Let's try to keep wind turbine debate respectful

From an editorial in the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

The wind farms debate here and across the state has regained momentum in 2011, as communities continue to consider plans for the controversial turbines amid new rules and talk of additional regulations.

Officials have heard concerns from business interests and property owners alike, and we understand the topic has frustrated stakeholders on both sides of the issue. But recently reported incidents in the Brown County town of Morrison compel us to issue a call for civility in the ongoing debate, even as tempers flare and frustrations mount.

Thefts of wind turbine-related signs have been reported across Brown County, and Morrison town chairman Todd Christensen said sign vandalism has been reported as well. Last week, a man who supports turbines allegedly shoved a woman who opposes them after a Morrison town meeting, according to a Brown County Sheriff's Department report.

At issue are plans from Chicago-based company Invenergy to build a 100-turbine wind farm in the towns of Morrison, Glenmore, Wrightstown and Holland in southern Brown County. More than half of those turbines initially were scheduled to be built in Morrison, but the Public Service Commission deemed Invenergy's initial application incomplete, delaying the process, Christensen on Wednesday told a member of the Green Bay Press-Gazette editorial board.

In the meantime, Christensen and other officials have been trying to deal with animosity they never expected between neighbors. Morrison has just more than 1,700 residents — and while Christensen said it's relatively few who are making trouble, the issue has divided the town.