OPEN SOURCE
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MOUNT VERNON — After we published ‘Who is funding Knox Smart Development?’ story, several readers have asked us similar questions about groups supporting the Open Road Renewable project.
Knox Pages asked Kathy Gamble, a member of Knox County for Responsible Solar, about the group’s beginnings and funding.
The group believes a well-sited solar project has the potential to provide stable, long-term funding for local schools, roads, emergency services, and infrastructure, according to its website.
Two years ago Gamble met a property owner who leased land for the solar project. The land owner approached Gamble, asking if she could do something to draw attention to this (the project) and let people know it’s going to be a good thing not only for the landowners but the community.
Gamble said the landowner, nor Frasier Solar, has given her or the group money.
As for funding, Gamble says the organization operates mainly on donations — either $20 or $40 is typical.
Ohio Citizen Action helps boost social media posts
Besides donations and personal funds, Gamble said she received a grant from the organization Ohio Citizen Action to help boost Knox County for Responsible Solar social media posts.
As of May 14, three posts were boosted totaling $265, Gamble said.
Ohio Citizen Action CEO Rachael Belz said she met with Gamble in the late fall/early winter.
According to 2022 fiscal year tax filings, Ohio Citizen Action’s mission/most significant activities are to “mobilize people to advocate for public interests” also “engage people in actions that protect public health, improve environmental quality and benefit consumers Our campaigns connect Ohioans and build a movement to protect democracy and create a sustainable future.”
This includes education, organizing and grassroots lobbying on issues including clean energy, sustainable energy, fair energy costs, preserving democracy and public health.
According to tax filings, contributors weren’t listed.
Attempts to reach Wells CPA LLC, who filed the tax form, were unsuccessful at the time of publication.