Letter to the editor: Conflicting interests and the Marcellus circus

Reading about the latest trials and tribulations in Upper Burrell (“Former supervisors ask Upper Burrell to add 2 more seats; ties to Marcellus shale raised,” Dec. 5, TribLIVE), one thing is obvious: The circus with Marcellus gas drilling continues.

Supervisor Ross Walker’s appearance at a West Deer meeting extolling the fracking industry was like having the fox talk about guarding the henhouse. Walker and fellow supervisors are unabashed industry apologists and, as reported, have entered into gas leases, with Walker recently boasting that Olympus has “been nice to deal with.” Yet their solicitor sees no conflict of interest.

Gullible residents were told how fracking would benefit the township with money forthcoming to pave roads and keep taxes in line. Unfortunately, residents are now told their taxes will be raised by 20%! So much for benefits.

The supervisors have chosen to ignore the warnings regarding the dangerous effects associated with gas exploitation, even allowing it in residential neighborhoods. Obviously, making money trumps health and safety.

The very notion, moreover, that supervisors must allow such drilling or be sued is sheer nonsense. The courts have upheld that local municipalities can set the parameters for such drilling. Upper Burrell, however, chose to allow it wherever.

A visit to the township reveals how gas industrialization adversely changes a community. With gas pipeline construction, compressor stations, pipeline pigging operations and more drilling and fracking, Upper Burrell’s idyllic landscape gradually morphs into an industrial encampment.

When conflicting interests are elected to office, the results are sadly predictable: The circus comes to town and then takes over.

Ron Slabe

Oakmont