In 2002, just after the completion of a little house we consider our “dream home,” we were contacted by Zilkha Wind Power (now Horizon). Our dreams for the future were shattered by that five-minute phone call as we learned what was planned for our quiet neighborhood.

I’ve spent the last eight years of my life fighting against inappropriate siting of monstrous commercial wind turbines in and around rural communities here in New York and across the United States. So far in my hometown of Sardinia, the efforts have paid off. I’m relieved to report we are still a pastoral, appealing community and not an industrial wind turbine “project.” But I am and will forever be wary and vigilant trying to ensure it stays that way.

Those who are responsible for this situation, like Gov. David Paterson and his predecessors, should not expect support from people they have so callously subjected to this nightmare. Paterson’s continued ignorance and refusal to acknowledge the facts about commercial wind development, and his cowardly support of the huge corporate interests that are its biggest benefactors, against the little guy whose back is being broken, is quite nauseating. It will truly be a pleasant change to see another face when the new governor gets elected.

Sue Sliwinski

Sardinia