Hurrah to Chris Bray, Claire Ayer and Willem Jewett for their magisterial letter to Gov. Shumlin, published in the Aug. 7 issue of the Addison Independent, laying out in compelling detail and with impeccable logic why the Phase II pipeline to service the paper mill in Ticonderoga should not be approved by the Public Service Board. Since the Shumlin administration’s inputs into the PSB’s deliberations will play a significant role in its decision our Addison County legislators rightly ask that this process be “fact-based and non-political” and that he respond.
So far the governor, often busy fundraising for the governors’ association and himself, has shrouded himself in Sphinx-like public silence. It would be a great step forward if he would respond to our representatives’ crystal-clear analysis and let Addison County voters know where he stands and why. If he agrees with them on this issue of major local concern he should say so and act accordingly. If not we should know why.
It is only through such public discussion, and not in the deal-making atmosphere of Montpelier’s back rooms, that real democracy can flourish.
George Jaeger
New Haven