MCLA Beacon Online

By Laura Field

Staff Writer

As part of the final radio shows of his MCLA career, Charles Schnitzlein interviewed State Treasurer Tim Cahill last week, who, among other things, discussed his opposition to wind farms in Berkshire County.

Cahill, who is running as an independent candidate for Mass. governor, called into WJJW Friday morning and discussed a number of issues. Some particularly regarded the soon to be graduates of MCLA.“We need to incentivize young people to start their own businesses,” said Cahill. “We need to make sure banks provide credit to college graduates and we need to motivate young graduates to not only go out into the work world, but start their own businesses.”

During the interview, Cahill stressed that young people need to create opportunities from the recession. He explained the importance of motivating undergraduates to create their own jobs and their own version of the American dream.

When Charlie addressed the issue of education being cut, Cahill could only answer with the healthcare problem. “The more money that goes to healthcare spending,” said Cahill, “the less money goes to education.” He further explained that higher education has taken the most cuts. Half of the state budget in the next four years will be taken up by healthcare. “It’s simply unsustainable,” said Cahill. “It will not work if we want an educated, motivated workforce moving forward.”

When Charlie asked Cahill his thoughts on the wind farms being proposed in Berkshire County, Cahill didn’t hesitate in stating he very much opposed the idea. He felt it would not lower energy costs at all. If anything, the farms would raise costs.“Wind technology is not cheap to build and maintain,” stressed Cahill. “I’m very concerned about the impact that they might have in Berkshire county … they lead to deforestation and damage to the environment.” Cahill stated that in order to go green, we need to be willing to look at all different types of energy. That includes nuclear, coal, gas, and natural gas.

At the end of the interview, Cahill said he anticipates being back in Western Mass. within the month. He hopes this will be an issue orientated, not negative oriented campaign.