The Denton County Republican Party and the Denton County Democratic Party will co-host a public forum on the issue of hydraulic fracturing from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Denton County Elections Administration office, 701 Kimberly Drive, Suite A101, in Denton.
The forum will present both sides of the proposed ban on hydraulic fracturing in Denton that will go before voters Nov. 4.
Adam Briggle will represent the pro-ban group, while Richard Hayes will speak for the pro-responsible drilling group. The forum will be moderated by Scott Parks, managing editor of the Denton Record-Chronicle, with members of the media addressing questions to both Briggle and Hayes.
Also, time will be set aside to hear questions from the audience.
“It’s not a partisan issue, even if the Republican Party does have a position on it in our platform,” said Denton County Republican Party chairwoman Dianne Edmondson, noting the Republicans’ stance supporting responsible drilling.
“I think our main hope is to get factual information out there. There are a large number of undecided voters trying to look past the hype and determine for themselves the best way to vote.”
Denton County Democratic Party chairwoman Phyllis Wolper agreed that it was not a political issue, but added that it is one of quality of life.
“We hope we get the word out about the dangers of this and how it needs to end within the city limits,” she said. “What kind of life will we offer ourselves and our children and future people coming to Denton? It’s much more detrimental than it is beneficial.”
For more information, contact either Edmondson at 940-391-6699 or Wolper at 940-566-1165.
— Staff report
