As the unofficial ambassador of goodwill for all things Gasport, I'd
like to take this moment to remind everyone to be good neighbors.
Both Hartland and Royalton are weighing the possibilities of solar farms within our borders. There are going to be people on both sides of the issue.
Those who want solar will cite green energy, the state's goals for a green grid, and the infusion of cash to families paying what always are in New York State high property taxes. Those against solar will cite eyesores, the loss of rural land, and the legacy of panels if an installer goes bankrupt.
It's a divisive topic for sure.
But, don't let it divide us for good.
We've already seen a taste of division on social media or heard a little bit of it at diners and stores. We've seen it too many times across the country where solar discussions have broken apart neighborhoods and friendships that had been strong for years.
We need to be better than that, because Gasport is better than that.
Whether it's here on Facebook or out on the streets or at a solar open house, be respectful of other views. Share your views and understandings, don't demean others, and don't attack your friends. Educate and engage.
Who's right? One could say the small farmer is, who's looking for some extra money to weather what has become a horrible ag economy nationally and wants -- even needs -- solar. One could say the nature lover is, who chose Gasport to live for the pastoral quality of life and doesn't want solar destroying the landscape and wildlife.
It's not an easy issue to tackle. But, it's a current issue and one that will be an active issue for decades as the state advances the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
While it's not an easy debate, it can make it too easy to break apart the community. Don't let it.
Both Hartland and Royalton are weighing the possibilities of solar farms within our borders. There are going to be people on both sides of the issue.
Those who want solar will cite green energy, the state's goals for a green grid, and the infusion of cash to families paying what always are in New York State high property taxes. Those against solar will cite eyesores, the loss of rural land, and the legacy of panels if an installer goes bankrupt.
It's a divisive topic for sure.
But, don't let it divide us for good.
We've already seen a taste of division on social media or heard a little bit of it at diners and stores. We've seen it too many times across the country where solar discussions have broken apart neighborhoods and friendships that had been strong for years.
We need to be better than that, because Gasport is better than that.
Whether it's here on Facebook or out on the streets or at a solar open house, be respectful of other views. Share your views and understandings, don't demean others, and don't attack your friends. Educate and engage.
Who's right? One could say the small farmer is, who's looking for some extra money to weather what has become a horrible ag economy nationally and wants -- even needs -- solar. One could say the nature lover is, who chose Gasport to live for the pastoral quality of life and doesn't want solar destroying the landscape and wildlife.
It's not an easy issue to tackle. But, it's a current issue and one that will be an active issue for decades as the state advances the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
While it's not an easy debate, it can make it too easy to break apart the community. Don't let it.
Look around at who we are: There are so many people who care for Gasport and one other, be it through the food pantry, the Fourth of July, Scouting, youth sports, volunteer fire and EMS, the Beautification Committee, the Lions Club, the outreach of various churches and so much more!
We're community. Let's continue to be.
Let's address the pros and cons of solar together, because we're all in this together, and hopefully we will be together for a very long time.
