Nov 13, 2024 2 min read

Don’t be afraid to be honest.

Thank you, Observer-Reporter, Cecil Township, Range Resources and everyone who participated in the Observer-Reporter’s “Shale Revolution” coverage. And thanks to everyone who participated in meetings for expressing various views on health, safety and economic concerns impacting our lives.

Not being a resident of Cecil Township but being a citizen and resident of the Canon-McMillan School District (CMSD), I somewhat followed the health, environment, learning and safety issues surrounding fracking. A well pad setback circle with a 5,000 ft. radius can encompass 78,500,000 square feet of area. The area of a circle is – Area = πr^2 and this great area can have some great opportunities and impacts for everyone.

I commend all those who showed up and spoke out at the packed Cecil Township meetings. However, I always have to question why the Canon-McMillan School District administration, school board members, teachers, bus drivers and ancillary workers or volunteers never seem to show up at these important health, safety and economic meetings. Is this contingent on whether or not these individuals are being paid or employed by the CMSD? The district does accept numerous donations and grants from Range Resources, other gas and oil companies and other corporations.

Honestly, don’t ever be afraid to be honest.

Dennis Smiddle

Canonsburg