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Spin

In the Jan. 25 issue of The Source, an article (“Town Campus Geothermal Project to Move Ahead”) claims that “voters appropriated over $800,000 for a geothermal project at the Town Campus at a special town meeting” and that “residents approved the $810,783 appropriation.” What a way to spin it!

The $2.4 million geothermal project for the Madison Town Hall, one of four buildings on the Town Campus, has been criticized by residents for months, partly due to its cost. First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons claims there are “several potential sources for project rebates,” rebates that are far from guaranteed. Many residents, including those in the building trade, believe that a geothermal retrofit is far more expensive and less efficient than a new heat pump system, especially because town solar panels could provide the electricity to run that system at a low cost.

Fifty-five residents attended the Nov. 29 meeting. Many residents opposed to the project and wished to attend were unable to because the meeting was held during work or commuting hours. Other residents who did show up were left standing outside closed doors when they were denied entry to the meeting room immediately after the stroke of 6 p.m. Several residents stormed out of the meeting when they were told at 6:01 p.m. that “due to a lack of quorum…all items passed.” The quorum was increased from 75 to 150 in the revised town charter, a strategic change that has negatively impacted residents’ ability to vote on high-cost projects.

Stating that voters appropriated over $800,000 for the $2.4 million geothermal project is one of the greatest heists. The appropriation “passed” solely by default, not by public vote. The public knows the truth, no matter how you spin it.

May town residents demonstrate their true voting authority at May’s budget referendum.

Teresa VandenDolder

Madison