Perry plant vital to Lake County

Editor’s note: Another Viewpoint is a column The News-Herald makes available so all sides of an issue may be aired. Jerry Cirino is a Lake County commissioner.

The Perry Nuclear Power Plant in North Perry Village has been the subject of many news reports and an active topic on social media. Of course, there are many different opinions on what, if any, actions should be taken.

Many of these opinions are not based on factual information. The most dangerous opinion is, I believe, what I have heard from many as I go around the county talking about saving the plant. That is: “This is really only a Perry problem, and they have enjoyed the benefits for many years and now it is coming to an end.”

This is dangerous because our residents need to understand that while the Perry communities do benefit from the plant, the economic impact of a closure would be felt around the county and it would be devastating.

It all begins with the 700plus direct employees who would lose their jobs, and the impact on their families. Many would have to move somewhere because their expertise is in the nuclear field. They will sell their homes quickly, remove their children from the schools and no longer spend money in our community.

Next, there are the hundreds of other people who are employed by the many companies providing products and services to the plant. It is estimated that the annual vendor spending by the plant is close to $64 million just in Lake County. If the plant shuts down, that spending goes away.

Hotels and restaurants also would be impacted not only because of the employee job loss, but also due to the major projects at the plant that require vendors to stay in Lake County for extended periods of time. The county would suffer lower sales taxes and bed tax revenue as well. Remember, the sales tax is the major source of revenue for the county budget.

Now, let’s look at other taxes. There is property tax, which primarily benefits the schools and not just Perry. The Fire District would be impacted as well and would suffer service level losses, for sure. Then there is the state utility tax, which comes back to support schools, and many of the levies we have in the county, including the Crime Lab, senior programs, children’s programs, programs for the disabled and those dealing with substance abuse.

When I decided to run for county commissioner in 2016, I told voters that my main focus would be on economic development. I wanted to use my business background to bring new companies here and to keep companies already here. Since taking office, I have been working hard to do just that.

This is precisely why I have led the charge to keep the Perry Nuclear Power Plant open. To sit by and just watch it close, along with the economic calamity it would bring, would be irresponsible. My opposition to its closing is based both on my view that clean, nuclear energy should not be abandoned, and because the impact of a closure would harm our community in very many ways.

Now that First Energy Solutions has filed for bankruptcy, I will be working with the court and our local state legislators to craft a plan to provide rate relief in recognition of the safe, secure, reliable and clean nuclear energy produced in our back yard.

If anyone is concerned about another $1.50 to $2 a month on your electric bill, just think about all of the levies you will be faced with that could total hundreds of dollars a year along with lower services if the plant closes.

Join me in protecting the economy of Lake County by supporting all efforts to keep the Perry Nuclear Power Plant open.

Jerry Cirino