At the core of this discussion is a much bigger issue than windmills. It boils down to two competing views of what the Carlock area should become in the future.

The view of the farmers is that the land should remain an agricultural area as it is now. The view of many opposed to the White Oak Energy project is that Carlock should become Bloomington/Normal's newest suburb.

Let me illustrate:

At the Dec. 18 meeting of White Oak Township, several spoke for and against the project.

One of the opposition leaders researched the tax revenue generated by Invenergy's windmills. He stated: "The annual tax revenue from about 100 homes would be equal to the windmills" - $1.1 million.

I think it's closer to 200-300 homes.

In other words, the opposition would rather have 100-300 additional homes than windmills. That's probably more homes than in all of Carlock now!

He continued, "The businesses are having a difficult time, and the school and post office could close without more population to support it."

I doubt that an increased population will change the compassionate U.S. Postal Service or Unit 5's mind.

Most people moved here for the quiet country atmosphere. So frankly, if we want Carlock to be just like Bloomington/Normal with rows and rows of houses, why wouldn't we just move there? We'd save ourselves a lot of gas money running back and forth.

The farmers on the other hand, want to keep the land agricultural and be able to pass the farm on to their children.

Family farms are going under. Windmills can save these farms and help relieve our dependence on foreign oil.

Some growth is inevitable and I'm not against that, but to force the issue is absolute insanity!

Suburbia or windmills: This country "paradise" is ours to lose!

Marc Judd

Rural Carlock

Do you agree?