Prattsburgh discord a disappointment

To the Editor,

The Town of Prattsburgh has recently undergone a division unlike any seen in its history. The citizens are in such disharmony over the building of wind mills. Nestled between the hills and valley of the Finger Lakes, this small community is usually known for its loyalty and unfathomable spirit. Instead it is a town divided.

I have lived in Prattsburgh for more than 60 years and raised six children here. It is a wonderful community. Through all of those years, I have never seen such discord as there has been in the last few months over the wind mill situation. On June 17, 2008, the Town Board had a meeting which was heavily attended by both those for and against the wind mills. The meeting turned into a circus.

There are seven landowners who are unwilling to sign easements which would allow for the wind mills to be built on their property or for the use of their roads. Frankly, I do not understand their objection. Given the current environmental crisis we are facing, I would think that an environmentally conscious person would support wind power. Apparently the landowners are also opposed to the eminent domain power the town intends to invoke. Although again, I just do not understand their reasoning. If the town does not gain access to the property or roads, then the county or the state may invoke such eminent domain power and take whatever rights the town currently has away from it. I would just like to see the town maintain some control over the situation and possibly allow the citizens to benefit financially, instead of the state or the rest of the county.

I attended the meeting and am unsure how many, if any, of the seven landowners, also attended. There was a paparazzi wanna' be there, though. This woman, who I shall call the Flower Child, had a video camera and kept shoving it into the face of the audience members. At one point, the camera was directed at me, and I was not happy about it. Apparently the woman did not understand that I have rights as well. That is, the right not to be harassed.

Several days following the Board meeting, the Flower Child wrote an interesting article in the paper. Although I am flattered by her reference to the "middle aged man" comment, I am appalled that she felt the need to call me a "creep." I do not know what I have done to this woman. We all have the right to speak our peace. She and the other advocates opposing the wind mills want to be heard, but apparently do not want the voice of anyone else to be recognized.

I understand the views and opinions held by the individuals opposing the wind mills, but wonder whose interest they really have at heart. They talk about the death of the birds and the ice creating a problem. What about the benefit to the community? The only community they seem to care about is their little plot of land on the hill. Do they ever attend or participate in any other town activities? Prattsburgh is a town that has deep rooted traditions. We have our sports teams and organization; our Sunday breakfasts and chicken bar-b-q's. We are a tight knit community. It saddens me to see it so divided.
Edward H. Parker
Prattsburgh