To the editor:

I read Chad Lawhorn’s July 28 article about Chelshi Hayden’s denied reappointment to the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission with interest. I attended most if not all of the Planning Commission public discussions regarding the development of wind farm regulations in 2024. My opinion at that time was that Hayden was clearly opposed to wind energy development in Douglas County. She extended the meetings with repeated questions and “corrections” that obstructed productive discussion by other members of the Commission. I left those meetings with a very negative opinion of her role on the commission.

The fact that she is closely associated with opponents of the Kansas Sky Energy Center and the parties involved in the lawsuit against the county is concerning. That project has been approved by the commission. It seems appropriate for Commissioners Kelly and Willey to withhold public comment regarding the reasons for her denied reappointment to the Planning Commission. Their professional restraint is commendable.

Wayne A. White,

Lawrence