-term, unstable employment will not help Garrett Countians or young families.
All of the electricity generated by the turbines will be sold to the electric power grid; none of the electricity will directly benefit Garrett County residents or businesses.
We urge everyone to attend the public hearing, and immediately contact
Governor O'Malley, all our legislators, and the County Commissioners,
stating your opposition.
Letter To The Public Regarding Wind Turbines
To: Garrett County Residents, Visitors, and Interested Persons From: James R. Stanton, Chairman, Garrett County Democratic Central Committee Date: January 14, 2008 Re: Public Lands Use By Private Investors
Good day, All:
As you may know, a company named US Wind Force has requested the State of Maryland to allow it to place at least 67 industrial-size wind turbines in Garrett County state forest land, as well as the western part of Allegany County, with more to be built on private land.
THE GARRETT COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE IS ASKING YOU TO IMMEDIATELY CONTACT GOVERNOR O'MALLEY, OUR SENATORS and DELEGATES, and the GARRETT COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, REQUESTING THEM TO OPPOSE AND STOP THE PROPOSAL TO USE PUBLIC LAND FOR THIS PURPOSE. WE ALSO URGE YOU TO ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING AT GARRETT COLLEGE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, AT 6:30 PM.
US Wind Force has proposed that the state lease public land in the Potomac State Forest and the Savage River State Forest to erect at least sixty-seven 40-story tall industrial wind turbines. The same company is seeking to construct at least five additional similar plants in or near Garrett County, and there are an additional seventeen plants under consideration by other companies. These are in addition to the existing turbines already placed in Somerset County, PA, Grant County, WV, and other close-by areas. The total number of turbines in Garrett County could easily number 300-400 massive machines.
There have been approximately 10 letters to the editor and an editorial in The Republican Newspaper, approximately 10 letters to the editor and at least one editorial in The Cumberland Times-News. An equal number of letters and an editorial have been in the Baltimore Sun. The original article in the Sun, with illustrations and maps, can be found here.
We believe our environment - forests, views, wildlife, recreation - must be preserved, and the economic development associated with Deep Creek Lake must be protected for the future. The tourist and vacation industry of Garrett County may be damaged by this type of large scale, industrial use of public lands. Turbines of the proposed size will be able to be seen from most of the County, and it is likely that restrictions would be placed on use of the state forests by the public for a 20-40 year period. This type of development may severely damage lumbering and forest management practices, it likely will restrict hunting, camping, hiking, fishing and other recreational uses. Visitors to our area come because of our beautiful mountains and scenery, not to view propellers on ridge tops in public lands.
The jobs resulting from this project will be extremely short term construction jobs, lasting only about six to nine months, and are described as skilled -- most of these jobs will not be filled by local people. The permanent jobs may be as few as five, and these will be low-paying, minimum-wage maintenance and security jobs. This type of short-term, unstable employment will not help Garrett Countians or young families attempting to make a living and is not a good trade-off.
All of the electricity generated by the turbines will be sold to the electric power grid. None of the electricity will directly benefit Garrett County residents or businesses.
Please take these three actions now:
1. Attend the Public Hearing at Garrett College, Wednesday, January 30, 6:30 PM.
2. Attend the Public Hearing in Annapolis, Thursday, January 31, 6:30 PM if you can.
3. Call, write, and e-mail your opposition to these 9 elected officials at these addresses.
Governor MARTIN O'MALLEY http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/
Senator GEORGE C. EDWARDS george.edwards@senate.state.md.us
Delegate WENDELL R. BEITZEL
Delegate KEVIN KELLY
Delegate LeROY E. MYERS, JR.
Delegate ROBERT A. McKEE
Commissioner ERNEST J. GREGG
Commissioner FREDERICK A. HOLLIDAY
Commissioner DENNIS G. "DENNY" GLOTFELTY
August 14, 2007 The Honorable Roscoe Bartlett Sixth District Representative 2412 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-2006
Dear Congressman Bartlett:
This letter is to urge your immediate attention and assistance to Garrett County residents and voters to fight the gypsy moth destruction that is taking place in Garrett County. We are aware that you have received the very well-prepared documentation of this destruction, which includes information, photos and aerial photos that show the infestation. We are also aware that our local and state government elected officials have expressed their concern to you.
