This explains a lot.
Double Oak tables decision on drilling
August 17, 2010
By Lowell Brown
Other potential conflicts
Several decision makers have mineral leases with Williams. I don’t know what to think about this: One council member with a conflict actually spoke for tabling the decision.
Although he didn’t vote, council member Dondrea addressed the planning commission and council during the joint public hearing. Dondrea recommended that the council delay a decision to make sure the company’s proposal had enough detail to ensure residents’ health and safety.
Local public officials aren’t supposed to vote on or discuss matters in which they have a financial interest considered “substantial” under the Texas Local Government Code. In his disclosure statement, Dondrea, a lawyer, wrote that his lease with Williams doesn’t constitute a substantial interest, but that he would abstain “to avoid any appearance of impropriety.”
My favorite quote:
“The sky is not falling if we drill for gas,” resident Rick Anderson said.
How do they come up with this original material?
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.
- Web |
- More Posts(5121)
Texas Government Code – § 171.002. SUBSTANTIAL INTEREST IN BUSINESS ENTITY. … A person has a substantial interest in real property if the interest is an equitable or legal ownership with a fair market value of $2,500 or more.
——–if bonuses and royalties exceed that (hint: they do) it is a conflict per the Texas Government Code. Minerals are considered real property in Texas.
The sky is not falling if we drill for gas,” resident Rick Anderson said.
The Chicken Little excuse is one of my favorite quotes too, along with:
"You get just as much Benzene pumping your own gas"
"Drill baby drill so our troops don't have to go to war"
And my all time fav
"There is benzene in soda"