It was interesting to read the article in the Scranton Times today regarding Ransom Township Supervisors and gas leases. If you missed in the Gas Muse 4/5/2008, here it is again:
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19462460&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6
Apparently, these supervisors have done at least a portion of their homework and are not impressed with these leases. Maybe some of the supervisors of the townships and council persons in the boroughs will take a lesson from this. As was stated by supervisor Joe Esposito, “Don’t think you’re going to get rich on this because you probably won’t,” he said. “The gas company’s going to get rich.”
With all that has been written to this point about the potential damage this project could cause to the area (never mind they will grade and reseed your lawn), what about the water supply (see posts below), what about the miles and miles of piping running across peoples’ property, etc., etc.
Oh yes, how about all the people who have houses on small parcels, surrounded by large parcels owned by others? These people will suffer all the consequences of these wells, piping, screwed up water, etc. and NEVER see any of the benefit. What are you elected officials doing to protect those people, their property and the value of the same?
In any event, the boroughs and townships in this area are currently leasing unused or even used township and borough property to get a few extra dollars in their coffers. Isn’t this asking for a problem with their constituents? If you are an elected official (supervisor or councilperson) and are being asked to sign a lease, whom do you consult with? Remember, you are operating as a fiducary for the constituents of whatever political subdivision (please read township or borough) you have been elected to represent. Please choose wisely. If the scope of this project is anywhere near what it has been described elsewhere, it will be a permanent and maybe not so good change for the residents.
The argument has been made that stone quarries already deface the land. This is not being desputed here at all. In fact this writer has been following the bluestone industry from very first entry in this blog. The post specifically dealt with the bluestone industry. To make it a little easier, here it is:
Welcome to Susquehanna County - Where Bluestone runs the show
My friends, I would suggest strongly to you that whatever scars dot the landscape in Susquehanna County from the stone quarries will pale into insignificance when we start dealing with water issues, hundreds of miles of pipe, REALLY torn up roads, etc., etc.
If you are an elected official, and have unused public property to lease, I realize the pressure is enormous to get a little extra income for the township or borough’s treasury. Just realize this, we have one chance to do this right. If we don’t, I shudder to contemplate the results. Please educate yourself as much as possible to make an informed decision. The people who elected you are counting on that fact. Don’t dissapoint them.
Remember, it ISN”T always about the money (upfront and/or royalties). A couple of thousand dollars per acre plus 15 - 25% royalty isn’t worth tearing up your roads and compromising your water supply.
It IS about the landman from the gas company who isn’t concerned with you (or your constituents) welfare. Remember, he is the one who uses scare tactics to get you to sign.
It IS about looking forward 5, 10, 50, 100 years from now and doing the right thing for the future generations of our county, its townships and boroughs.
It IS about doing DUE DILLIGENCE to represent your constituents correctly. Please take the time to read the posts and comments which appear below. Thank you.
=================================
Responsible comments are always welcome, whether it is this story or another. If you haven’t registered yet, go to the Meta Section (on the right side of the page) and register. It’s free, fast and important for you to be able to post responses to items on this site. Nobody wants your name however, please note, personal attacks, spamming and the like will not be tolerated. Welcome to SusqcoBlog.com! Happy posting.
Article in the Binghamton Press 4/9/2008
http://www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804090338
I think the word is FINALLY getting out.