We note that you have made use of the Congressional earmark system to provide approximately $45,279,000 for 18 non-defense related projects, none of which are for Garrett County. We also note that you have used the Congressional earmark system to provide approximately $270,000,000 for 32 defense-related interests. Your "earmarks" total more than 315 MILLION dollars, of which the closest project to Garrett County is in Allegany County for $39,000!
Our "special interest" - the people of Garrett County, our farmers, our foresters, our residents depending on the tourism industry for jobs, and our working families - request that you support federal assistance with the gypsy moth infestation. Funds must be made available immediately so that action can be taken to prevent three consecutive years of defoliation.
We understand that Washington is very far away from our Garrett County. We know that you often are able to attend only the Autumn Glory Festival parade. On your way up this year, you will be able to see the damage that has taken place already, and perhaps this will move you to support the request for assistance that nearly every local elected official and many community groups have requested.
This is a quiet, ever-increasing catastrophe that needs your immediate attention and assistance.
Sincerely, James R. "Smokey" Stanton
Chairman, Garrett County Democratic Central Committee
The Garrett County Democratic Central Committee unanimously adopted a resolution urging Governor O'Malley and the Maryland General Assembly to adopt legislation that enables all Maryland elections to be verified by paper for both voters and for Boards of Elections. The resolution requests that paper verification be available for use beginning with the 2008 election cycle.
The resolution states that all voters, regardless of party affiliation, must have confidence in the elections process, and that accurate counts are fundamental to open government. Maryland, like many other states, purchased and has placed into operation computer voting machines that allow touch-screen voting, but there are limited ways for voters to confirm the accuracy of electronic voting.
Garrett County uses electronic voting machines for state and local elections, and many Garrett County towns use the same machines for their elections.
The Garrett County Democratic Central Committee requested that any Maryland voter be able to obtain a paper receipt that confirms that the vote registered by the machine is the same as the vote cast by the voter. The Committee notes that grocery stores, banks, automated teller machines, credit cards, and gas stations give printed receipts. The technology for paper receipts is available, but has not been implemented by Maryland.
In a letter to Governor O'Malley, Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Michael E. Busch, Senator George Edwards, and Delegate Wendell Beitzel, the GCDCC pointed out that the Central Committee has confidence in local Boards of Elections, and that an auditable paper trail should assist with the Boards responsibilities in canvassing and tallying votes.
The Garrett County Democratic Central Committee unanimously voted to oppose House Bill 1220 and its companion Senate Bill 901, known as the Green Fund tax. Letters of opposition were sent to Governor O'Malley, Speaker Michael Busch, Senate President Mike Miller, with copies to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the House Environmental Matters Committee.
The letter states that the Central Committee supports efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay, but opposes the proposed legislation because it severely penalizes rural areas by assessing a 2 dollar per square foot charge on all new construction projects - residential, commercial, industrial, or other development - involving impervious surfaces, such as homes, roads, parking lots and driveways. The Central Committee pointed out that less than 3 percent of Garrett County's land qualifies for the lower tax rate of 25 cents per square foot, and two thirds of the county is outside the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
The letter of opposition lists concerns identified in the fiscal note developed by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services: local governments would need to hire additional staff, developers would simply pass on any additional costs to consumers, resulting in an increase in the price of new residential construction and the bill could have a negative impact on small businesses located outside priority funding areas (PFAs), or 97 percent of Garrett County. Finally, the Central Committee stated that the bill imposes a mandate on local government, and could cost the county needed, higher paying jobs.
The Central Committee also noted the opposition to the new tax by the Garrett County Commissioners, by the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, and an editorial in The Republican newspaper.
The Garrett County Democratic Central Committee testified at a special hearing held by the Garrett County Commissioners on the relocation of US Route 219, known locally as the Oakland Bypass.
The Central Committee expressed appreciation to the County Commissioners and the Maryland State Highway Administration for holding the special hearing to hear comments from citizens and residents of Garrett County.
In addition, the Central Committee, represented by Chairman James R. "Smokey" Stanton, commented on the continuing need for roads planning in all of Garrett County, especially for and around the Towns, and not only for the Deep Creek Lake area. The comments included a request for the County Commissioners to take a more broad approach to helping preserve quality of life for all Garrett County residents, inclusive of ensuring that tourism and Deep Creek Lake remain a viable economic development engine for the area, increasing good paying jobs, and increasing business in and across the County.
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