Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Urges ‘yes’ vote by county on solar farm

My name is Mark Simmons and I am a large land owner in the eastern portion of Sumter County. Today I am speaking not only for myself but also for the members of a non-profit organization in Sumter County called Sustainable Sumter of which I am President. Sustainable Sumter envisions a self sufficient Sumter County through investment in jobs, energy, and stewardship of our resources and environment.

I understand the concerns of my neighbors when new technology comes along that promises a better way and I feel those concerns have been addressed to my satisfaction.

This proposed solar farm will help our community in several ways. Cleaner sustainable energy, less pollution of our river, additional local jobs, and an increased tax base.

Georgia communities that fail to make the connection between solar access and economic development are destined to fall behind the economic development race.

I do not see how this decision could not be more clear.

I urge Sumter County to vote yes on the solar farm proposal.

Mark Simmons

DeSoto