Time for new leaders in Warren and StarkLast Wednesday night, the town board of Warren approved the Jordanville Wind project. The board determined that any negative impacts of the project had been substantially and adequately mitigated and that the project deserved a special use permit. During the last several weeks, the board has been meeting behind closed doors to discuss this highly contentious project. Even Wednesday night, the board adjourned to another two-hour closed session while the public was left to wonder how board members were dealing with the sensitive issues facing them. They emerged from their closed session to quickly and unanimously approve the project. No public input was allowed. The next night, the Stark town board conducted itself in the same fashion, approving a special use permit for this project without public input. So much for open government, the democratic process and obeying the laws of the state of New York. Whether you are a supporter of this project, an opponent or have no position but just want to understand the issues, the town boards of Warren and Stark have denied you the right to listen and participate in the process. This is an affront to good government and good neighbors. Perhaps it is time for new leadership in these communities. Harry Levine is president of Advocates for Springfield. Harry Levine Springfield Center
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