Newport's Energy and Environmental Commission, chaired by Emily Conklin, is in freefall as another scandal hits the group that has campaigned for wind farms under the guise of public debate. The latest blow came with the resignation of board member Ann Dubose Joslin in protest, accusing the commission of “blatant failure” and “a disservice to the community.”
Joslyn didn't hold back in a scathing letter to Mayor Khamsivoravong, Newport City Council and other commissioners. He accused the commission of stifling his attempts to voice his concerns about offshore wind farms and suggested his opinions had been repeatedly dismissed and silenced.
“Committee members,” Joslyn wrote, “Again, there is a reason why my attempt to bring a proposal to the committee cannot proceed. Emily made that clear today in one of the many damning emails she sent me. For over two years, I have been trying to participate as an active member of this committee. On day one, I proposed my research on offshore wind farms to you committee members, only to be turned down and dismissed again and again for months.”
Joslin went on to criticize the commission's response to the offshore wind farm debate, saying it was a major issue facing the city and the country: “I strongly believed that I had a duty to inform my fellow Newport residents of all the terms and conditions regarding these giant turbines being built offshore. There is no bigger energy and environmental issue for this country today than offshore wind farms. Yet I have been silenced by you all. This bodes very badly for our city and our commission.”
Her frustration has reached a boiling point where she has concluded she can no longer be an effective member of the commission. “After giving my best efforts for a long time, I now believe that I will no longer be able to contribute meaningfully to this commission, the city or the mayor's plans. I refuse to remain on a commission that does not allow for an open dialogue that highlights all sides of an issue,” she said. “Therefore, I am resigning from my position as a member of the City of Newport's Energy and Environmental Commission, effective immediately.”
Joslyn's resignation is the latest in a series of controversies that have plagued the commission, including censorship, the spread of misinformation and even allegations of assaulting a woman who opposes wind farms. As the commission's credibility continues to crumble, Newport residents are wondering how long this farce can continue.
Asked for comment, City Councilman David Carlin, who is introducing a resolution for the city to hold another meeting to represent all views, said:
“It is shameful that someone with such qualifications and willingness to volunteer was not allowed to express her opinion. Her only 'crime' was opposing wind farms.”
As a City Council member, I will not tolerate discrimination or forced silence. This committee represents the city, and the City Council wants better.”
Do you like Newport Buzz? We rely on the generous support of readers like you to help us fulfill our mission of informing and entertaining our readers with local, independent news and content. We're so grateful for your trust and support!