Never taking “no” for an answer, the mad drillers of Ohio’s gas and oil industry are once more prospecting in our state parks, and they are receiving encouragement from Democratic House Speaker – Armond Budish of Beachwood. This is all being done under the excuse of bringing in revenue for Ohio’s bare coffers.   See the article in Thursday’s Plain Dealer. http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2009/03/ohio_house_speaker_armond_budi.html

                Such assaults on the integrity of Ohio’s public land are a perennial noxious weed that sprouts every year on the State House lawn. Up to now we in the environmental movement, have been able to repel most of these assaults. However, at a time when the economy and fiscal health of the public sector in Ohio are screaming, the attempt this year to throw our state parks under the bus may succeed. 

                That is why I am writing you to say that it time to pull weeds, starting with this proposal to allow drilling for natural gas and/or oil in our state parks. Call, e-mail or write your house representative. If you don’t know who you rep is go to: http://www.house.state.oh.us/ . Copy any communications you make and send them to Representative Budish at: district08 [at] ohr [dot] state [dot] oh [dot] us .   His address is 77 S. High St., 14th Floor, Columbus OH 43215. Phone: (614)-466-5441. Fax: (614)-719-0008. There is nothing wrong with just sending him a direct blast as well. 

                Make the following points.

                A strong and forceful response to this outrage is required. Please act today and say to Budish and those who would degrade our public lands a very simple message: “Don’t even think about it!” 

Thank you, 

Randy Cunningham

Former board member of Buckeye Forest Council,

and organizer for Step It Up 2006/2007 Cleveland rallies.

 

If you wish to keep informed about this issue, and to be alerted for future actions in Northeast Ohio, please reply to this e-mail, or call me at 216-631-3337. Confirmations that you have written to your rep would also be appreciated.