In his letter (Jan 10), David Hughes urged Gov. John Baldacci to show leadership by backing the Endless Energy wind power plant proposed for Redington Pond Range and Black Nubble Mountain.

The governor has said he approves of wind plants “in appropriate places,” so I hope he will lead by saying Redington and Black Nubble are good examples of inappropriate sites. A number of other power plants, which would not be built in these protected wild mountains, have already been proposed for Maine.

According to Hughes, the view is the only concern not yet dealt with. Is concern for the view the superficial, shortsighted objection wind power advocates try to make it out to be? In this area, the view is of major importance. The natural beauty and sense of pristine wilderness which attract people to Franklin County would be lost if an industrial power plant, with 30 turbines over 400 feet high, some lit night and day, reached by big roads cut into the slopes, were constructed on two prominent ridges. An area whose present and future prosperity depends on tourism, vacationers, retirees, hikers, boaters, fishermen, snowmobilers and hunters cannot afford such industrialization.

If Hughes comes to the LURC hearings, he will hear about the other concerns which we, who love these mountains, do not think have been addressed.

Vera Trafton, Phillips