Much to the surprise of wind turbine developer Patriots Renewables of Quincy, Mass., Carthage residents have made a valiant first step in determining whether a project on Saddleback Mountain of Carthage would be beneficial for them. They have chosen, by written petition, to have a town vote to establish a wind moratorium, providing proof that many questions about wind development have yet to be answered.

A Carthage citizen spoke up, asking Patriots Renewables to schedule a public gathering to answer questions from concerned residents, and a spokesman for the wind developer will, in fact, appear in Carthage on June 10 at 7 p.m. to promote the Saddleback project. This same developer has also proposed projects in Dixfield, Woodstock and Canton. The company currently operates a three-turbine complex in Freedom.

Will there be industrial wind complexes in Carthage, Dixfield, Woodstock or Canton?

There are many issues to go over before a decision can be made. The gathering presents an opportunity for residents to address the issues and to get answers directly from the developer. It could be a significant event in the history of Carthage, and for the entire western Maine region.

The people of Carthage deserve a big thank-you for petitioning and giving everyone the chance for a face-off about what surely will be the most important decision of our time.

Freemont Tibbetts, Dixfield