Jobs or Safety

Matt Patrick has shied away from campaign issues involving land-based wind turbines. A good idea since a Wisconsin County Health Board recently declared a wind project similar to Falmouth’s a human health hazard (http://www.jrn.com/nbc26/news/Health-Board-Says-the-Shirley-Wind-Project...).

Instead, he has capitalized on off-shore wind development. Admittedly, he’s committed to the Cape Wind project. Touting, as a result of the project potentially moving forward, that 1000 construction and 55 permanent jobs will be created.

Patrick’s job projections might be true, but what will it cost? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently reversed it’s previous position and has admitted wind turbines can interfere with aviation safety, particularly ATC radar systems http://www.goerie.com/faa-ruling-could-still-wind-farm-plans. This FAA determination makes clear that Cape Wind’s location might very well be a human health hazard, jeopardizing pilots and passengers flying to and from Cape Cod.

Mr. Patrick is aware of these aviation safety issues yet remains committed to Cape Wind job creation. Why? Job creation is indeed necessary. But how wise is a candidate who advocates for Cape Wind jobs while putting a critical component of our Cape’s tourist economy at risk. One avoidable tragedy is all it takes. People will stop flying to Cape Cod and the area if their safety interests can’t be assured.

Patrick has said he is committed to both Cape Wind and the health of the public by way of his clean energy cause. It seems his campaign commitments negate one another. In terms of aviation safety (supported by the FAA’s latest admission), one doesn’t compliment the other.

Public Safety cannot be compromised for anyone, anything, anywhere. Vote wisely on Tuesday