After a little time reflecting about
the events of yesterday I am wondering if BP's flight out of the
Cape may have been pushed along at the governor's office.
If there was some influence brought in
at the highest levels of government then maybe we need to reserve a
special thank you to a Cape seasonal resident who may have tipped the
balance in the end with his personal plea to Governor Cuomo.
Former Watertown Mayor T. Urling Walker
sent a letter to Governor Cuomo in early December (Link). Mayor
Walker wrote about the potential that the Governor might have to make
the final decision.
He indicated that Cape residents were
better educated about impacts from wind development than Albany
lobbyists. Mayor Walker closed his letter by saying, "The
beauty of the area is a mecca to tourists and an important economic
asset to the State, please help us preserve our heritage and not
destroy it with inappropriate development."
What I found interesting is that Mayor
Walker's letter was sent to Governor Cuomo on December 12, 2013, but
that Secretary Kathleen Burgess acknowledged receipt of his letter on
February 21, 2014. Secretary Burgess no doubt posted Walker's letter
as soon as it was forwarded from the Governor's office. This suggest
Mayor Walker's letter was held by the Governor for over two months,
and it appears to have been given very careful consideration.
Regardless of how BPs ending came
about, I like the thought that Mayor Walker's plea to protect our
community may have been instrumental in bringing it about. What we
should also appreciate is not only the Mayor's letter, but how it was
delivered . Look at the letterhead - City of Watertown. Look at the
little handwritten note next to mayor - "Former." I like
your gutsy style Mayor Walker.
Thank you Mayor Walker for not only
stepping forward, but for how you stepped up to the plate. I think
you may have hit a home run.
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