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Opinion: Hopkinton town board candidate wants to protect town from wind turbines

Posted 9/20/19

As fall approaches, so too does the opportunity to elect our local town officials with whom we will entrust our future health, safety, and well-being. We rely on their honesty and integrity to act in …

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Opinion: Hopkinton town board candidate wants to protect town from wind turbines

Posted

As fall approaches, so too does the opportunity to elect our local town officials with whom we will entrust our future health, safety, and well-being. We rely on their honesty and integrity to act in the best interest of our community as a whole, ensuring that the will of the majority guides the Town Council's approach to long-term planning and short-term goals.

I will be the first to admit that over the years I had become content with the idea that showing up to vote in November was fulfilling my civic duty and that the Town Council could, in turn, be trusted to act with everyone's best interests in mind. Unfortunately, the years of controversy over the purposed construction of industrial wind turbines in Hopkinton demonstrated how the financial gain of a few almost dictated the future of our town. We should still be concerned and vigilant due to the fact the leases are still being paid by the wind company.

As a resident of Hopkinton for over twenty years, I have enjoyed the opportunity of raising three children in the spectacular rural setting we all call home. After graduating from Parishville-Hopkinton Central School in 1990, I attended SUNY Plattsburgh and graduated with degrees in sociology and criminal justice. I have served as a member of the Parishville-Hopkinton Central School's Board of Education, have experience serving as a union steward, and would welcome the opportunity to serve as your council member for the Town of Hopkinton.

If elected, I promise to make myself available to all residents, listen to your questions and concerns, and fully research any proposals brought before the Board -- no matter how big or small. Together, we need to take steps to preserve our many wonderful historical sites and breath-taking views, protect our wilderness areas, wetlands, and watersheds, and promote responsible growth that is well-suited to our rural community while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Over the next few months I am looking forward to visiting with as many Hopkinton residents as possible in an effort to learn which issues are of particular importance to you. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at snellfortowncouncil@ gmail.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Jeff Snell

Hopkinton Town Council candidate