Got Solar Y-town? No? Why?

[irishbobcat]

Ohio Going Solar...Everywhere but Youngstown

April 22, 2008

Last month, Gov. Ted Strickland stood on the roof of The Toledo Museum of Art to observe the installation of the electricity-generating modules, and to highlight his energy bill that he said would spur alternative and renewable sources of power.

"This is one example of what could be done to make our state more progressive and to make us less dependent on outside supplies for our energy needs," Mr. Strickland said.

The 1,450 solar panels that are taking over a portion of the museum's roof will generate 101 kilowatts of peak power on a sunny day, or about one-fifth of the museum's energy needs, art museum Director Don Bacigalupi said.

Mr. Bacigalupi said the total cost of installing the energy panels would be less than $500,000. The museum received a grant of $147,500 from the Ohio Department of Development for the project, according to Carol Bintz, a development officer for the museum.

The panels were made by First Solar Inc. of Perrysburg and are being installed by Advanced Distributed Generation LLC of Toledo. John Witte of ADG said the electricity produced by the panels at peak use would be enough to power about 25 homes.

First Solar panels are also in use at the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, and the governor's mansion in Columbus.
Nikki Jaworski, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Development, said the art museum's array is one of the largest in the state. She said the department last June awarded a grant of $438,372 for a 121-kilowatt solar project at the Jeffrey Place condominium project in Columbus.

Now, go to the Internet Campaign Home Page of State Representative Bob Hagan and you see a nice picture of Bob sitting next to Governor Strickland.

If Mr. Hagan and the Governor are so close, why are solar panels not installed on the Butler Institute of American Art building in Youngstown? Why are there not solar panel renewable companies and manufacturers in the Mahoning Valley? Why are the areas of Toledo and Bowling Green and Columbus receiving grants to fund renewable energy and not Youngstown?

If the Governor believes Ohio must spur alternative and renewable sources of power, why is no progress-taking place in Youngstown?

You would think after 20 years of being in Columbus Bob Hagan would have the political clout and respect to have Youngstown, Ohio at the forefront of these types of grants? But he doesn't. And that's why Bob Hagan needs to be replaced as State Representative for the 60th District.

Dennis Spisak-Independent Green Party Candidate for State Representative-60th District

Campaign wed site: Http://votespisak.tripod.com

Visit our links page on Alternative Energy Jobs for the Valley