Voting "No" on Article 1

The Energy Committee — Linda Gray and Aaron Lamperti in particular — have done remarkable work raising awareness about conservation and transitioning to low/no-carbon energy sources.  I’m wary of opposing something they’ve worked so hard to guide through, but I will be voting “NO” on Article 1 next Tuesday.

I’m a big fan of geothermal technology.  I support the idea of developing a geothermal district that can serve Tracy Hall and other public — and private — buildings downtown.  I believe a well-conceived and executed geothermal development can be a long-term asset to the town.  But we cannot even begin that discussion until Article 1 is defeated.  

I agree with Steve Flanders and Chris Katucki who both point out the Selectboard has no incentive to consider broader application of geothermal — or even potential cost savings on the current proposal — until Article 1 is defeated.  

The initial success of (what was) Article 8 proves there is broad interest in low carbon solutions.  It proves hundreds of residents are willing to bear higher taxes to achieve that, so voting down Article 1 shouldn’t be viewed as a defeat for geothermal.  It should simply continue the dialogue in town to balance cost and breadth of coverage so more residents are convinced we are achieving this goal the right way.  

Please vote “NO” on Article 1.

Watt Alexander