Comments by Candy Bergman

Commission District: 3

Dear Commissioners, First I want to thank you for asking for public comment and making a way for those of us who could not attend the meeting to comment. My husband and I purchased our farm a little over a year ago. We purchased our farm to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city...yes, even Wichita. One of the reasons we purchased our property was because of the beautiful open views and quaint, quiet lifestyle. Now we are facing the reality of having wind turbines 2 miles to the west in Reno County. Commissioners, please know that I am not against renewable energy - but I do expect for those of us who live within the area in question to be taken into consideration. Is it fun to drive by a wind farm? Sure, it is fascinating. But to live within miles of 3 -439 ft turbines (the projected Reno County wind farm is 80 turbines) daily is not fascinating. It is devastating. Those of us who it will affect daily need a voice. Please. There are other areas MUCH less populated areas where Wind and Solar Energy projects can be built. I would also ask that detailed reports of proof from 3rd party reports be presented that wind energy is in fact profitable. At what point does one turbine actually pay for itself? The proposed 2.3MW wind turbines in the Reno County project cost $3-$4 million dollars per turbine (www.windustry.org). I understand the idea is renewable energy, and Kansas certainly has plenty of wind. But is this a cost that is efficient? I am not an engineer and I will not pretend to be. But I am a homeowner who loves my country life and those around me. All I can ask is that if a proposal comes to Sedgwick county you speak directly to those who it will effect every day. That you will put in place turbine setbacks from buildings of at least 2 miles and ensure proper zoning for those who do not lease their land. This is our home. Thank you for your time.