A New Chapter

A decision. 

Finally.  

A split decision, but a decision nonetheless.

The Board of Health adopted a mitigation plan (don't ask me the details, because I don't have a clue).  In less than a half hour meeting (somehow managed to be conducted without an executive session), a motion was made, seconded and voted on.  

The blades will turn pursuant to the mitigation plan, details of which I am sure at some point will be public.

There was another motion relative to authorizing the chair of the B of H to essentially commence the process to obtain information for recommendations to the board for process of and hiring of a consultant, including determining methods of funding.  

If you were there and feel I am off on this motion, please feel free to chime in, because between not being able to hear everything and the limited discussion, that is what I walked away with as to the gist of the motion, so by all means if you believe something was missed or omitted, let me know.

That vote was also 2 to 1, which I couldn't quite figure out.  Whether you supported the amended order or not, it seems everyone was in agreement with the concept of needing expert advice on "something".  I am sure there was a reason articulated as to why you would be opposed to beginning the process to get it, but quite honestly I couldn't hear it.  

They need a P.A. system in that room.  They really do.  It is getting to the point if you actually want to hear what's going on you are in fact better off staying home.  That aside ...

Another chapter closed, but still more than a few to go before this is over.

Next, chapter ...

Well before that, another chapter closed ...

Any further action by a steering committee.  Stated purpose of the steering committee now resolved. Determination and ruling as to compliance and operation made.  Whether you still feel the need to push your unity agenda, you ain't really got the noise findings "violation" as a basis for it it this point.   

Next battle line for the weight of the selectmen to be thrown at is the consultant thingy I think.  That one should be interesting to say the least.  

Don't see where the developers will be appealing since apparently the B of H adopted the developers mitigation plan.  Whether there is a viable option for any other party to appeal at this point based on the decision, don't know.

That leads us to the next chapter, the plot of which of course has been entwined with the plot in the previous chapter.  

The September 9th election.  If you are anti turbines, the latest B of H action has essentially made the election crucial for your position.  Your avenues have become extremely limited.

You can sue based on all the nuisance claims raised.  You can attempt an appeal of the latest decision.  Both will be costly.  Both will require experts to the level that will qualify as experts in the eyes of the court or a regulatory board.  Both which I would hazard a guess will be time consuming and very expensive.  Neither of which would seem to hold much promise for your long term goals under existing standards, laws and regulations.

Put in a cold, hard reality:  your present best shot is a change in the make up of the board, hoping that change will result in a reversal of position.  

If you are pro turbine, the upcoming election is just as crucial.  The latest decision is as good as it gets for pro turbine at this point.  You have to be thinking though that it stays that way only so long as the B of H maintains the current thought process.  The election is just as crucial for your position.

We can't forget J. Q. Public.  Just how many of those people are going to be going to the polls though?  

Energy is driving this election in more ways than one.  Which group is more energized is going to determine this election.  Such an obvious statement I know, but elections are won and lost by who can actually get supporters of a candidate, or in this case an issue, out to the polls.

Both sides understand this isn't any longer about who is the better candidate.   Both sides understand this is now a one issue election.  Whatever other functions of the Board of Health which could have been used to claim as a reason why one is the better candidate have fallen by the ways side for the majority of people who are going to go out and vote.

The deciding factor, if not in fact the primary factor, is going to be the turbines.  You may not like it.  I actually don't like it.  But we both know it is true.

As of and counting July 31st, there are 42 days to the election.  Six weeks of campaigning, six weeks of waiting.  

If there is anyone at this point out there undecided, someone call the welcome wagon, because they just moved into town.