Wind-farm law irks new officials

HAMMOND — Future municipal officers of the town of Hammond are shaking their heads about the outgoing Town Council's decision to adopt a law regulating commercial wind farms, saying the board knew that the Hammond voting public was not comfortable with it.

Ronald W. Bertram, who will take over the supervisor position from Janie G. Hollister, and Dr. James R. Tague, who will fill one of two expiring council seats, said the development was disturbing.

"I'm a little disappointed," Mr. Bertram said. "The voting public expressed a view of not being happy with the law as it is. I thought we'd be taking a look at it, and would come up with a compromise that was more acceptable to everyone."

The incoming supervisor said that once the new board takes office, it may have to seek legal counsel on how best to deal with the new law.

"I think the law, in its present form, is a good starting point. But it doesn't cover all of the issues that have been raised," Mr. Bertram said. "I would assume the law could be amended. Until I'm in office, and can seek legal counsel, I honestly don't know what the best course of action is. We will be happy to seek legal advice whether to repeal it or to amend it, and keep working on it."

Concerned Residents of Hammond already has filed a lawsuit, on Tuesday in state Supreme Court. The lawsuit cites State Environmental Quality Review Act violations, as well as violations of the Open Meetings Law and conflicts of interest. Plaintiffs are Pamela Winchester, James W. Brown, Roseanne E. Whittier, William C. Tanner and Christopher J. McRoberts.

The lawsuit cites the Hammond Town Council, including Mrs. Hollister and councilmen Ronald E. Tulley II, James C. Pitcher, Russell Stewart and James E. Langtry, and Code Enforcement Officer James R. Gleason.

Dr. Tague echoed the sentiments of Mr. Bertram, saying he feels the board's decision only hurts the town.

"My big feeling is that they knew the voting population did not approve of the wind law in its present state. I felt that we would be given the opportunity to work on trying to write a wind law that was appropriate. Because of their actions, it hurts the town of Hammond," Dr. Tague said. "It's why we were elected. They knew that, and went ahead anyway. It's an extremely self-serving action."

The Town Council will hold its final regularly scheduled meeting of 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the town offices.