ELECTION LETTERS
The Denton Record-Chronicle welcomes letters to the editor pertaining to the Nov. 4 general election. All regular submission rules apply. The deadline for letters concerning statewide races and local propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot to be received in this office was 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. None will be published after Friday, Oct. 31.
Vote with our conscience
The Denton Record-Chronicle’s Oct. 18 editorial, “Vote no on fracking ban,” states the fracking ban debate has resulted in an unnecessary and damaging battle pitting neighbor against neighbor.
Not only is this line arguing against the very fabric of the democratic system, in which neighbors with differing opinions cast votes to determine which idea shall prevail, it is untrue.
We citizens pit ourselves not against each other but against a specific method of drilling within city limits, and never before have we felt such strong ties to our neighbors.
I look around and see courage, strength, compassion. I see passionate volunteers working for a cause in which they strongly believe.
I see party lines blurred and citizens of all ages, races and economic backgrounds working side by side. Many of us now have common ground on which to build lasting friendships, and our love for Denton runs to a depth no drill can reach.
Whatever the results of this election, we shall come out of it a community, not torn but drawn together, for we have risen to a new awareness. Let us not be wasteful, or careless, or mean-spirited.
Remember that it is far easier to change the mind of a friend than it is an enemy. Let not your vote be swayed by the barking of a billboard, but only by the whispers of your heart — if we vote with our conscience, we cannot go wrong. We are citizens of Denton, and neighbors we shall remain. Let no man divide us.
A. Hastings,
Denton
Forums excellent avenues
I attended the forum sponsored by the NAACP and LULAC. There is a clear distinction between Democrats and Republicans.
I was astonished as to the cluelessness of Myra Crownover, a state representative for years. Her answers were basic talking points with no critical thinking.
Emy Lyons, Crownover’s opponent and a nurse, was impressive in that she personalized each question and understood the ramifications of the policies. Lyons provided solutions.
Alex Mendoza said that Ron Simmons was one of 21 representatives who voted against a bill to benefit veterans. Simmons almost fell out of his seat. Simmons based his answers on Republican talking points.
I cannot recall a thing Margaret Barnes said; she rambled aimlessly. David Heiman projected his views clearly.
Dan Moran, young and energetic, was knowledgeable. His Republican opponent, Tan Parker, was not present.
Lisa Osterholt, a young energetic candidate, is very down to earth and knowledgeable about issues. Her opponent was not present.
Mike Kolls’ (Libertarian for U.S. representative) responses were a variation of cut government by 70 percent and let the market take care of it. I would have loved to ask him why the market did not take care of health care, prior to the Affordable Care Act. Kenny Marchant, Republican, was a no show.
Patrick McGeheraty’s response on why the minimum wage was so important was extremely intelligent.
Democrats were clear winners. A couple of Republicans commented that they would change their vote. Forums, unlike three-second commercials, are excellent avenues to know candidates and their views.
Alfred Sanchez,
Denton
Bounty of evidence
Recently citizens of Denton have found themselves squinting in the spotlight of a national debate. Influential people with interests in unconventional drilling have turned their persuasive efforts to Denton.
A hand has passed over us, casting a shadow of confusion and a rainstorm of leaflets, warning us of the dire consequences of prohibiting access to hydraulic fracturing in city limits.
A common talking point on which the opponents of the ban dwell is the supposed lack of scientific research concerning hydraulic fracturing.
I spent a few hours searching various academic databases through the University of North Texas library and uncovered hundreds of recent studies on the impacts to the environment and human health. Editorial limitations prohibit their review within this text, but most of this information is available to the public for free through libraries or universities.
Citizens have a responsibility to research these issues, but many lead very busy lives. I encourage you to find some time to explore the literature on your own.
If you do, you will find a bounty of evidence supporting the ban on fracking. So to answer the oft-bellowed question of, “Where’s the science?” — it tends to be where you look for it.
Jen Bailey-Simpson,
Denton
Vote no on ban
One myth of a recent Frack Free Denton mailer is that fracking contributes to our community and schools only 25 percent of the tax revenue generated by single-family homes.
The facts dispute this bogus claim. An average property tax bill for a $200,000 home in Denton is $4,700 per year. An average well in the Barnett Shale will consistently produce 1.4 billion cubic feet of gas and $108,000 in severance tax on a well.
However, the entire time the well is in place the operator is also paying yearly property tax on the equipment. Equipment with the same value as a home would generate the same property tax as the home.
