ELECTION LETTERS
The Denton Record-Chronicle welcomes letters to the editor pertaining to the Nov. 4 general election. All regular submission rules apply. Letters concerning statewide races and local propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot must be received in this office by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. None will be published after Friday, Oct. 31.
Responsible setbacks
For the record, I like natural gas. It’s cleaner than coal; its boom has reduced greenhouse gases, made for cheaper electric bills and less dependence on foreign energy.
What I can’t support is the drilling so close to our schools, parks and houses. About 200 feet, which the industry has insisted on here in Denton, is just too close. My family has 10 natural gas wells located within a half-mile of our house.
We have to deal with the noise and air pollution from trucks, the road traffic, the sight pollution and the health risks associated with being near wells, both when they’re fracked and flared.
Finally, let’s face it — the tactics of the “pro-drilling at any cost” groups have not exactly been community-focused. We understand most of them are not from Denton, don’t live here and don’t have to deal with the problems they’re creating.
They’re on record admitting to using pages and text from the military psychological operations manuals in order to divide us against each other.
They’ve circulated petitions by paying people to lie to us.
They’re currently suggesting that any of us concerned about Denton’s air, water and children’s health must be collaborating with Russia — not cool (or even smart).
This could all be avoided, if just the industry would agree to a moratorium on any new fracking operations within 1,200 feet of existing homes, schools and parks. That would be a responsible setback. That would be “responsible drilling.”
Doug Henry,
Denton
Compassionate hearts
Myra Crownover’s “Texas responsible for caring for the disabled” [DRC, Aug. 30] signifies the importance of the dignity of the individual and the sanctity of life.
An attempt to replace the Denton State Supported Living Center with group homes diminishes our ability to provide for our most medically fragile.
The Denton State Supported Living Center specializes in caring for our most vulnerable with onsite medical care, uniquely designed for the residents. This compassionate care is delivered most importantly in a safe environment for all.
The well-trained medical professionals and caregivers have developed trust, bonding and communication skills with their patients that have taken years to achieve. Unique diets just for basic nourishment and dental care are two basic needs best met at this state supported living center.
As well-intentioned and dedicated as group home professionals are, they simply do not have the resources, training or experience to provide for our most vulnerable.
If you have no respect for life at any point along the spectrum from conception until natural death, you will be able to be convinced by someone or some event that there are other points along that same spectrum not worthy of protection.
Rep. Crownover speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves, guarding these vital protections.
More importantly, both she and the health care professionals at the Denton State Supported Living Center have a compassionate heart for our most medically fragile.
Bill Lawson,
Denton
Vote for parks bond
While watching the Ken Burns’ documentary on The Roosevelts, I was struck by the foresight that Teddy Roosevelt and our government demonstrated in preserving and setting aside land for national parks. Future generations and millions of visitors have been able to experience nature and the outdoors through observation, exploration and education as a result.
Parks add to the quality of our lives. They bring families together. They are an incentive for employers to locate in Denton. They are places for kids to play sports and learn valuable lessons. They are places to find an escape from our hectic schedules and our computer screens.
Parks are necessary. Thank goodness our forefathers knew this.
On Nov. 4, we will have the opportunity to vote yes to parks in Denton.
The $11.3 million bond will provide for future park property acquisition, a beginning master plan for development of parkland presently owned in southwest Denton, expansion of our hiking and biking trails, citywide playground updates and improvements, a new splash park, as well as additions to our water park and tennis facilities. Please join me in supporting parks and quality of life in Denton.
Janet Shelton, Denton,
2014 Citizens Bond
Advisory Board member
Restrict fracking in Denton
Dianne Edmondson [DRC, Sept. 23] had a well-written letter to the editor supporting fracking. I believe it takes some thought.
First, she claims this is “government over-reach.” What is a government for if not to protect the rights of the majority of the population when it comes to something that affects everybody? One must assume she also believes the government’s efforts to restrict secondhand smoke our kids breathe as government over-reach.
“Some claim ... fracking predominantly injects chemicals … when actually 99.5 percent of the fracturing liquid is water. ...” That is good news; since each well uses about 2 million gallons of water, they only pump 10,000 gallons of chemicals into the ground per well.
That’s enough to half-fill your average home swimming pool. There are 281 wells within the city limits, which means 2.8 million gallons of chemicals are already under the city.
“The industry provides jobs to about 334,000 Texans. ...”
She does not mention how many of them are here, nor does she mention how many of them are within this (or any) city limits or how many of those jobs will last when the drilling (and water disposal — things you have to live with) are gone.
She closes by suggesting you can get “good, clear, factual information” from a booklet written by the oil and gas industry (one assumes she believes it is unbiased).
I believe her letter takes some thought.
I will vote to restrict fracking within the city limits.
Bill Reed,
Denton
