The townspeople went on record at several town meetings, and in private conversations with Houldin, Joe Cotter, and Wiscasset town officials such as selectman Duane Goud and town planner Jeffrey Hinderliter, that they believed an early vote was a mistake.  With more time, the townspeople argued, the town could have a more in-depth understanding of what was involved, maybe visit a couple of gasification projects, look at the ramifications for the town’s comprehensive plan, and put together some ordinances that would protect Wiscasset against severe noise, odor, wasteful use of its water, traffic snarls, the negative impact on the fisheries, and emissions of mercury and carbon dioxide.

At the last select board meeting before the ballot issue went forward, townspeople pleaded with the board to hold off until more information could be gathered.

Goud and the select board decided to go forward in the face of all the opposition.  The vote would take place in November, not January.

And so, the vote duly took place in November, not January, and the vote was 55-45% against the plant.  A ten-point spread.

The people had spoken.  NO.

But NO wasn’t the answer Goud and Houldin were looking for, so now the goal posts have been moved.  Now, the vote was  mere “feedback” that the people wanted “more information before they could vote yes.”

No, Duane, no, Scott ... NO means NO.  The people of Wiscasset have seen through the tissue of questionable science, questionable financials, and questionable benefits.  They don’t want this plant in their town.  They don’t want to trade their fishery for your coal plant.  They don’t want to lose Nequasset Lake to an unnecessary power generation plant.  They don’t want to lose quiet, dark nights, clean air, and clean water so that somebody in Connecticut can make a little money.  Or not.

Their neighbors don’t want this plant nearby, either?  What part of the vote was unclear to you?  What part of NO don’t you understand?