Each one of our 200-plus oil and gas jobs, averaging $99,975 per year, creates nearly 17 additional jobs in Denton. For each dollar spent on oil and gas purchases, six additional dollars in commerce stimulate Denton’s economy, a great multiplier for us.
The truth behind this scare tactic is that this campaign really is about eliminating fossil fuels.
The “Stop the Frack Attack” website declares: “We battle a persistent myth that gas is a ‘clean’ energy — but keeps us from ... ending our reliance on fossil fuels.”
Such a goal is totally irrational and the Denton voters shouldn’t fall for these radical falsehoods.
Vote smart — vote no on the ban.
Jack. O. Faegre,
Denton
Vote for bond propositions
Nov. 4 is a very important election for Denton. While there are other propositions on the ballot getting more attention, the four city of Denton bond propositions are the most important items on the ballot for the future of Denton.
All four of these propositions — streets, public safety, drainage and parks — will make a huge difference in our community. All four propositions deserve your support, but I particularly want to point out the parks proposition.
The $11.3 million for parks will assure that the quality of life that defines Denton will be preserved by creating places to play. No matter your age or station in life, our Denton parks serve every member of this community every day even if you simply drive by a park and enjoy the green space and the landscaping.
On Nov. 4, I hope that you will vote for Denton — for streets, for public safety, for drainage and for parks.
Mary Ann McDuff,
Denton
How many disenfranchised voters?
We voted early today but we didn’t see any of the city of Denton issues on the ballot. We submitted our ballots expecting to see another page appear with the city’s issues. Our mistake.
It turns out that the computer had us listed as living in an unincorporated area. Our property was annexed by Denton in 2008 along with the Craver Ranch north of Loop 288. In the last six years, we’ve paid thousands in taxes to the city of Denton, but today weren’t allowed to vote on very important issues.
The ruling from the judges was that we would not be allowed to cast provisional ballots this time, but the records have been changed for the next election. How many other voters in Precinct 1009 have been disenfranchised? If you don’t see these resolutions on the ballot, stop and call the election officials for help.
Jeff and Jeanie Noe,
Denton
Consider all issues
We have lived in Denton County for over 20 years, and the city of Denton for the last two. My son was a healthy athlete and within two weeks, at the age of 18, he was about to die. In September 2011 he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of cancer, Burkitts lymphoma.
Despite the treatment being over 90 percent successful, he relapsed within six weeks. He then required a stem cell transplant, which gave him about a 10 percent chance of survivng. It has now been over two years since the transplant and he is still very ill.
In May of this year, his best friend and teammate since middle school was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Both my son, Taylor, and his best friend lived and went to school in Flower Mound, where there is a documented cluster of children getting lymphoma and leukemia at a higher rate. Flower Mound also has more fracking going on than almost anywhere in the U.S.
We ask that there be more concern regarding health issues potentially caused by fracking. Please consider all the issues when you go to vote.
Joe Ishee,
Denton
Famous case
With the frack vote in the offing, the letters, pro and con, have pretty well covered the water front. It does surprises me that no one has raised the famous “City of New London” case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court (5-4) in 2005.
This case deals with the constitutional right of a city to condemn and seize private property (not necessarily land, e.g, mineral rights?) for city use, if the city can prove it can make better use of the property “for public use” — like get more taxes. The oil and gas industry, as well as many citizens, do not like this case.
But the tax aspect is why I relate this case to the fracking issue. In my narrow view, I want the city to have more money for worthwhile purposes, but particularly for the enlargement of our city’s excellent police force, well-trained and disciplined, multi-racial, better wages, etc.
Something tells me this should be a high priority for our future.
H.L. Hall,
Denton
Vote for Martina Salinas
I encourage all Dentonites to consider voting for Martina Salinas, the Green Party candidate for Texas Railroad commissioner.
While you go to the ballot and cast your vote on the fracking ban, keep in mind that the Railroad Commission is directly responsible for the situation our city finds itself in. It is the Railroad Commission that is responsible for the lack of enforceable regulation on fracking.
It is also responsible for the derogatory letter sent to our mayor accusing Dentonites of working for the Kremlin. A vote for Martina Salinas and the Green Party for railroad commissioner is a vote for decentralized democracy.
It is a vote that would give Denton the power to control its own destiny, while Republicans in Austin threaten our city with lawsuits and legislation to take our power away.
Will Wooten,
Denton
