Open Letter To Pennsylvanians

 Pennsylvanians are in a battle. 
The outcome will ultimately shape democracy in our state. It's a battle
 between we the people and a Governor that  has aligned his administration with the gas industry. Together, they are the propellant that has ignited a full scale assault  on our democracy. Our voices are being systematically denied.  From local townships stripped of their zoning authority, to doctors
 being muzzled, to regulations written by lobbyists favorable to  industry under cover of darkness.....all  this and more threatens our way of life and the democratic process.

 The stakes cannot be higher. And all Pennsylvanians should understand that rights are being usurped by  a rapacious industry aided and abetted by a compliant administration.  How can a state known for its "liberty bell" stand by and watch the Corbett administration tear up the constitution and hand over control  to the gas interests? They tell us that allowing this industry to operate freely, with minimal regulation, will create vast employment opportunities and economic well being. That is a  smokescreen.

 Studies show the economic benefits accrue to the few, and are  temporary at best. Huge dollar flows are no doubt occurring, but benefit a narrow band of industry "insiders" and downstream operators  who do the industry's heavy work like trucking, hauling, excavation,  land filling and waste disposal. Most of the top tier workers  are imports from other states.

 What is not temporary is the devastation to air,  water, health and property values. No one in Corbett's
 administration speaks to the fact that as more land is seized by  the industry, more of our environment is degraded. And no one in his  administration speaks to the enormous economic consequences of
 diminished wildlife habitat, polluted streams and rivers and toxic air  on our tourist, hunting, fishing and farming industries.

And clearly, the threat to public health and the associated costs have yet to be determined.  The fact is Corbett and his administration believe they have no need to speak to anyone but the industry they have partnered with and to their own inner circle of industry insiders. Together, they are attacking the most essential rights in our democracy.....the right to a voice in matters  affecting our lives.This administration must be held to account for  violating this basic human right.

Ben Roter
Kingsley, Pa.
Susquehanna County