‘Green jobs’ will cost other jobs

A certain group of politicians are frantically promoting the idea of “green jobs”. While we should explore all avenues of job and energy development, we also need to learn from what others have done before us, as well as our own experiences. Subsidizing renewable energy in the U.S. may destroy over two jobs for every one created with windmills and solar farms.

A recent study from King Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain, reveals what occurred in Spain when green jobs were promoted with government financial aid. That study reveals that for every new position that is produced in the “green” category, the country lost 2.2 existing jobs. Because of their high cost and government subsidies, the green jobs translated into a cost of $774,000 each. Hardly a bargain. And, many of the new jobs are temporary.

The loss is even higher if you take into account the loss of industry that moves out of the country because of higher energy costs. Spain's largest producer of stainless-steel expanded its operation in South Africa and the U.S. because of increased energy cost in Spain.

Recently, we have learned of the true cost and environmental impact of ethanol, which was once the darling of “green” energy advocates. It actually requires more energy to produce corn ethanol than it produces. Plus one EPA study said that ethanol may actually produce five percent more greenhouse gas than gasoline.

So, please make sure that our politicians are aware of the true costs of “green” energy and jobs. Make sure you are informed of all sides of the argument and contact legislators if you find that they are making decisions without all the evidence needed.

There’s much evidence that many politicians aren’t considering the full array of evidence and experience available.

Mike Sturm, Ashland



It’s not too late to honor moms

Many of us just celebrated Mother’s Day with loved ones. But let’s not forget the mothers who are without family, friends and children on this day. Many of us are missing mothers who are no longer with us but we remember and we honor their memories.

It is not too late to say a kind word or do a kind act for the women in your life who may or may not have been able to celebrate Mother’s Day with loved ones. Many times we don’t know or recognize the loneliness that women feel who have lost family, friends and children because of domestic violence.

As we grow older, we understand the importance of family and the impact our mothers have had on our lives — some of us for the better and, for others, the worse. When we are sick, all of us naturally want the loving comfort of our moms. When we have a tragedy, we want our mothers to comfort us. We draw our strength from the memories of strong mothers who handle adversity with quiet fortitude and grace. That is why we honor them.

For the good memories; the constant loving giving and service to their families, mothers of the world, we honor you!

Ann Perkins, Executive director, Safe Harbor



Ashland wrong to nix recycling plan

As an Ashland native, there are two things that I know very well: (1) it is not very easy to recycle here and (2) there is a serious litter problem.

So, when I read that the city government just voted down a plan that would have made it easier to recycle and thus helping ease the litter problem, I was amazed, not to mention the fact the plan would have led to the creation of jobs during a recession in a place that sorely needs more employment options.

I hope this plan or one similar is brought up again soon and more rational minds prevail. The commissioners talk about not wanting to compete against a private enterprise. As it is now, Rumpke has no competition, and a monopoly is no good for Ashland.

Ashland should be a leader for the rest of the area in these matters, not a follower.

Dan Taylor, Huntington, W.Va.