The truth about Central Maine Power
To the Editor;
It’s time for the people of Maine to stand up and be counted. The Legislature and the governor’s office have not been forthcoming about the proposed hydro project bringing electrical power through Maine to Massachusetts and Connecticut. From Fort Kent to Kittery, every resident taxpayer needs to come forward to vote on a referendum about whether we want to allow the power companies to build a power transmission line through our state.
A “yes” vote from the people would outline the permit process that would allow Canadian green power to cross our state and then allow the State of Maine to expect a small monthly revenue to be sent back to the state from the power companies to be disbursed to the individual towns.
The permit for hydro power coming from Canada should read as such: the powerline shall be built with our specifications and our laws. The resident taxpayers of Maine should be informed how the foreign power company is coming through our state. By giving Canada a permit to cross Maine to Massachusetts with its power, we the taxpayers should be getting a small percentage of the revenue generated by this line forever. The way to do this is: once a year, say on Jan. 1, every town gives the state a count of the resident taxpayers, not including businesses, non-residents or renters. The state receives a monthly percentage to be determined from the Canadian power, and this percentage shall be transferred to every town in the state monthly. The only expense to the state is having a meter to measure the power running through the powerline.
The people of the State of Maine need to know the truth about this hydro project and the Legislature and governor’s office needs to be more upfront in explaining to the people of Maine just what this project means to Maine. If we are not careful, the next project could be on your land if we are not vigilant and pay attention to what is happening today. If there are questions, I would be available to answer your questions at any time. Or contact your state or local representatives or the governor.
Urgel “Tony” Pomerleau
Dexter