County should approve wind PILOT

As I observed the Board of Legislators meeting on the wind farm payment-in-lieu-of-taxes plan Nov. 24, I was impressed with the action of the board in its effort to learn all the facts surrounding this very complex issue.

Although this can be an emotional issue to many, the audience in attendance proved to be patient and courteous to both sides during the public comment period. It was refreshing to see such a difficult topic handled by all with dignity and respect.

As a local business owner who hopes to gain some measure of additional commerce from the wind farm, I am not a disinterested third party. It is my hope that the board will see the economic benefits, both in jobs and PILOT revenues, as something we badly need in the north country.

I truly am respectful and sensitive to the concerns of the residents of Henderson and Ellisburg. There is no perfect solution to the economic challenges we face here in Jefferson County, and any business or industry that comes will have both positive and negative attributes. But I believe this project, as benign as it will be during operation, deserves approval and support from the board. I ask you not let this once-in-a- lifetime opportunity slip away.

Michael Campbell

Sackets Harbor