To the editor:
The vote on Sept. 28 in Oakfield is critical to the support of the Oakfield Wind Project and a brighter economic future in our area for years to come. This project will produce renewable energy, bring hundreds of jobs to the area during the construction phase and if you are a primary resident of Oakfield, your property tax bill will be reduced or eliminated.
My wife Glady and I have had a wind mill for 11 years; for this is the single best way to generate power in the world. We produce electrical energy each year without any air or water pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. The Oakfield Wind Project will generate thousands of megawatts of clean energy a year, reduce our dependence on costly fossil fuels and bring about 500 new jobs in construction and operations during the installation phase and give a boost to local businesses like trucking, lodging and restaurants while the project is under way.
First Wind has voluntarily offered Oakfield $255,000 annually to host the wind farm. $255,000 is equal to 42 percent of the total property taxes raised this year in Oakfield to support town programs and services. The town has decided to use 90 percent of these funds to reduce or eliminate property taxes for those who are primary residents of Oakfield. The other 10 percent of these funds will be used for locally approved town projects.
In addition, the wind farm will provide much needed tax revenue that can be used to improve roads and enhance services in our community. In March of this year, a Tax Increment Financing agreement was overwhelmingly adopted at our Town Meeting. The Oakfield Wind Project is expected to generate more than $10 million in revenues over the 20-year life of this agreement, enough to pay for many Town improvements and development projects during the same 20-year period. Some of the proposed projects that will be considered as tax revenues are appropriated each year during the Town’s budget process include: a new public safety building, fire station equipment, road improvements and public works equipment.
In the interest of full disclosure, please note that we will be one of a number of Oakfield property owners hosting several windmills on our land. We will be compensated for that opportunity to participate in renewable energy.
The Oakfield Wind Project will produce clean energy and bring economic opportunities to our community for years to come. We hope you will join us on September 28th at the Oakfield Town Meeting and support the Oakfield Wind Project.
David and Glady Gordon
Oakfield
