Hey ReEnergy, 'It's time for you to go'

In a scene almost reminiscent of last summer's Market Basket demonstrations, anti-landfill forces took their passion to the streets on Tuesday outside the Emma Ramsey Center in Milton. (Courtesy photo)

MILTON - Anti-landfill activists basked under a warm Wednesday sun after what could be a record voter turnout summarily showed the door to ReEnergy Holdings, who likely feel today's chill from Milton as much as the plunging mercury.

Milton voters gave the corporate landfill giant the cold shoulder on Tuesday, voting 1,100-182 against allowing a landfill on Piggott's Hill near Exit 18.

The overwhelming victory couldn't have been sweeter for those who characterized this fight as a David vs. Goliath struggle.

"Our opponents spend thousands of dollars on a very slick and corporate ad campaign," said Les Elder who helped get anti-landfill signs out to residents over the final weekend before the vote. "They do not know or understand the people of Milton. We are a community who values our rivers, lakes, environment as well as being able to leave this to future generations to share."

One of the main anti-landfill organizers, Eric Knapp, said the town spoke as one on Tuesday, setting the course for a new and improved Milton when it approved funding for fire station, highway and library projects.

"The best part is that this was not just a victory over Article 3," he told The Lebanon Voice. "The people of Milton voted for numerous, necessary improvements. The Fire Station plans and the CIP will soon be under way, and I'm looking forward to seeing some shiny new trucks, and some freshly graded roads. The Milton Free Public Library warrant passed, ensuring the survival of what has become one of my favorite places in town.

"Yesterday's votes will mark an important chapter in Milton's history, a turning point that will allow our town to heal, grow and prosper."

The vote against the landfill was pivotal, Knapp said, adding it sends a clear message that Milton doesn't want to go down that road.

"The pro-landfill advocates said that they simply wanted the issue to go to vote, and ReEnergy has said several times that if the town didn't want them, they'd go away. Well, it went to vote and the voters have spoken loud and clear. Milton doesn't want you, ReEnergy, and it's time for you to go."