As a now former member of Rumford’s Wind Power Advisory Committee, I encourage Rumford residents to vote “no” on the proposed ordinance.

Why the change? Very simply, A&B Forestry’s recent threat to cut off public access to the land they own in the Black Mountain area, site of First Wind’s proposed project.

That stance is an unfortunate but understandable response by the landowner.

Although I continue to believe the strong setbacks and noise limits in the proposed ordinance are well justified, I also believe that loss of public access to the privately owned land in this area would have a much greater negative impact on quality of life in the River Valley area than would a dozen turbines on the back side of Black Mountain.

That is especially true given the apparent lack of interest in the issue by a majority of Rumford citizens.

Rumford residents should vote “no” on the proposed ordinance, restart the process and maintain the landowners’ goodwill for the greater good of the community.

Charles Hoff, Rumford