I guess this is as close as we’re going to get to a debate.
The Texas Tribune presents: FACE-OFF, Railroad Commission
The questions/issues addressed are:
- Competing Credentials
- What changes would you like to see at the Railroad Commission?
- Lack of oil & gas inspectors (Texas has BY FAR the most drilling and BY FAR the worse regulation)
- Should the RRC regulate air emissions?
- Balancing environmental regulation with economic growth.
- Reaching out to the Railroad Commission.
NOTE TO BOTH CANDIDATES: Better communication is a start but it’s a damn weak start. What we really need is action and a commission that puts people’s health, safety and welfare before industry profit. If you can’t do that then I echo what a frequent anonymous commenter says:
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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This video was painful to watch. I have no idea what makes Porter think he even begins to have any credentials to be a RR Commissioner. Aside from his complete lack of any credentials or experience, he can't even speak to to anything related to the Industry, other than the politics of it. According to Porter, in his own words, he says he "Can't do anything by himself as one Commissioner." He also seems to think the only issues are related to pipelines and that he's 'aware' that people either don't think there's enough regulation or too much. I'd love for him to tell us who thinks there's 'too much' that ins't working for Industry.
If I didn't know any better, I'd think this guy was running for the Town Librarian. You may not agree with Jeff on everything, but I doubt he'll put you to sleep.
Starting to make me regret not running myself if all you have to know about this job is what Porter knows. He knows how to do their taxes. Is Porter really the best his party (my party, by the way) has to offer? geeez, how embarrassing.
I think Weems is way too industry friendly but he knows what exposure to dangerous chemicals means and he is wicked smart. I think he will try to give us some relief.
they both suck. Weems in particular. no way in hell i'm supporting a BP lawyer. i'm voting Green Party.
Way to waste your vote! Maybe you should check out who has aligned themselves with the green party in TX. Just go ahead and vote Republican.
It doesn't matter who gets in, we will demand that citizens are represented first, and industry second from whichever loser politician it is. If you go to the hospital with an ailment, the first question is not…"What is the political affiliation of your local representative?" Health issues are health issues, they are political party averse.
It makes a huge difference who gets in. How has that demanding thing worked out for you recently? You might need to check out the definition of insanity.
The current commission is all Republicans. Aren't they doing a fantastic job. Vote Weems if you want the commission to do anything about health issues.
>> How has that demanding thing >>worked out for you recently?
How has relying on _any_ politician worked out for you recently?
I didn't vote for one single office holder currently in Texas. Thanks a lot.
I agree take the RRC off of taxpayer funded money. Lots of tax money will be saved. Also the industry could appoint the commissioners, or continue to have them elected–either way results will be the same. You ain't gonna ever "fix it"!!
Porter sounded like a normal person trying to enter politics, it doesn't always work out well but it is the ideal of a representative democracy. Weems sounds like a slick lawyer – he can't keep his story the same. He has gone from have 30 years of experience to 35 in a few weeks. I wouldn't trust him to sell my used car, much less to represent me.
Porter was mostly catatonic and inarticulate in this face off. He has to be the gas drilling industry's perfect candidate for Railroad Commissioner!!
Isn't there a saying that goes something like this: Do what you've always done, get what you've always gotten?
Porter sounded like the typical Republican candidate propped up by the industry. Wonder if that's every happened before? Oh yes, Jones and Williams. Here we go again.
Disheartening video on both Weems and Porter.
Communication. I am pretty sure we have all received the current message. I know we understand it.
I wish Mayor Calvin Tillman would run for office. Any office, just get in there.
People need to understand something here:
No politician can help us UNLESS they get elected. For example, many people in Ft. Worth were brutal toward Senator Wendy Davis because she backed off of calling for a moratorium. I mean there were BRUTAL. But look at all the wonderful things she has done for us. She can't do those things if she doesn't get elected and reelected.
Weems has to walk a fine line or he can't get elected. Texas is a Republican state and they have all the money and advantages. He is starting from way behind already. If he doesn't get elected we will be stuck with Porter and nothing will change. If he gets elected, he probably won't go as far as we want/need but he will go a lot farther than Porter.
Take the emotion out of this and look at it logically.