October 20, 2009

News Release - Henderson Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Political Forum a Big Success

The candidate forum held October 17 at the Henderson Community Center was a big success. More than 68 residents showed up. Eight of the ten candidates in this year’s upcoming election attended. Charlotte Richmond, running for Town Clerk and Frank Ross, who is seeking a seat on the town board were not available. Barry Ormsby, Jefferson County Legislator, was invited, but did not attend.

Key questions were made available in advance so that candidates had an opportunity to consider their positions on each. In addition there were a series of 10 simple “yes” or “no” questions. The key questions were based on a survey sent several weeks ago to chamber members and set the tone for more than an hour of questioning from the floor.

That survey clearly showed the Henderson business community dissatisfied with the town’s present government. Systems and plans for sewers and water were viewed as inadequate, but critical in need. The business community wants some fundamental changes including a more open government and a long term, publicly developed plan for the town.

While water and sewers remain key issues, the most discussed issues centered on the proposed commercial wind turbine facility on Galloo Island, the proposed transmission line through Henderson to deliver electricity ashore from that project and the possibility that wind turbines could be built in Henderson. All three projects are seen as having a devastating negative impact on individual property values, the town’s recreation based industries and future economic development.

All candidates were in agreement on the need for water and sewers, opposed to the transmission line going through Henderson and opposed to pursuing commercial wind generation facilities in Henderson.

Open government, a strict code of ethics for elected and appointed officials, working together and developing a long term plan for the community were reflected in many questions and in the candidates’ replies. There has been particular criticism that Henderson officials were made aware of development projects related to Galloo Island and the proposed transmission line, but are only now scrambling to get the community’s voice heard. Several of these concerns were logical questions for people not in attendance.

The entire forum was recorded and additional detailed information on the questions and the candidate’s specific replies can be obtained through the Henderson Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber has more than 70 business members and more than 40 associate members and is seeking a voice in representing that membership on issues of concern to the community.

Released by: Robert E Ashodian, Chairperson, HHACC Economic Development Committee