DIXFIELD -– The Western Maine Economic Development Council, River Valley Growth Council, Greater Franklin Development Corporation and the Western Mountains Alliance are co-hosting a wind energy debate on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Dirigo High School. The snow date will be Feb. 18.

This will be a debate-style forum focused on the health and economic impacts of large scale wind development. A panel of debaters representing varying perspectives on these two issues will include: Dr. Albert Aniel, a physician at Rumford Hospital, Dr. Richard Jennings of Fayette, Sen. Peter Mills of Cornville and Dylan Voorhees of the Natural Resources Council of Maine. Panelists will be asked by citizens to address likely impacts of wind to community health and economic development, including taxes and energy costs for citizens.

In addition to panelists listed above, the event will include a table of experts to provide information on other pertinent questions that may arise pertaining to permitting, tax increment financing, sound impacts or local economic development impacts. These experts will include: Peter Guldberg, a sound engineer; Jim Cassida of the Department of Environmental Protection, Brian Hodges of the Department of Economic & Community Development and J Dwight of Dwight Investment Counsel of Wilton.

The event goals are to provide credible information on a diverse group of issues pertaining to wind development in Maine, and specifically the Dixfield and Carthage communities; to provide an opportunity for project opponents and proponents to engage in civil discourse; and to provide information that will help citizens make informed decisions about wind development in their communities.

The public is encouraged to email questions for the debaters to Beverly Crosby at Beverly@rvgc.org. RSVPs are requested so that organizers may ensure adequate seating at the event.

RSVP to Crosby at beverly@rvgc.org or 369-0396.

The Dirigo High School is located on Weld Street (Rt. 142) in Dixfield. Use side entrance by the field. There is parking available on the street and in the parking lot behind the school.