County resident questions Henman's actions
Published on -4/7/2009, 7:08 AM
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By GAYLE WEBER
Ellis County Commission Chairman Perry Henman doesn't deny he has been in contact with wind developers in Ellis County.
But one county resident believes the activity has been "very prejudicial" and makes it look as though Henman is "asking for a special favor."
Gene Bittel, chairman of the county's planning commission, told county commissioners Monday that Henman has contacted wind developers, specifically Invenergy LLC, to discuss what a comprehensive plan, a guideline for future county growth, might look like.
"This activity is very prejudicial to landowners north of Ellis along the blacktop road as it gives the perception to developers that Commissioner Henman will only support a project if it excludes the area," Bittel said.
Both Bittel and Henman own property in the proposed Invenergy LLC project area north of Ellis.
"I was just telling them what a comprehensive plan would entail," Henman said. "I said, 'In Ellis County, a comprehensive plan would probably be things along blacktop roads where you have rural water and you would have some areas of protection.' "
However, Bittel said without a comprehensive plan in place, Henman should not be allowed to make such proposals to developers.
"There has been no notification, public hearing or any other form of communication to landowners to give the opportunity to contest these proposals," said Bittel, who has twice voted in favor of an Iberdrola wind project southwest of Hays.
Henman, who has twice voted against the Iberdrola project, has said he wants the county commission to develop a comprehensive plan instead of instructing the planning commission to do so.
"As a commissioner, people got concerns, and I need to talk to these developers," he said. "I was just communicating, in my opinion, what I thought."
Invenergy Project Manager Will Furgeson said his "abstract" conversation with Henman occurred more than a month ago. He has not had a face-to-face talk with commissioners Glenn Diehl or Vernon Berens.
At that time, Ferguson said Henman's idea was to have a half-mile to 1-mile setback from the blacktop road north of Ellis and from U.S. Highway 183 north of Hays.
"I think his idea was leaving a buffer zone on those roads to allow more development of housing in those areas," Furgeson said.
"If there were going to be setbacks, I think it would make more sense to be set back from non-participating homes or properties."
Furgeson said he would be open to talking with Henman or any of the commissioners about their ideas for a comprehensive plan in order to give them a developer's perspective.
Neither Diehl nor Berens commented on the issue Monday.
Henman has and will continue to have the support of a 3 to 1 majority of the citizens of his district. The remarks of "the simple man" are really more simple then he gives himself credit for portraying. He's a greedy individual who only cares about his own greed. A greed that has and continues to hurt everyone in Ellis County. For anyone that thinks differently, just look at how he runs his operation.
(Posted by: Silence isn't golden.)
Financial Gain???: 4/9/2009
Why are the NIMBY's always mentioning the financial gain of the nearby landowners? Who are you people to call them greedy. Take a look in the mirror, you people are using your money for what, to get your way in court. I think there are many charities in this world where your money could be put to better use. You are so quick to put down the man with more land, who really should have rights on HIS land. Yes you have rights too, ON THE LAND YOU OWN. It's wrong for people, who want to move to the country and want control of everything their nieghbor wants to with his land. Does "living in the county" give you more rights than someone living in the city? It's just flat out wrong. You want to control the view on the land around you, then buy more land. Also-wrong to belittle the farmer because you think you are better then he. Be happy for others and just mind your own business. Or is it you can't because you are part of the crowd that is always consumed by what others have that you can't even enjoy life? And as far as Perry goes, why are so many of the people who wanted him in office, now complaining about him-interesting.
(Posted by: The simple man)
Perry: 4/8/2009
Perry has done excellent. He is thinking ahead for every land owner, large and small. There are places in Ellis county where wind towers would not effect anyone. And if they did so what? That's Gene Greed Bittle thinking. Stick with the plan Perry there are alot of people backing your thoughts
(Posted by: Honest Al)
He's Not Just A Resident: 4/8/2009
Gene Bittel, chairman of the county's planning commission... ...own property in the proposed Invenergy LLC project area north of Ellis. ...half-mile to 1-mile setback from the blacktop road north of Ellis ... Bittle has hurt feelings over something he should recuse himself from. "If there were going to be setbacks, I think it would make more sense to be set back from non-participating homes or properties." Furgeson said he would be open to talking with Henman or any of the commissioners about their ideas for a comprehensive plan in order to give them a developer's perspective. The developer is willing to work with the commissioners. Why can't Bittel?
(Posted by: Shady Zoner Watcher)
Concerned Commissioner: 4/8/2009
Isn't it amazing to think that Perry may actually be more concerned about the citizens of Ellis County than a few greedy farmers. Hard to believe that someone is actually doing the job they were elected to do.
(Posted by: Sick of Bittel)
Not much thinking going on.: 4/8/2009
In reading through the comments to this story it is obvious that the writers neither think nor reason. Their thoughtless comments have nothing to do with the issues. Instead of badgering Mr. Henman, they should make themselves knowledgable about what is going on, and that Ellis county will be forever damaged by those few who will financially gain. Our way of life will soon end if the windys aren't stopped.
(Posted by: Silence isn't golden.)
I would quesiton this??: 4/8/2009
Not sure what Henman's intentions are here. If Ellis County doesn't quit screwing around -- we won't reap any of the county kickback potentials and others will. Every time you flip on the TV another county or community is looking at wind energy and those are the ones who will benefit -- NOT HAYS or ELLIS COUNTY. People here need to really start looking at that and quit complaining! Heck, look at the one and only tower on Quinter Public Schools grounds. You want to have 489 stop requesting money from the people -- put up a wind tower and see the savings for the district and the potential for extra money -- just like with the COUNTY! Think about it people.
(Posted by: Just Saying)
Henman: 4/8/2009
The little rich boy who inherited all this land is pouting
(Posted by: Dumb Founded)
: 4/7/2009
Henman needs to go. The wind project would benefit Ellis County big time.
(Posted by: )
: 4/7/2009
In some ciricles the governemnt would call what Henmen did extortion!!
(Posted by: Open minded)
NOTHING NEXT: 4/7/2009
I don't know why they are still beating this horse it's dead. The old german mentality in Ellis county will not allow progress.
(Posted by: Scott)
What next?: 4/7/2009
Pery, Perry, Perry, you are just all over the place with your comprehensive plan. A vision with no direction, imagine that.
(Posted by: Clueless)
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