I am writing in response to a Forum letter titled “Trouble with Renewables” (April 28), in which Robert Hargraves takes an age-old position that, because renewable resources are “intermittent,” they can’t provide all our needs. After all, the sun shines only part of the time and the wind blows only part of the time. It sounds sensible, but is incorrect.
First, Hanover would not be taking electricity from only one power source — the windmills south of town or across New England or New York, or the hydro dams down the road in Wilder or up the highway in Quebec, the large and small photo-voltaic arrays across the Northeast, or the biomass plants in Maine. Hanover would be taking power from all of them. Not only that — if Hanover were to go 100 percent renewable — it would be buying from resources that can deliver into the Northeast even if they aren’t located here. Renewable energy is sold in the market according to rules, so you have to follow the dollars, not just the electrons.
It is also really important to remember that this discussion is not only about the supply of energy. It is about demand, in other words, how we use energy. We can reduce our demand through less wasteful lighting, equipment, appliances and better building codes. We can certainly use electricity more intelligently like heating water at night when the wind is blowing, and storing it for use during the day — the same with charging the electric school bus or car at night when the wind blows.
Mr. Hargraves is correct, you need to “do the math.” But when you do — on both the supply- and demand-sides of the equation, this can add up to 100 percent.
Dave Farnsworth
South Royalton
On Wednesday, residents and taxpayers of Fairlee will be asked again to approve a bond to complete the renovation of our town hall. This will make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, install fuel-efficient heating, insulation, utilities and other things needed to meet current building codes.
Residents are looking to reopen the second floor as a community center, as it was designed to be. Some of these issues have been put off since 1947. Opponents want us to do nothing again, citing the water tower crisis as the reason. While we are likely going to face extra costs in the short term to deal with this, the town has a pretty solid case and ratepayers fund one-third of all costs associated with the water department.
If the bond fails, consider that given the current national political climate, it’s doubtful that the substantial grants that are available this year will be available again. In addition, the Historical Society would likely offer to return the over $170,000 that has been pledged by private donors and organizations. Ignoring these funding sources would cost Fairlee taxpayers potentially 35 percent more before factoring in inflation. That doesn’t seem prudent — in fact it seems short-sighted.
Finally, the ADA issues are not trivial. We are legally responsible to provide equal access to all citizens, employees and visitors. If we do not address these issues, we leave the door open to legal actions that would be costly to the town and wasteful.
Apart from that, the Town Hall renovation will open up the second floor for community events of all sorts. A community gathering place that can become a catalyst for economic development, and a source of extra revenue. This will draw new people to our village and increase traffic, bringing more customers for our retail and grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
As Vermonters, we have shown resilience in handling more than one problem at once and doing it well.
Please vote yes on Wednesday.
Mark & Katherine Bishop
Fairlee
We urge Fairlee voters to approve the Town Hall renovation and accessibility bond on Wednesday.
As business owners and operators on Fairlee’s Main Street (Route 5), we believe that making the Town Hall handicap-accessible and opening the renovated second hall auditorium to daytime and evening activities will increase downtown traffic and invite more people to become our customers and clients. Renovating the Town Hall is an important economic development strategy that will increase the town’s tax base.
I am joined in this letter by business colleagues on Main Street, including Britney O’Donnell (The Hair Shop), Diane Mello and Marc Roy (Brr-Mont Craft Gallery), Don Duling (DD Country Supply), Sharon Petersen (Barnyard Quilting), Amber Sharon (The Lunch Box Deli and Cafe), Kelden Smith and John Hessler (Samurai Soul Food), Dennis Perry and Tom Elia (Moonlight Auto Repair and Parts), Robert Bartlett (Fairlee Marine) and Scott Wright (Silver Maple Lodge).
There is momentum in Fairlee. Please vote yes on Wednesday.
Aletta Traendly, Chapman’s Store
Fairlee
On March 21, the rusty-patched bumblebee was placed on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list. Once common in the Twin States, the bee was last seen in Vermont in 1999, and in New Hampshire in 1997; the bee is now confined to a much a smaller range in a few Midwestern states.
Why should we be concerned with the decline in native pollinators such as the rusty-patched bee? Which plants are best for pollinators and why are these better than other plants? What can we as homeowners do to slow the decline?
Plan to attend the upcoming event, “Supporting Native Pollinators with Gardens and Meadows,” on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Montshire Museum of Science. Cathy Neal (landscape horticulture specialist) and Amy Papineau (field specialist) from the University of New Hampshire Extension Service will present the case for setting aside space to support pollinators and will give specific guidance for creating effective gardens and meadows.
The event is sponsored by the Upper Valley Pollinator Partners, a coalition of more than 40 Upper Valley conservation organizations and schools. For more information see the pollinator link from hanovernh.org/biodiversity-committee.
Barbara McIlroy
Etna
‘Mustache’ Made Me Smile
I can’t tell you what a smile Paul Keane’s article in the opinion section brought to my face on Friday. After reading and hearing dire news for months, it was a breath of fresh air. And that’s not “Your Father’s Mustache.” Thanks, Paul.
Alison Gravel
Royalton