Burlington Free Press calls out O’Brien’s partisanship

Uncategorized

Sometimes we feel a little lonely around here, thinking, “Doesn't anyone else see what we're seeing?” Today, someone else sees it. The title of this morning's Burlington Free Press editorial speaks for itself: “Regulator's partisanship chips away at credibility”.

I could quibble, pointing out that Dave O'Brien didn't have much credibility to begin with, but the key is that the whole world is now seeing that Dave O'Brien's loyalties are to the Douglas/Dubie administration and their wealthy friends, and not with the people of Vermont. Here's a sampling:

Public Service Commissioner David O'Brien's decision to inject himself into electoral politics strains his integrity as a state regulator who will pursue the public interest free of partisan prejudices.

To dismiss legitimate concerns about a radiation leak at Vermont Yankee with a “It's how many days from Election Day?” shows a lack of respect for those who treat problems at the nuclear power plant with the seriousness they deserve, and are working hard to ensure the safety of Vermonters.

 

You should read the whole editorial. I'll just say that I'm very pleased that one of our leading daily newspapers is saying what we've been saying all along: We need someone who will be an independent defender of the health and safety of all Vermonters.

16 thoughts on “Burlington Free Press calls out O’Brien’s partisanship”

  1. That’s one time the Free Press has actually applied logic to the actions of a Republican state appointee. Good for them. If we pat them on the head and give them a doggie treat, you think they’ll do it again?

    One quibble, Jack:

    the whole world is now seeing [emphasis added]

    Hyperbole, surely. Maybe a significant portion of the news consumers of the Northern half of the state – at best.

    NanuqFC

    In a Time of Universal Deceit, TELLING the TRUTH Is a Revolutionary Act. ~ George Orwell  

  4. the next time they agree with Dubie, that we should “let the Public Service Board make the decision regarding Yankee.”

  6. Jack

    I want to thank you for giving my wife and I a good laugh at the breakfast table yesterday over your reference to all my wealthy friends as we are surrounded by our project house with nowhere near the financial means to do it all especially with a baby on the way..Sorry to burst the bubble of the common stereotype of a Republican but we are a family of quite modest means.  I was the youngest of five and my dad was a car salesman so there many lean years in my childhood.

    You can disagree with my positions or views, that’s what it’s all about, but you should refrain from casting me in some sort of stereotype.  My stance on energy policy and VY in particular is based on my informed understanding of the electric grid, electric prices and economic theory.  I believe very strongly that losing this plant will be very bad for the grid and the VT economy, especially the greater Brattleboro area.  I spent 8 years in economic development in the Rutland area, I have worked with people who lost their jobs after a plant closes and it is truly sad.

    So I do not have any close wealthy friends, nor do I do the bidding of any.  I have no affection or loyalty to Entergy, they just happen to own this facility that is so integral to the state.  I defend the idea that the facility should continue to operate, and in my role as a consumer advocate I have seen Senator Shumlin and many others distort the record and many people are taking what they say to be the whole story and that is unfortunate.

    If the consensus is that VY should close, that people are simply not comfortable with nuclear power, so be it.  But that decision should be done with eyes wide open knowing that replacing it will not be easy and there will be significant energy and economic ramifications.

    As good ol Willem Lang says, I gotta get back to work, many projects, so little time.

Comments are closed.