The citizens of Clearfield County have watched patiently as the story has unfolded on the EOG gas well blowout. I only wish Camille George could restrain himself and wait until all the facts are in before exploiting the accident.
The Marcellus Shale has the potential to turn Western Pennsylvania and Clearfield County into the energy center of the United States and compete with Saudi Arabia in energy production.The industry could create tens of thousands of high paying jobs.
Finally, Clearfield County gets a break and what is Camille George’s reaction! Bash it, Crush it, and Tax it. Of course, Mr. George knew this was going to happen and, as it fits into his agenda, he conveniently has his tax ready to go.
What a tax it is! Camille’s severance tax is the largest transfer of wealth from the poor counties of western Pennsylvania to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh the Commonwealth has ever seen. Ninety-one percent of Camille’s tax goes to Harrisburg to be divided up by career politicians in back room deals. The same Pa Legislature that brought us I-80 tolling (another unfair tax on the backs of Clearfield citizens) is salivating over the prospect of a tax they can distribute as they see fit.
So Camille, take a deep breath, think about the people of Clearfield County, instead of your chairmanship and Philadelphia constituents. We need leadership that will work with this industry to find solutions that really work. Don’t exploit an unfortunate accident for your own political gain. Think of Clearfield County first for a change.
 Glenn Johnston
Clearfield
