Does the public support a "greener" Greencastle?
Readers of the Banner Graphic are nearly split on their feelings toward Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray's "green" initiative.
The Banner Graphic's online poll asked readers: "What do you think about Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray's efforts to provide for a 'greener' city such as the installation of new energy-efficient street lights?"
The choices for answers were: 1. I think she's on the right track. 2. I worry about the cost. 3. There are more important issues facing the city.
A total of 523 votes were cast. Of those, 42.1percent (or 220 voters) felt Mayor Murray is on the right track.
Secondly, 5.9 percent (or 31 voters) were worried about the cost and finally, 52 percent (or 272 voters) say there are more important issues facing the community.
Here are some of your comments left at the bottom of the poll question.:
* The curent lights don't make me choke or have teary eyes or cause me to use more gas. $107,000 is a lot of money for 29 lights and poles and what is the cost of the benches and why pour so much money into the downtown?
* I think there are too many other issues that need addressed, then think green. I rather have the pot holes and roads fixed before I see new lights!
* I hope she is able to keep the costs in mind when making decisions--I don't want to see the city go into debt over it. If the money is there, then fine.
* It's great that we have leaders thinking about long term economic and ecological benifits.
* We're out here living on gravel roads because there is no money to pave them, but the "city folk" have money for new street lights??? It makes no sense to me.
* Over time they will pay for themselves
* It's great idea to think ahead and the little things we all do add up!
* Energy efficiency is not just - or most importantly - a way of making Greencastle "greener". As the expression goes, "It's the economy, stupid." Not pursuing energy efficiency simply means continuing to waste large amounts of money that could easily be saved. As for other important issues facing the city - this is a false dilemma. Saving money on energy will only make it easier to accomplish the other things that matter to Greencastle residents. Go Sue!
* Mayor Murray is asking us to move in the right direction in so many ways. I'm glad she's mayor. We've made many strides already in the short time she's been in office.
* This would ultimately save the city money and serve as a model for those who live here and nearby.
* Total waste of taxpayer money, but popular with the greenies
* I think this is a good and worthwhile project, while the town does face other important issues, notably public transportation.
* I support any efforts to "green up" Greencastle!
* Indeed, there may well be more important issues, perhaps, but they don't preclude us acting on this front us as well.
* This is a great idea and the right direction for the city to go! GREENcastle living up to its name!
* With the cost of energy going up so quickly, it seems likely that it won't take long for the savings to surpass the cost.
* Environmental concerns are the most all-encompassing of today's issues, and every little bit that Greencastle can do to become a bit greener does make a huge difference.
* This will save the city money in the long-run and will be so easy to do.
* Widespread support for these initiatives can help us become stronger as a community--both Greencastle and DePauw, alike.