Opposition to wind “farms” in Ontario is shaping up to be a key election issue with candidates expressing support for anti-wind farm community groups; in several cases, community leaders who have actively opposed wind farms or wind farm proposals locally are running for office.

The Wellington Times newspaper in Prince Edward County has published responses from local candidates on key issues, including this question: What is your position on wind energy projects in the County?

Of the 35 candidates for the office of Mayor and councilors in 10 wards, half the candidates responded that they would either “discourage wind developers but accept existing provincial rules” or “fight local wind projects along with local anti-turbine groups.” All three candidates for Mayor responded that they would actively fight the two proposed wind power projects (Prince Edward County has declared itself to be Not A Willing Host to large-scale wind power generation projects).

Six candidates for councilor said it was a provincial issue, and that the municipality had no control, while two said they would actively support wind power in Prince Edward County, because it would help with “climate change” and/or result on local benefits in terms of tax revenue and vibrancy funds.

The full comments and candidate profiles may be seen on The Wellington Times website atwww.pec2014acs.wordpress.com

In other areas, Shawn Drennan is running for Reeve in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh; Louise Hall of Southgate Community Against Turbines is running for Council in Southgate; and incumbent councillors Heather Stauble(Kawartha Lakes) and Betty Konc (Wainfleet) have been outspoken in their support of their communities fighting wind power projects.

Who else is standing up for their communities vs Big Wind? Let us know: email windconcerns@gmail.com

Reposted from Wind Concerns Ontario