Electric grid is outdated
The issue of data centers in and near small communities has become a hot topic. The growth of AI has nurtured the demand for electricity and water resources.
Moving a data center into a community is a burden on the electricity supply and water demands. Increased demand raises prices. So, local governments are initiating moratoriums on data centers in their community in order to control price increases and resource availability of electricity and water.
Reality tells us the local electricity comes from a common source. When a township or county allows a data center to be constructed within its geographic limits, the neighboring political entity will be affected. Again, the electricity is coming from the same common source for the expanded area.
Our electrical grid is outdated and insufficient. We are demolishing hydroelectric plants built during the TVA days. We have opposed the use of wind generators because of the danger to migratory birds, their unsightliness, and the noise they create. We oppose fracking to obtain natural gas for power plants. We oppose construction of nuclear power plants. We oppose the use of coal-fired power plants. My question to all of this opposition is, “What is the acceptable suggestion for supplying the electricity that everyone accepts to be so critical and is in such high demand?”
LARRY GILLEN
Maumee
Acton the only viable candidate
Silence is how democracies collapse.
In this country, we know this on an intimate basis because it is happening right in front of us.
From the Capitol to the State House, legislators are choosing to ignore, excuse, defend, overlook, and pardon obvious lies, smears, deceptions, and crime being promoted by the holder of the highest office in the land.
The only way to change the downward spiral we are experiencing is through the ballot box. The Ohio gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
Please consider Dr. Amy Acton, the only viable candidate running for governor of Ohio.
Her humble beginnings and lifetime public service jobs give her the unique experiences needed for job success.
Her concerns are your concerns. Her struggles are your struggles. She hears you.
She will be your voice of truth, logic, and civility at the State House. Moreover, she is not beholden to the current resident of the White House, unlike her probable billionaire Republican opponent.
Your vote is your voice. The winner will determine the future path Ohio takes.
JOAN KUCHCINSKI
Maumee
Senate Bill 294 is bad for Ohioans
The high cost of electricity in Ohio will continue if Ohio Senate Bill 294 is passed.
Pretending that we do not need renewable sources of energy like solar and wind to compensate for the strain on our existing capacity because of development and data centers is short-sighted.
The bill eliminates the possibility of additional utility scale solar or wind because the drafters of the bill did not consider battery storage, which is an important component for on-demand electricity generation.
This bill has been introduced despite the fact that solar and wind generated electricity is now cheaper to build and operate than oil, gas, or coal.
The cost of solar and wind has been falling for more than a decade and is now the most affordable choice.
Call or write your state senator today and tell them that passing S.B. 294 will condemn us all to expensive fossil fuel dominance, the emissions of which are destroying our habitat, our health, and those of our kids and grandkids.
You can locate your current senator at www. ohiosenate.gov.
KAREN SOUBEYRAND
Volunteer, Citizens’ Climate Lobby
Holland, Ohio
Intern cuts to hurt students’ learning
I’m in my 34th year as a teacher and Instructional Coach at Toledo Public Schools. I love the work that I do, and I’m privileged to do it in the same school district where I grew up and graduated from.
I am deeply concerned about the cuts that our district is planning to implement without input from teachers and other educators.
The cuts to the intern program remove support for teachers in regard to discipline issues, professional development, and effective teaching strategies.
This support is most needed for new teachers who are placed in challenging schools. Without it they may leave the district, or even end their teaching career altogether.
Cuts to Intervention Assistance Teachers, combining classrooms, and cuts to nursing and counselors all impact our students.
This can have devastating effects on students’ academic performance, social emotional well-being, and their physical and mental health.
When TPS collaborates with educators through our union, the Toledo Federation of Teachers, we’ve been able to make positive impacts on students and teachers.
That’s what led to important programs like our Intern Intervention Program (The Toledo Plan) and our successful STEM/STEAM elementary programs. TPS should bring that same spirit of collaboration to any difficult budget decisions that may be needed.
ANDREA BENNETT
Temperance