Letter: More Questions Emerge Concerning Oxford Power Plant

Letter to the editor,

Once again, the citizens of Oxford are being punished by the political process. For the past two years many have resisted the building of the proposed power plant due to concerns about the health and safety of citizens.

Now that the Siting Council and DEEP have given their approval, some residents of Oxford have repeatedly attempted to work with First Selectman George Temple to improve the latest, twice defeated, agreement with CPV.

After two meetings with scientists, pollution-control engineers, and emergency response and hazmat specialists who happen to reside in Oxford, Mr. Temple and his “team” failed to accept even their most basic safety recommendations stating that he and his advisors know better what the town needs.

Now, CPV is under investigation for alleged improprieties related to Wayawanda, NY, power plant. The investigation, led by US Attorney Preet Bharara, has been recently and widely reported in numerous media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.

In particular Braith Kelly, CPV Senior VP, is being specifically investigated for questionable political and ethical practices. Pending the outcome of this investigation, NY Gov. Cuomo has severed all communication with CPV.

The situation in NY leads us to questioning the past two years of secret negotiations between our sole, self-proclaimed negotiator, Mr. Temple, and Braith Kelley.

Should we be concerned because our First Selectman has declined to actively negotiate an agreement with CPV that is in the financial and ethical best interests of the people of Oxford? I recall Mr. Kelley boasting in print that he would build the plant regardless of what the residents of Oxford said and did.

Unfortunately, it seems that CPV’s questionable tactics and bullying have defeated our First Selectman and may succeed in defeating all of us.

Sincerely,

Paul Coward

Oxford, CT