Letter: Samuelson, please give us answers

To the Editor:

The Wednesday edition of the Red Wing paper quoted Goodhue County Commissioner Richard Samuelson as saying “I made a mistake” when voting in favor of the 10 times rotor diameter setback for industrial wind turbines in the county.

Originally, Samuelson was in favor of the much smaller 1,500-foot setback (about three city blocks) for turbines that are nearly 400 feet tall.

I have the following questions for the commissioner: Why did you change your mind and go with the more reasonable 10 times diameter set back? Was it because you were in a tight race for re-election and your opponent publicly supported the 10 times rotor diameter set back at the County Board meeting where you cast the deciding vote?

Why the change of heart again now after the election? Did you succumb to the recent high pressure industrial wind companies have apparently been exerting?

Commissioner Samuelson, while you and I might have different political philosophies, I had always thought of you as a man of honor and conviction. In a race decided by a swing of just 86 votes (2.1 percent of voters) I think you owe the people of your district an explanation for you changing decision.

Jeff Hommedahl

Cannon Falls

Jeff Hommedahl was a candidate for Goodhue County District 2.

Tags: goodhue county, opinion, letters, wind