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Not gold star commentary by me...even though we all know that to be the case on a regular basis. :)

But check this out from "Publius":

All of us have questions about where the Obama administration is taking us, and we salute the Tea Party for asking some of them?

But where is the Tea Party on local issues like the hydroelectric project? Why is it that a project of such magnitude - $200 million, which the mayor claims to have been so extensively studied and planned, appears to be changing with every news story? And why isn't the local Tea Party asking local questions? Why aren't Quincyans asking?

The City Council late last year voted a $6.6 million bond issue, part of which was for licensing and part for a project to prove its commercialization. After defending the effort to test a small number of turbines on Lock and Dam 21 to make sure they'll work, Klingner Engineering, the hydroelectric project's consultant, now says that's unnecessary. What has changed?

The decision appears frivolous and demands explanation. The test project was the best risk management tool taxpayers had to assure we could cut our losses before jumping into the deep end of a $200 million pool. What if it was learned the turbines did not work? Better to eat the cost of four turbines than sixty. What if the power generated by the completed project cannot be sold to the grid? (There is not a single power purchase agreement in place.) The test project at Lock and Dam 21 would (a) assure the French turbines would work and, if so, (b) assure that power generated by them would be sold. The city could use the power the four turbines at it wastewater treatment plant.

Last year, the city's project administrators told us the cost of the project at Lock and Dam 21 would be $81,638,765. The newspaper now reports the cost at $100 million, a 25 percent increase within six months. How does that impact the project's budget? And where's the list of risks Quincy taxpayers face for failures?

Those years of planning began before there was a stimulus program. Now the project appears to depend on it. And the city had to set up a private corporation - although city staff and contractors make up its majority - to be eligible.

Where is the business plan the city promised during this phase? Although it will have to be amended to reflect these recent major changes, Quincy taxpayers still deserve an opportunity to see the numbers that justify the project.

Where is the independent commission the mayor said he would consider appointing?

Where is the Tea Party on this?

Publius

Pubby...I expect you'll get a response or two.

Tspud1
Posts: 1

I asked this question...
Reply #7 on : Thu February 25, 2010, 16:07:10

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"The newspaper now reports the cost at $100 million, a 25 percent increase within six months."
I spoke to the council about cost overruns and with Cap & Trade looming those costs over runs could not be calculated putting the future cost figures in a cloud of doubt and the public on the hook for them. Some of us are asking questions and I am a Tea Party member.

bgough
Posts: 2

In fairness
Reply #6 on : Wed February 24, 2010, 17:49:58

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The next hydro corporation meeting will be held Monday, March 22 at 5:30 p.m.

Last Edit: February 24, 2010, 17:50:41 by bgough  

Fired Up
Posts: 1

Make you wonder why
Reply #5 on : Wed February 24, 2010, 17:27:19

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the Hydro "public" meeting was held from 2-5pm and the Neighborhood meeting tonight starts at 6:30pm.

bgough
Posts: 2

Shoe
Reply #4 on : Wed February 24, 2010, 16:24:31

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You mentioned Allie. He was at the hydro corporation meeting on Monday

Shoemela
Posts: 1

Re:
Reply #3 on : Wed February 24, 2010, 16:15:56

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What you need here is a dedicated person or persons not connected with the city government who will take the time to learn all there is to learn and ride rough shod over the city elected.

Remember Allie Lymenstull (sp?) One man repeatedly brought the Corps (that's pronounced CORE for you Obama fans)of Engineers to task.

People trying to run businesses are so hamstrung with that effort they don't physcially have the time and many of the rest of the people are so enamored by the polished politicians that they will allow themselves to be raped over and over.

TRUE watchdogs are voracious and obsessed with issues at stake. This is where one person can really make a difference. I've fought a lot of fights like this one and it can be frustrating and rewarding. Maybe a recent retiree could step up to bat.

just a thought.

Fowler
Posts: 1

Yes, there will be comments, but...
Reply #2 on : Wed February 24, 2010, 16:13:47

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will those in power give the answers to these questions.

I think not.

poncho
Posts: 1

Hydro
Reply #1 on : Wed February 24, 2010, 16:11:11

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I agree that the Tea Party should be raising Holy Hell about Hydro and also they should be supporting the aldermen who have raised many of the questions written here. Havermale has been consistant in his skepticism of the Hydro project and now Moore has joined in that skepticism as well, good for them. I think once the TP realizes the boondoggle that is Hydro they will scream to high heaven about the potential waste of taxpayer money. To be fair to the TP, and others on City Council, it's hard to be against something when the information given out changes with the wind. One days Hydro is great the next there are "challenges" and different projections on cost, revenue etc. I have faith that when the information is examined the TP and the Council will raise a little hell.

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