But those who want the prison see the astronomers as interlopers, outsiders butting into local affairs. The Springfield Telescope Makers recently asked supporters to stop discussing the issue until after the town vote. Vermont needs a new prison to ease a cellblock crunch. In recent years the state has shipped inmates to as far away as Virginia and New Jersey. But finding a site is no easy task.
Critics also question if a prison is what the town needs.
People are worried about possible escapes, and about having prisoners in town on furloughs and work release. Springfield residents seldom mention the dark-sky issue when they debate the prison. But Kurt Staudter, a local journalist and political activist, says he thinks they should. I grew up in New York City, where all you never saw more than a few bright spots in the sky. Astronomy has become part of our town's history.