Letter: Oxford Power Plant Vote 'Brought True Power to the People'

Letter to the editor,

Oxford residents defeated the funding agreement between the town and CPV, the proposed power plant developer last Thursday. Since then First Selectman George Temple has threatened the voters that he will raise taxes, not build a library, and not build a school.

He failed to express concern about the health of all Oxford residents and the surrounding communities. It sounds like Mr. Temple knows what is best for the community. I would like to offer a different take on the referendum defeat.

Mr. Temple, it is time to listen to the voters. This is the second time that the funding agreement has been defeated, the second time! You should tell CPV to build their project elsewhere because the town does not want them as a neighbor.

You place the blame of this defeat on the other guy, your constituents. Of the 1182 voters opposing the agreement perhaps 400 came from the old folks up on the hill (Oxford Greens) which means that 782 votes are from throughout the community of Oxford. Do you feel the groundswell of resistance to the power plant growing? We are all your constituents, please listen to us.

I am also saddened that CPV’s Braith Kelly wants to shove the power plant down the throats of the residents of Oxford.

Mr. Kelly has been quoted as saying that the plant construction will move forward regardless of the results of the referendum. This is a brash and bullying attitude.

To the residents of Oxford please do not believe Mr. Kelly’s comments. CPV cannot move forward with construction without your approval. CPV cannot obtain funding from any source without your approval of the funding agreement.

CPV is wasting money clearing the land. Yes, voters of Oxford, your vote to reject brought true power to the people. Stand firm in your convictions! Congratulations

Paul Coward
Oxford, CT