FreedomMakers, local Tea Party group, speaks out on Jasper Power Plant debate

Over the last year, many have engaged in the debate over the outcome of the Jasper power plant. While watching the process unfold, your local TEA Party group, the Freedom Makers, decided to follow the political process. We saw that information was hard to come by. We also observed a very vocal base of biomass opponents enter the debate. As a limited government, ‘liberty for the people’ type group, we were asked to get involved but decided to stick strictly with educating. So before the Jasper power plant public meeting on July 26, we make the last Freedom Makers statement.

Out of fairness, let’s look at both sides. As far as the Jasper Council and the utility board go, we had a frustrating lack of communication/information about the biomass fuel/conversion proposal. It was as if the public was kept out of the loop instead of steadily informed about the process. We believe the Jasper residents would have sincerely appreciated having information at every stage of the proceedings. Regrettably, there is now an atmosphere of distrust over the handling of the entire process. Another issue is, why is government in the business of being in business? Since the building and land is Jasper government property, Jasper should carefully weigh all options in the sake of respecting the taxpayers’ investment.

It is great to see our God-given 1st amendment right being exercised. However, red flags were waving when we observed facts were used in a manner that closely mirrors mudslinging politics. One very deeply concerning byproduct of these tactics is the near slandering of those involved in ‘pro Biomass’. These actions have silenced many, in and around Jasper, whose opinions differ from those in opposition to biomass, in fear of being singled out for their views. The recent statements about Dr. Alan Johnson’s inability to be impartial, and parents being lectured about the supposed dangers of biomass during medical office visits, are merely two examples.

As Jasper citizens, what can you do now? Call your city officials and utility services board who have voting powers. The proposal is out there to read, so we encourage you to review it. If we all stay involved, issues like the power plant, the county buying 50 acres of land to expand Dubois County Park, the debate on the freedom to assemble on public land in Huntingburg, and other future issues won’t catch us off guard. The Freedom Makers are not taking sides; rather, we encourage folks to get involved and form their opinions. We encourage everyone to consider all information, not because either side is wrong, but they are presenting their point of view. It is the way of politics. We don’t have to look further than the Federal debt crisis to see politics at its finest.

Three key questions to consider…

1. Should government be in the business of operating businesses?
2. Is the incremental addition of pollutants worth the risk in order to gain revenue?
3. Previously the power plant burned coal; currently the plant rarely runs, and now natural gas/mycanthus grass is being considered… which will be better for Jasper citizens?