
My octogenarian brain, with 54 years of residence in Brockton, cannot believe the utter and complete stupidity of Brockton government in its attitude toward the proposed power plant.
The Brockton Enterprise of November 6, 2009, has two feature articles: "Somerset power plant to shut down" and "Mall loses another store; Waldenbooks to close its doors ...".
Recently, the proposed 12-screen movie theater for Westgate Mall has been cancelled; we denied access to an entertainment center at Westgate Mall; Westgate Mall itself is bankrupt and is up for auction; a downtown renewal project on Montello Street has been abandoned; the national unemployment rate has surpassed 10% for the first time in 26 years; and meanwhile, our leaders are turning down an offer by Brockton Clean Energy to create 756 new jobs and $368 million in economic stimulus.
Where is the supposed brainpower in Brockton government leading us?
I also may be stupid, but I can point to my Ph.D. degree from M.I.T. as some indication that I might be thinking straight.
I call upon former Mayor Jim Harrington and Mayor-Elect Linda Balzotti to forget their politically motivated illogical opposition to the power plant, and to admit to the common sense of accepting a new power plant in Brockton. Brockton Clean Energy's suggestion that old, obsolete power plants will close if they build a clean natural gas plant, is proved by the Somerset power plant closing to be right on the mark! Without the new plant, the area will be depleted of a huge source of energy.
The proposed power plant will provide $12.5 million annually for the economy of the Brockton metropolitan area - what kind of stupidity will oppose this while boasting of its inefficient, money-draining solar power field that lights up a few rooms at City Hall (when the sun is shining)!
Let's be real, Jim and Linda. And Jim, now that you're out of office, what prevents you from helping the local economy and to hell with the special political interests that compelled you to abandon your initial support and to adopt a stance opposing the plant? The Democrats abandoned you and you owe them nothing. Join with former Mayor Jack Yunits and do us all a favor! Speak up honestly now that it doesn't matter to your political career. The Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Teamsters Local Union, the Brockton Education Association, and 24 other local unions support the plant and the jobs it will create. The Massachusetts Energy Facilities siting Board approved the plant by a vote of 9-0. Get with it!




