Letter to the Editor on RG&E by Debra Burns

To the editor:

Regarding the article in the Jan 23rd issue of the Naples Record, "Power line put on hold" I would like to comment. Although it is true, RG&E has put the project on hold, this is only temporary. We have no idea how long this "hold" will be. In a letter to our Town Officials, RG&E stated its need to solve the "transmission problem" in Ontario County. This needs to be monitored closely. Also in this letter, RG&E says that our area (Naples/South Bristol) is the closest geographically, to the problem. Make no mistake, with growth to the north of us, and large wind power companies to the south of us, we are rapidly going to become a natural corridor for transmission lines to deliver power to and from the wind turbines. There are approx 195 wind turbine projects slated through out New York State.

We need to be ready when RG&E comes back with their next proposal. If you have not already joined the NVBHA, please consider doing so now. The group currently has approx 60 members but more support is needed. Volunteers are needed for committees – the NVBHA core group cannot do the work alone. Some of the NVBHA group has been working on the power line issue since July. Fresh blood with new ideas and people to implement them are desperately needed. Please consider joining the NVBHA team!

The NVBHA held a public meeting on Jan 23rd with fair attendance. Was the reason for the fair attendance was because of the Jan 23rd article? Folks, we are not home free - We must spread the word that RG&E is not done with us in Naples and/or South Bristol. You cannot rely on a small group to continue the fight. The NVBHA needs your help!

The NVBHA is not against "alternative energy" or "green power". The main focus of NVBHA was to oppose the overhead power lines. Recently, their focus has expanded as a result of the turbine progress that has taken place under our eyes, without much consideration of the people who live in these beautiful hills and valleys, the communities of Naples, South Bristol, Italy, and Cohocton & Prattsburgh.

People; pay attention - THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER. Rest assured, RG&E will be back and there will be more issues to overcome. If you are one of those people who say, "Why bother, there is nothing we can do", I believe, you are wrong. We, as a group, have won the 1st battle with RG&E by stalling them. You are correct, you alone cannot do anything. But, as a group, things can happen, changes can be made. Please consider joining NVBHA and get involved. If you would like more information regarding NVBHA, please visit: www.NVBHA.com or send an email to: nvbhagroup@gmail.com

Debra Burns, Naples, NY