Legislators brief the public

Fracking, electric de-regulation, education on the agenda, By Anya Tikka TAFTON — Local impacts from state problems brought out about 150 local residents to a Dec. 4 breakfast forum with area state legislators. Four legislators dealt with questions from the media and audience members. Area chambers of commerce sponsored the session at Erhhardt’s in Tafton. Fracking Gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale brought mixed responses. Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming) said that “Marcellus Shale gas drilling is a big boom to the area. Gas companies have identified jobs that young people can be trained for.” Other panel members were more cautious. State Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne, Pike, Wayne, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wyoming) said, “We have tremendous quality of life in this area in the form of clean water, air and nature that brings people here that we need to protect and preserve.” She also acknowledged that there’s a huge need for jobs in the area, but said a balance is needed. Rep. John Siptroth (D-Monroe-Pike) said protecting the state forests, open to gas drilling, is one of his major concerns. He pointed out that ecotourism is a major source of revenue in the area providing many jobs, and that it’s threatened by the drilling. The Department of Environmental Protection became the sole gas overseer this year, because drillers asked to have only one body to deal with, instead of the many local conservation districts . The panel members unanimously supported the local conservation districts, and Baker said “DEP decision was carried in April as policy change,” which didn’t require voting, and that “We need to be mindful.” She added: “I’m watching. We need to protect the interests of the local community.” She recalled drillers’ toxic spills in Dimock, and said she did not support leasing of state lands. A hearing next week will address DEP oversight of the drillers, and the need to strengthen regulations. Drawing applause from the audience, Baker said, “I’m committed to what’s so important to this region.” Electric de-regulation Addressing upcoming electricity price rate cap deregulation and how it affects businesses, the panel members advised businesses and individuals to seek payment options. Rep. Michael Peifer (R-Pike,Wayne, Monroe)and Siptroth both said electricity companies have not been able to charge adequately for their services. “Let’s open up the markets,” said Peifer, and let the regular market forces bring the prices to sustainable level. Siptroth also pointed out that the utility companies have breaks on generation at non-peak times that are not passed on to consumers, a problem that needs to be addressed. Education Encouraging education was a recurring theme, offered as a solution to how to keep the younger generation in Pike County. Another solution discussed was encouraging new businesses to open, and existing ones to stay by addressing the state’s tax structure. All four panel members emphasized the need for education that addresses and provides jobs immediately in local businesses to young people after high school. Baker said the hospitality industry needs a trained work force, and Peifer commended the new initiative to open a community college in the old silk mill in Hawley, that provides courses including a two year program in food management. Major pointed out that education was the one item it this year’s budget that was not cut. Asked about help in face of the budget cuts, the panel pointed out that everyone is affected by this year’s budget cuts and expressed hope it will turn around soon. Peifer said this was a challenging year and that, “Maybe the government needs to change the way we do business.”(See related article page 11)