AT Note:  Following is the text of a recent letter sent to the newly elected Garrett County (Maryland) Commissioners by Mr. John Bambacus.  We thank Mr. Bambacus for allowing us to post.

Commissioners-elect Raley, Crawford and Gatto

Nearly two years ago the Planning Commission made a request to the commissioners that a moratorium on the siting and construction of industrial wind turbines be undertaken.  The purpose of the moratorium was to provide the commissioners with a thorough and comprehensive review of major issues, including the very efficacy of industrial wind power along with public health and safety concerns surrounding this matter so that an informed policy process would be forthcoming.  The commissioners refused this request by the Commission and several citizens on more than one occasion.

The matter remains unresolved and the industrialization and destruction of Backbone Mountain is nearly complete.  Other projects along Four-Mile Ridge and elsewhere are in various stages of review and ultimately approval.

Few would argue that recent election results were a manifestation of serious concern about this issue.  The ball is now in your court!

Therefore, it is respectfully requested that upon your swearing-in as an independently elected commissioner you immediately introduce a resolution to cease and desist any and all permits/approvals related to the siting and construction of industrial wind turbines.  Hopefully, your colleagues will join you.  No more time is needed to take this matter under advisement, as it has been discussed and debated for nearly seven years.  Time is of the utmost importance before our mountain culture is forever destroyed.  You have the legal authority to halt further devastation and exploitation of our Appalachian way of life by doing the right thing.  All that remains is to do it.

Niccolo Machiavelli, in a 15th century treatise on the nature of public service said it best:

“It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, or more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.  For the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the old order and only lukewarm defenders in all those who would profit by the new order, this lukewarmness arising partly from fear of their adversaries, who have the laws in their favor; and partly from the incredulity of mankind, who do not truly believe in anything new until they have had actual experience of it.”

Thank you for your consideration,

John N. Bambacus

Mr. Bambacus is a former state senator representing Garrett and Allegany counties.