Corbett Fires Conservation Official

[blue neen]

"The longtime head of the citizens advisory committee that has oversight of the state's parks and forests was fired Friday by the Corbett administration, a termination that council members say was illegal and raises concerns about reduced public accountability of Marcellus Shale gas drilling in state forests."

"Kurt Leitholf, who served as executive director of the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Citizens Advisory Council since 1996, was told Wednesday that his position would be eliminated. He was let go two days later."

<snip>

"Eric Martin, one of two remaining original council members, said Mr. Leitholf's firing has less to do with the budget and more to do with an attempt by the Corbett administration to pre-empt public oversight of DCNR at a time when the administration is said to be considering opening up more state forest land for Marcellus Shale gas drilling."

"I have been a member of the council since its inception and was part of the group that interviewed and ultimately hired Kurt as our executive director," Mr. Martin wrote in an email. "Aside from what we the council feel was an illegal firing, this is a clear message from the executive suite regarding citizen involvement and transparency. Funny that one of our hot topics is Marcellus Shale."

Of course. Corbett could not allow ANYONE to question the almighty Gas Industry!


Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/12016/1203845-113.stm#ixzz1jd964nF9

[Curmudgeoness]

1. The Citizens Advisory Committe is an important group

that keeps the politicians honest---or at least lets them know how we feel. At least they have the opportunity to have the ear of people who make decisions. I am not surprised that Corbet would want to get rid of the CAC...they are people who care, who learn about issues, and make themselves heard. And he doesn't want to hear from us. Damn.

[blue neen]

2. It's all about stifling discussion, stifling dissent.

Big Oil and Gas don't want the citizens to think or ask questions...because the citizens of PA might actually start to wise up to what these weasels REALLY doing to us.

[MrMickeysMom]

3. While we're wising up.... study Senate Bill 1100 and House Bill 1950

http://pajustpowers.org/IMMEDIATE%20ACTION.html

[blue neen]

4. Horrible bills. The local governments already have very little say so about drilling activities.

Everybody is handcuffed, and that's exactly how Corbett and Company want it.