To the Editor:

Hopkinton voters, and all North Country citizens, should be aware of an attempt to erode local control of land use and taxation. The New York State Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), ushered in by the ex-governor, claims it can override local laws and ordinances, grant tax exemptions, or set property tax rates, in order to "streamline and expedite the siting of major renewable energy projects and transmission facilities." We need elected officials who will promote local controls by "opting out" of automatic state exemptions and calling for preservation of "Home Rule," under the NYS Constitution.

I understand the peril of global warming and the need for the development of renewable energy. It’s long overdue! But poorly sited wind projects and corporate money grabs of taxpayer money are counterproductive. Let’s maintain our right of home rule!

One of the candidates running for Hopkinton Town Council was extremely outspoken in his support of the North Ridge Wind Project from which his family would have benefited financially. Another Hopkinton candidate omitted the maps from her submissions of local wind laws to the NYS Department of State. Those omissions would have drastically changed the locations of turbines.

Avoid the divisions of the past and maintain local control over local matters. Look for and support independent “Home Rule” candidates.

Play it safe and only vote the "Home Rule" Party line in November! Elect John Burns and David Hannon to Hopkinton Town Council!

Sandy Maine
Potsdam