Consumer's Energy Offers a Bribe

[XLFD]

I have stayed away from the ongoing land-based wind turbines debate in Mason County, up to now, because I have been conflicted about it.  I do believe people have the right to put up, or allow to be put up, a wind turbine on their property if they so wish.  As such a structure may influence a variety of factors to their neighbors (sound, flicker, safety, property values, etc.), I believe there should be protections in the zoning policies to make sure these are taken into account.  These should reflect the past and current concerns of these neighbors, and do so in a manner that doesn't cramp the rights of those who would have turbines on their property.

 

The existing zoning policy for wind turbines was constructed a few years back when the imminent placement of these structures were not fully anticipated by the public at large.  The setbacks for property lines were only 1.5 times the height of the structure, which would be about 750 ft. for these 500 ft. high turbines.  A citizen named Wally Carrier made a very valid point at a recent meeting (and in the LDN) that workers who tended turbines of this height were, by company protocol, to wear hard hats at distances over 1000 ft from the turbines.  Some in the 'safe setbacks' crowd wish to make the setbacks over a mile, which would be a definite dealbreaker for such turbines.  Of course, Consumer's enjoys the prospect of the current rules, and are fighting to keep them that way.

 

On Tuesday, May 17, 2011 the Ludington Daily News published news of a "Good Neighbor Fund".  LDN Article 5-17-2011   This is $2 million used "to address possible qualifying issues" with the wind energy park.  "It will be up to community leaders to determine how best to use the fund."  They "hope the fund will help the company be a better neighbor.  Dan Bishop of Consumer's describes the fund as "another positive value-added-benefit to help leaders in the community move the process forward. 

 

Here's a Michigan law:  Bribery of Public Official 

Can we agree that this is nothing but subtle-yet-not-so-subtle bribery of our public officials into making a Consumer's Energy-friendly policy?   Commissioner Erickson sure likes this fund.

 

In the same article, we learn that the Mason County Rural Fire Authority has come out in favor of the wind turbines citing the reason of a "significant increase in Rural Fire District tax receipts." 

Apparently, public officials like more taxpayer money for themselves to use, just like Consumer's, who will have more than half the cost of this 'wind farm' subsidized by the taxpayers.  Who loses? 

[Sweater Cows!]

so why not have the setbacks at 1001feet?

 

I would rather see the wind turbines be made for 'homesteads' like my neighbor told me of being a kid on the farm south of custer and having a switch(valve) that would turn the water(windmill) from the barn to the house. I would rather see wind used for electric my a family farm or a cluster of houses. Why should some company get to make money off the land/wind in this county and (most importantly) send that power elsewhere

[XLFD]

The setback issue should be argued between the county's citizens and their representatives, and a sensible policy can be adopted that falls between the two extremes.  This 'fund' is a carrot in front of the representatives, whose attention will be diverted from their constituents with the setback issues. 

Personal windmills are great, and I wholeheartedly endorse anyone who wishes to erect these structures on your property, with deferences to your neighbor(s), to take yourself off the power grid.  Be sure to have plenty of storage batteries, if you do so.

[XLFD]

The more full page ads in the Ludington Daily News that broadcast these bribes are pushing me further and further into the camp of the 'safe setbacks' crowd.  In todays LDN, p. A8, Jack Hanson, a senior VP of Consumer's says: "We'll be talking with county officials and community leaders to determine the best way to use this fund.  Those details will be made public once they've been worked out."

 

Why can't these details be worked out at a public meeting before any public decisions are made, Neighbor Hanson?

[Sweater Cows!]

I had the same question. They at first make it sound like the money is for adjacent land owners, meaning a payoff basically, but I think the county and its citizens should decide what to do with the money.

[XLFD]

And can you bet that the money won't be available if the County Commissioners push the setbacks up to a quarter of a mile (less than 3 times the height of the turbines) or more?

[Willy]

I don't want to see those monstrosities dominating Mason county's beautiful country side.

[XLFD]

Most do find them aesthetically unpleasing; but last night the County Commissioners had a chance to change the setbacks to a reasonable 1300 ft. and not continue to be tools of the special interests, but this lost on a 7-3 vote.  The few concessions made were insignificant. 

These (mostly) spineless public servants are more concerned with padding their tax base and doling out their $2 million bribe money to whatever cause they decide to.  I encourage the many people that will be adversely affected by this to band together and by the initiative process, get safe setbacks.  Consumer's cannot bribe everyone in the county.

[Robert]

http://arcadiawindstudygroup.org/?utm_source=awsg-all&utm_campa...

 

A very complex topic but the COPCO bribe just the tip of the ice burg. 1000' setback? I think you should take this issue seriously because once they get one in you will live with them for a generation, no turning back. 

[XLFD]

Very interesting link, Robert, I added it to my favorites list.  I advise anyone who has concerns about the possible problems imposed by wind turbines to check it out. 

Also note the parallel of how Duke Energy is acting in Manistee County and how CE is acting here in Mason County.   Just remember, when a neighbor comes over to your property and makes a nuisance of himself, you have the right to throw him out. 

Heck, in Ludington the appointed City Manager can throw you out of public areas you pay for without you even being declared a nuisance, LOL.

[Willy]

Arcadia is one area of Michigan I love to visit. I would be sickened to see those monsters installed there. Your right Robert,  once they begin to install them, that will be the end of the beautiful vistas here in Michigan. These Industrial towers will not be a financial benefit. I wish someone would unite all the groups who are againts them here in Michigan because the stategy of dividing people is being masterfully used by the companies who are trying to take advantage of our natural wonders.

[Sweater Cows!]

That's a great page you linked. People here should read it right away.

[Robert]

Willie,

Unfortunately  most of the groups formed are reactive, rather than proactive. It looks like the thumb area will eventually host up to 5,000 wind turbines and while a vast area of farmland, the non farmers have the most to lose. In an already depressed market, some peoples life investment, dreams, have become valueless.

Please note:

I am not a zealot, pound on the table type person  but consider my choice to call West Michigan my home the biggest in my lifetime. I find myself hard pressed to find any factual information world wide that suggests wind energy works. Take away the subsidies, a surcharge on your energy bill and these projects wouldn’t be happening.  If it was such a great thing private industry would be lining up for a chance to cash in on this bonanza. The geniuses in government set these unattainable mandates  much like the corn for gas folly. Each and every one of us is paying (the corn for gas folly) and that approach extends to world hunger claims (Ms. Clinton).

If the Thumb Farmers want them, Gratiot County, perfect. While reluctant to join the LT because I am removed by 60 some miles, I think most will agree tourism is what drives our communities. Life long resident, with generational ties, a fifty year resident or a new transplant like myself (five years) I believe West Michigan is not the place to prove what is wrong with wind energy all over the country.

All for personal wind mills that directly benefit the investor/property owner and the community as a whole. Keep in mind, only four buildings in Detroit exceed  the height of the behemoths planned for our communities.

The above stated opinion is mine alone and by no means representative of the AWSG.