Herald letter writers take sides on Horse Heaven Hills wind farm debate | Opinion

Wind farm will benefit families

I was dismayed by recent claims from the Tri-City Herald Editorial Board opposing the Horse Heaven Clean Energy Center, because I’ve seen how clean energy development can support families like mine. My family moved to Kennewick when I was 16 as my father came here to work on the Ice Harbor Dam. He spent his career working on our region’s clean energy infrastructure, which allowed him to support our family.

The Horse Heaven project represents the same opportunities that brought my family to this community in the first place. The project is estimated to create 1000 new, high-wage jobs for skilled local workers, and generate $260 million in new revenue that can support school districts, police and fire departments and hospital systems.

When I see windmills, I’m not heartbroken. I see progress. I see jobs, innovation and a commitment to moving our clean energy and economic landscapes forward. I see the same reasons that made the Tri-Cities the right place for my family to call home. As we continue to weigh this project — and others like it — let’s respond not from a position of fear, but of opportunity.

Diane Hand McDaniel, Pasco

Wind turbines not best for Tri-Cities

Wind turbines promise to have a major negative impact on our scenic beauty and way of life in our communities. The proposed wind turbine development will occupy more space than the communities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland and Benton City combined. The turbines are massive. Up to 150 of the turbines will be 670 feet tall, which is 66 feet taller than the Space Needle. Many areas of our communities will have the visual impact of the spinning fans. The southern views from the Southridge are in Kennewick will be ruined.

Blinking airplane lights are a small, but important part of the overall impact of these atrocities.

The other impacts will come to the developed area of turbine construction. Massive concrete and iron bases required. Over a thousand 300-400 foot blades that are not recyclable will slowly degrade until they are buried. History has demonstrated that hundreds of birds will be killed and other animals displaced.

Let’s be smart and utilize other sources for electric power not detrimental to our area. Our area in particular has proved that nuclear power would be a preferred option. It would definitely not have the negative impact of hundreds of massive wind turbines.

Gene Torrey, Kennewick

Let’s honor two great coaches

There have been several comments lately regarding the naming of Dawald Gym after coach Streufert’s victory and passing Art Dawald in Bomber wins. How about Streufert Court in Dawald Gym? That way two great coaches are honored.

Louise E. Avant, Richland

Home’s higher value a concern

We just received the information about the Richland School levy request. These city entities should be rolling in the dough. Twenty months ago, we bought an older house, and after the purchase received notification that the tax assessed value was increasing $30,000. Eighteen months later, we get another notice of another increase of $30,000. So in under two years, the assessed value has gone up $60,000.

When we first purchased the house, the tax was approximately $3,300; last year, we paid about $3,600, and this year looking at $3,800 to $4,000. The fire department got their increase in the levy, now the schools, city streets and parks are next then the police. I have the utmost respect for our police department, don’t get me wrong, but folks on a fixed income are getting roasted.

There are any number of “great” causes but with the increase in values, the taxes should be rolling in. I will be hard pressed to vote for this levy. I can already hear it, what about the children, school districts have to do more with what they have.

Keith Berry, West Richland

Editor’s note: It’s not necessarily true that as assessed values increase, tax revenues on a given property go up. School levies collect a set amount of money on all properties within the district. If the assessed value of a property rises by 5%, the school district does not automatically get an extra 5% in levy money from that property. In fact, usually, the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value declines a bit.