Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
To our neighbors in Portage County,
We want to thank the Portage County Commissioners for their recent decision regarding the future of our community. By choosing to review renewable energy projects on a case-by-case basis rather than passing a blanket ban, the commissioners are standing up for local workers and the economic health of our community.
As leaders of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 573, IBEW Local 306, and the Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 894, we represent the men and women who live and work right here in this region. Our members are your neighbors, and we have a personal stake in making sure our county prospers. This decision ensures that Portage County remains a place where high-quality projects can create good-paying jobs for local residents. For the community, this means projects are built safely, on time, and by professionals who care about the results - because we live here, too.
These projects do more than just generate power. They provide the funding our schools and emergency services need to stay strong. Unions also create a path to the middle class through our paid apprenticeship programs that train the next generation of workers. These projects give young people in Portage County the skills they need for a lifelong career without having to move away from their communities to find work.
We are grateful to the commissioners for their thoughtfulness in this matter and for listening to the voices of working families. We look forward to working with local leaders and developers to make sure that renewable energy development in our county prioritizes local union labor and community growth.
Sincerely,
Todd Ambrose
Business Manager, IBEW Local 573
Chuck Zittle
Business Manager, IBEW Local 306
Jason Legg
Business Manager, LiUNA Local 894
Letter to the editor
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