To the editor:

Michigan’s Sixth District has a great opportunity in November.

We can elect someone who will actually represent the people of southwest Michigan! Mike O’Brien is the right choice.

Unfortunately, Fred Upton has really lost his way.

The once-moderate Republican is doing more to represent Canada than Michigan with his focus on the Keystone XL Pipeline — a risky venture that would transport Canadian tar-sands oil to the gulf to be sold on the world market.

Upton’s claim that this pipeline will move the U.S. to energy independence is ludicrous!

Canada is a foreign country, after all. Jobs? Sure, some during construction, but none will come home to his district.

More and more studies confirm that our energy independence can best come from renewable sources. Wind is an incredible bargain. The problem of wind’s inconsistency disappears as wind farms go online all over the country and tie-in to a nationwide grid.  The wind is always blowing on someone’s wind farm. (See statistics in the October/November 2012 issue of Mother Earth News.)

Just think how many turbines could be manufactured with the material Upton wants to use to build a pipeline. In contrast, Mike O’Brien has worked in the renewable energy industry and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table to help lead us to a cleaner energy future.

The best part is that re-tooling idle automobile factories in Michigan to manufacture wind components would put thousands back to work. But Upton is unforgivably silent. He is working for big oil, not you and me.

In addition to electing O’Brien, Michigan needs to pass Proposal 3 to shift our energy to 25 percent renewables by 2025.

It will encourage investments that will spur job growth.

It’s clear that Michigan’s Sixth District needs a change.

Vote for Mike O’Brien; former Marine, farmer and businessman who has “courage to serve and experience to lead.”

Carol Higgins

Mendon