Burrillville Residents Denied Local Vote on New Power Plant by Senate Committee
Thursday, June 16, 2016
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Wednesday against two bills that would have allowed Burrillville residents a vote in any tax treaty between the town and a proposed power plan.
The committee voted down the House bill (2016-H 8240A) sponsored by Representative Cale Keable (D-Dist. 47, Burrillville, Glocester) that had been approved by the full House last week, as well as the the legislation sponsored by Senator Paul Fogarty (D-Dist. 23, Glocester, Burrillville, North Smithfield), by a vote for 7-2.
Fogarty on the Record
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSenator Fogarty issued the following statement after the vote:
“I am very disappointed that the residents of Burrillville will be unable to vote on the tax treaty being secretly negotiated by the Burrillville Town Council. This treaty, involving a future power plant, has the potential to tremendously alter the environment, economy and quality of life of the town. It’s my firm belief that the voters should have the final say in such a critical issue for the future of the town.
Quite frankly, the last-minute opposition of the Town Council to my bill last week, even as they have refused to take any position on the power plant itself, was the equivalent of getting two torpedoes to the bow. And the Governor’s recent announcement, after the council’s opposition to my bill, that she would veto any bill that passed finished off any chance the bill had for passage this year.
It’s a shame that the Burrillville Town Council does not have enough faith and confidence in the local citizenry to make an informed decision on a matter that will impact the future of their community.
The battle to stop this proposed power plant now turns back to the Town Council and the Energy Facilities Siting Board. I hope that each body will finally listen to the people and trust their judgment.”
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