Vote on plant approaching
Citizens group formedBy Jenny Lancour
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Fact Box
At a glance
Tuesday is the last day to register to vote for the Aug. 4 primary election.
To register, applicants must be 18 years old by Election Day and be U.S. citizens. Applicants must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register.
Voters may register in person or by mail. The mail-in form is on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.
Voters who qualify may choose to cast an absentee ballot on Election Day. To find out if you are eligible to obtain an absentee ballot, refer to the Web site above.
Those who wish to receive an absentee ballot by mail must submit their application by 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1. Absentee ballots can be obtained in person anytime through 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3.
Additional election information can be found again at www.Michigan.gov/sos.
ESCANABA - A new citizens committee has formed in Escanaba for the purpose of presenting facts on the upcoming power plant election, announced the group's leader at Thursday's council meeting.
"'The Escanaba Facts are Facts Committee' is a group of concerned citizens," said William Gasman. "Their central focus is to present to the public unbiased information on the Escanaba power plant."
Escanaba citizens will be going to the polls Aug. 4 to decide if council should be given the authority to sell the facility. An election last May - to give council the authority to sell, lease or dispose of the plant - failed to receive the required 60 percent in yes votes. In the city's quest to find economical and reliable energy for its customers, several options have been explored including buying power and selling the plant. Two companies have submitted proposals to buy the plant and convert it to biomass.
Gasman told council members the new committee's intention is not to persuade citizens to vote one way or the other next month but to "consolidate the facts in a more realistic, positive manner" to inform voters.
"It is the belief of our group that all the facts on this issue have not been properly presented to the public by the city," he added. "It is our concern this issue has been presented in a fast-paced, biased, incomplete and inaccurate method resulting in confusion on the power plant proposal."
He commented on the power plant including its inefficiency and the increasing cost of coal used to fuel the 50-year-old plant. He mentioned electric rates, electric fund transfers, and energy options.
"The total implications of our power options like the conversions to the various, more affordable energy or fuel options still have not been completely obtained or presented," Gasman told council.
"A possible solution to the issue has not been accomplished. The presentations to this point, due to the complexity and unwillingness to fully present all the facts and options, have not been given a complete picture," he said.
Gasman encouraged voters to make a "sound, informed decision" when they go to the polls Aug. 4.
Council member Tom Warstler said the city has presented the facts on the power plant issue in an "unbiased manner."
"I think if people...read the information put out there...that you'll come to the conclusion to vote yes," Warstler said.
Mayor Leo Evans said no decisions have been made on the plant being converted to biomass. A successful vote next month will give council the opportunity to look at alternatives, he added.
