Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Tom Shoemaker, DVM on July 21, 2010 at 7:11am

Chris,
You make some excellent comments. I especially agree with your viewpoint on instant cash helping farmers. The farming industry, especially small family farms, has been unfairly struggling/declining for a long, long time in favor of more factory farm type scenarios and cheap food for global consumption.

My main reason for posting this was not to debate the minutiae or nuances of natural gas drilling (remember I am pro-responsible drilling), but rather to see what people thought of issues other than money. Yes, there are many families that benefit from this cash right now, but is it enough to last a lifetime and enough to invest in the next generation so they are better off? And what harm will it do to wait a little while to do some further studies to really understand the process?

The purpose of listing my title was not to seem aloof, judge, or be self-righteous, but to qualify my viewpoint as a Sullivan County local, raised and educated locally, who came back to the county before the gas craze was en vogue.

I would be especially interested to see families and farmers have more money in the community, because indirectly that would be great for my potential business. However, currently I cannot even afford to practice in the county…another reason I am pro-responsible drilling. But money is not everything. It plays a huge part of our lives but it is not the only issue at play here. I cannot deny the positive impact an influx of cash will have on this low income community. My concern is, once the bliss of explosive economic gain wears off, what are the consequences, and will this area be able to grow in a responsible way without severely damaging our environment?

Permalink Reply by chris on July 21, 2010 at 8:57am

Tom, Chris H- You both raise excellent points and make convincing arguments. My question is why does it have to be one way or the other?

I think we are in a position to have the best of both worlds if we think and plan carefully. County residents and mineral rights owners shouldn't fear expecting responsible management from the gas industry. We all must live here.

It's true that this area needs a better economic base and good paying jobs if the county is to keep and attract young people. But if we pollute our air and water with chemicals that later affect our health and that of our children and grandchildren, then who would want to live here? I agree with Tom in that waiting a bit won't hurt, especially now that at least some money was made through leasing rights. That gas isn't going anywhere, and you still own it.

I do applaud the new EPA study on fracking fluids and hope our area might be included in it as an emerging market. I know the subject is controversial but I am neither pro or anti drilling. I must say I am not reassured by the industries arguments and talking points regarding frac fluid safety. If frac fluid is as safe as the industry says then they should not fear the study nor to disclose it's components. I would be especially encouraged if all companies followed the lead of Range Resources and their decision to voluntarily disclose that info by individual well. But that's just my own 2 cents.

For those interested, there is an informational meeting about the EPA study to be held in Binghamton, NY Aug 12. Written comment is also being accepted.

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_hydroout.html#meetings.

Good Fortune and Long life to both of you!

Permalink Reply by Jamie Smith on July 22, 2010 at 1:27pm

Chris,

Shunk church attendance statistics aside, as a self-proclaimed outsider why would you make it a point to attack a young professional and life-long area residents such as Dr. Shoemaker. Sounds to me like he is simply in favor of a strong local economy, vibrant community, responsible industry, and a safe environment.

Is insulting young professional & community members truly how you want to attract a younger demographic to move to the area?

Also, assuming you yourself speak for "everyone" about what figure landowners are/aren't comfortable with is arrogant and misguided.

Whatever happens I hope it has a long-term benefit on local individuals, the economy, our community as a whole and the environment.

In any event your attitude is stank, son - or in vernacular you can understand: deplorable.

Permalink Reply by Tom Shoemaker, DVM on July 23, 2010 at 2:12am

Chris,
This discussion was not meant to be a means of venting repressed high school memories. Were you in my class? The narrow-mindedness that you display by “profiling” me is consistent with the narrow scope of your discussion posts and how you do not respond to the issues involved in gas drilling other than money. Let's keep the families out of this. I am here as an individual. You and I can start a MySpace page and debate on if I had problems in high school, was in the top 10% of my class, or if I bought my way through vet school with personal funds (ha, ha, they are called student loans, and they don’t give that degree away, and you should see how much I owe…ha, ha,). I am treating you with respect by not calling out your credentials (this is not a Senate conformation hearing) and trying to focus on the stated issues. There are many, many intelligent, well educated people in Sullivan County and I think we can all talk nicely without judging people over the internet.

The question is still there however, that your argument is largely polarized on the fact that money is coming in to the community (which I agree was a good thing). I want to know from you and other people, who is thinking about the environmental impacts short and long term, and facilitate a useful discussion on those issues.

Permalink Reply by Jamie Smith on July 23, 2010 at 4:16am

Chris,

I don’t consider school or student loans a “luxury”.

Obviously Dr. Shoemaeker is intelligent. I wonder, at what point in your profiling process did you rule out the possibility that he also had to work hard and make financial sacrifices?

I don't doubt you have a vested interest in a happy and healthy community as well.

Best of luck on your next fishing trip.