Letters to the Editor 5-30-13

Clean power
Editor: Yes, many questions remain to be answered about Sonoma Clean Power’s program but that is not a sufficient reason to stop cities from voting to join. Windsor Town Council members get it. By participating, cities gain representation in the Sonoma Clean Power Authority to shape the program moving forward. That gives citizens a direct conduit and a voice in those important decisions, something we don’t really have now.
More importantly, by voting “yes” cities enable their constituents to choose. Those who care most about the cheapest possible electricity regardless of the source can choose to opt out. Those of us who want cleaner, more local and renewably-sourced electricity have the right to choose not to opt out.
City leaders will also get to choose who provides their municipal electricity needs. But their choice should not be imposed on you. By saying no to Sonoma Clean Power, however, that is exactly what they would be doing: imposing their choice to remain with PG&E on everyone within city limits.
Tell your city council you expect them to vote “yes” on Sonoma Clean Power so that you can choose based on your own values, not theirs.
Lori Houston
Santa Rosa
Poor headline
Editor: As a resident of Windsor, I am dismayed by the article headline in the 23 May 2013 issue of The Windsor Times.
You would have been better served to present the article headline of “Town offering grants.”
There is no such thing as “free money” from the Town of Windsor (or any other governmental entity).
The source of that money is from the pockets of the taxpayers.
Jeff McDonald
Windsor