Another point in fracking debate

Another point in fracking debate

The debate over the hydro fracking industry is not complete without including a very alarming study by Duke University and published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Science in May of this year. Findings were that excess methane levels in 68 water wells in New York and Pennsylvania grew the closer the water wells were to fracking sites. Samplings from an additional 100 water wells confirmed the results. (see Discovery magazine Jan 2012 for a synopsis).

The disconnect between the fracking industry’s rosy picture and the critical debate is becoming ever deeper. The fact that local zoning laws are trumped by the State of Ohio is as disconcerting as the industry’s exemptions from the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Fresh Drinking Water Act. I fear that the sort of damages incurred by hydro fracking amounts to a form of inter-generational robbery whereby our children’s children will live in a far harsher world.

Thomas Cvetkovich, Youngstown

Don’t trust Washington elitists

What many residents need to remember amidst all the political dialogue is who precisely most closely represents “we the people.” Listening to the president’s speech regarding the obstruction by a majority of the members of our U. S. Congress to passing his two-month payroll tax reduction, I heard him say even the GOP U.S. Senate was in favor of his plan. one has to wonder where the truth lies.

I believe all U.S. senators are out of touch with the common citizen, and are greatly influenced by lobbyists and other special interest groups

The congressional representatives on the other hand come from here among us and have to face us every time they are home. They truly know their constituents’ wishes, they cannot hide by blaming obstructionist political powers, and they ultimately answer directly to us.

We should pay heed to our local representatives, rather than the out-of-touch elitists occupying Washington, D.C.

Larry Schuler, Canfield