My Prediction

Charlotte County and many other counties in Virginia are currently discussing solar farms.  There will be a public hearing in Charlotte County next month.

Here is my prediction based on numerous historical similar public hearings. An apparently large intense group will show up in opposition, most will offer meaningless emotional impassioned opinions and accusations.

They will say things like, “I am a supporter of solar energy BUT this isn’t the right location.”  Fine, show the board a map with “the right locations” marked. 

They will attack anyone who disagrees with them and even anyone who refuses to support them. 

They will claim to be protecting “our view scape and historical character.” 

Approximately half of the board will cave into the pressure and the decision will be made by a single vote or two. 

Last week one of the “solar opposition” called to ask me to write an article supporting their position.” I declined simply because we have a skeleton staff and do not have the resources to properly evaluate any issue of this magnitude.

Then I was asked if they could buy ad space for them to present their position.  The answer to that is always yes. I reminded the caller that they could always send their positions to us in a letter to the editor. 

The response was “Well, I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. We thought you would oppose us because your brother-in-law is on the board.” 

There is no basis for this opinion. I have supported the board and I have opposed the board. I have agreed with my brother-in-law and I have disagreed with him. I challenged that caller to find a single case where I have supported or opposed anything except based on facts. I do not expect a response. 

Personally I don’t like the appearance of a solar farm. BUT I might change my mind if the offer was appealing enough. I might even decide solar panels are attractive all the way to my front yard. 

What you do is your business.

One of those who often opposes other “new” uses of other’s property has opposed several cell towers BUT collects rent on their cellular tower. 

 BUT From my Libertarian leanings I believe all of us have the right to make our own decisions unless it directly damages others.  That includes your right to use your property as you choose.  I will do the same. 

There are limitations of course.  YOUR “view scape” of my property isn’t your right.  Lights, noise and smells that cross my property line are.  It is all pretty simple.

Reasonably, there should be buffers between commercial and residential property but that is to soften the impact, NOT intrude on property rights. 

If you want to protect the “historical” nature of our county (which I do), let’s tear up all of those un-historical paved roads, and all of us can drive buggies.