You never know who is going to speak during the public comment period at Town Council meetings or what topic or proposal they might bring forward. But the proposal by resident John Rogers for reducing energy costs in the town’s public buildings deserves serious consideration.
Rogers, a director of engineering at a real estate company who developed the energy conservation plan with Town Council Vice President Joseph Ferrino Jr., wants to identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency in the schools, the police and fire stations, Town Hall, the public library, and the American Legion building.
Rogers seemed confident that the so-called Energy Star Program, a free, federal, Internet-based program, could bring significant savings to the town. While his plan to utilize juniors and seniors at the high school and make their energy data input work a part of the school’s science curriculum, would need the approval of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Jenkins and the School Committee (as well as the support of Winthrop High School Principal Gail Conlon and the high school science department who would have to figure out whether students would do the work during regular class time or as an extra credit project), the idea as a whole sounds as if it has a great deal of merit.
We’re pleased that Town Manager James McKenna has agreed to meet with Mr. Rogers to discuss his plan further. And Councillor Linda Calla’s recommendation that DPW Director David Hickey be included in the discussions is an excellent one.