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Vote for Thompson on Election Day

There is a lot of discussion about the benefits the Utica Shale is bringing to eastern and southeastern Ohio. The oil and gas activity is starting to generate significant money for landowners and creating jobs. It is important that we have elected officials that truly understand the opportunities being generated by the oil and gas industry. As a local energy producer, I can tell you that there is no one better suited to protect, promote, and advance these opportunities for southeast Ohio than Andy Thompson. A lot of other politicians claim to support the industry and landowners, but Andy Thompson has actually demonstrated his commitment to responsible development of oil and gas in our area.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of confusion and misinformation in regards to taxes assessed on the production of oil and gas and where Thompson stands on those issues. Oil and gas production, like all business activity in Ohio, is already subject to numerous taxes. In addition, oil and gas production is subject to the ad valorem and severance taxes and will result in millions of dollars of tax collection, even under our current tax code. There is no need to increase taxes. That is why Andy Thompson is opposed to increasing taxes because it will hurt landowners and workers in eastern and southeastern Ohio.

The ad valorem tax was instituted decades ago to provide revenue from the oil and gas production to local government. The severance tax is used by the State of Ohio and has always supported the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Many have recently advocated a new and greatly increased severance tax rate. Thompson has opposed the increase of severance taxes. It is an unnecessary and punitive tax that will hurt eastern and southeastern Ohio. This tax will be applied not only to the oil and gas producers but, in many cases, the landowner. The increased severance tax will take money from our local communities to be sent to Columbus to provide tax cuts for people living outside of our area.

Andy Thompson has a clear vision for how to protect our opportunities, and I encourage you to join me in voting for him on Nov. 4.

Christy Chavez

Marietta

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