I am a Melancthon resident. Not one of the "few" farmers who will benefit from windmills, but one of the many Ontarians who will benefit from this new source to complement our hydro supply.

I am surprised by the anger that I hear in the comments often printed in the paper or overheard at coffee shops. To imply that Canadian Hydro Developers (CHD) is the one who is tearing a rift within the community is nonsense.

CHD approached landowners, and anyone interested signed up. Landowners have made their choices. It's like if a neighbour puts up a fence you don't want.

Love your neighbour or hate them, but you don't encourage the whole community to gang up on them. If my neighbour decided to paint their house pink, nail up a green roof and install an orange door, should I be holding an open forum to trash the hardware store that sold them the supplies?

To some degree, I consider myself a naturalist, but there are days when I choose to turn on the air conditioner, run the dishwasher and dry my clothes in a machine.

Sure, there are several ways to conserve, but most of us don't and we aren't going to change overnight. I think we need to look at the bigger picture and explore any alternatives. To suggest a "few" farmers will be the only ones to benefit is very short sighted.

I'm happy my neighbours have opted to put them on their properties. I'd like to thank our council and Mayor Matthews for being able to see the big picture and to be motivated to welcome Canadian Hydro.

I'm proud to live in a community that has shown the initiative to think globally and act locally. Bring on Phase 2!

Andrea Hutchinson

Melancthon