Dear editor:
As one of the citizens of the City of Warren who circulated the petition to place the referendum on the ballot I felt compelled to write.
It is unfortunate that elected officials as well as City employees seem unwilling to make the effort to read and understand the purpose of the referendum. The wells and the revenues generated that Councilman Zavinski refers to would not be affected whether they are oil or gas wells since the referendum clearly does not prohibit the continuance of these existing wells. If he is proposing future Marcellus Shale wells on the other hand he is correct in stating they would be prohibited. Marcellus Shale gas wells and the frack water associated with them is the issue here.
It is important that the citizens of the City of Warren have some form of input as to whether they would agree with allowing Marcellus Shale drilling within the City limits as well as processing of the waste water associated with Marcellus Shale.
You might wonder why even Governor Corbett, who is a well-known fan of Marcellus Shale resources, would suggest that water treatment facilities voluntarily cease processing Marcellus Shale waste water. Money can not be considered the only issue. Quality of life is equally if not more important. I encourage you to vote "yes" for the referendum on election day.
Respectfully submitted,
Gregory and Jennifer Morell
Warren