I apologize for the error resulting in the omission of my name from a campaign handout. It was an innocent oversight—no more and no less. This oversight worked against the community-building theme that I have always encouraged, a problem compounded by an inappropriate and divisive letter to the editor published in the paper. To clarify several points:

First, I am prepared to consider supporting any candidate for public office, local state or national, Joe Canfield or Dolores Keesler, who has the experience and other qualifications appropriate for that office.

Second, I am not the spokesperson for Northern Wayne Property Owners Alliance, nor do I have any intention of serving in such a role.

And third, I would not support any gas exploration in this area unless it could be demonstrated that it could be done responsibly—safely, with appropriate and strong regulations covering all aspects of the exploration, with strong provisions for oversight, with demonstration that there are adequate resources available for both safety and oversight and with sensitivity to the community.

This is not the time for this community to be so divided. There are too many local, state and national issues to be dealt with. People in the community, whether for or against gas exploration, have many concerns, with more areas of agreement than appear in the verbiage. It is the time for a meaningful dialogue focusing on how we can work together to make this area a better place to live, an economically sound region, with due regard to its unique beauty, where children want to live and not be forced to leave because there are no opportunities. Let’s celebrate the bounty of this community, pick up the theme that Dolores introduced in her campaign and find ways to work together.

Mike Uretsky

Damascus, PA