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On May 8, Ohio will hold its primary for statewide offices. Dennis Kucinich, a democratic candidate for governor, is running on a platform which includes a complete ban on oil and gas drilling in the State of Ohio. Kucinich proposes utilizing eminent domain to take control of oil and gas wells throughout the state.
As an attorney, it is my opinion, this is arguably unconstitutional. Is Kucinich, as governor of Ohio, going to take 2,350 horizontal wells, which cost north of $10 million each, many of which are in production and paying royalties to Ohioans? And who is going to pay for this government "taking" -- the Ohio taxpayer? This is simply absurd.
As an attorney who represented a mineral owner group, whose members leased over 100,000 acres in eastern Ohio, I have seen firsthand the positive economic benefits of oil and gas drilling. These benefits include bonus payments to families and individuals for the privilege of drilling oil and gas wells on their property, and later royalty payments from the sale of the oil and gas. Jobs have been created in the area and tax dollars have filtered into our counties coffers. Our local restaurants, hotels, charities and other businesses have benefitted from the oil and gas monies spent in eastern Ohio communities. I believe reasonable regulation and oil and gas development can co-exist to protect Ohio's water and land.
A vote for Kucinich is a vote to end these economic benefits, and begin expensive litigation, paid for by Ohio taxpayers.
Richard Cordray supports responsible drilling of our oil and gas minerals, while also protecting our land and water. I am supporting Richard Cordray in the democratic primary for governor and ask you to consider doing so also.
Jennifer Garrison
Southeastern Ohio Landowners