The Town of Delaware Board claims neutrality on the issue of fracking. But its members make speeches about property rights for landowners, and refuse to take a position in favor of compensation by gas corporations for anyone whose water is contaminated, for just two examples. So one wonders if their “neutrality” includes educating themselves on both sides of the issue.

For example, has anyone on the board read an article in the June 2 edition of The New York Times about water contamination in Pavilion, WY where, “For the last few years, a small group of farmers and landowners scattered across this rural Wyoming basin have complained that their water wells have been contaminated with chemicals from a controversial drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.”

When it was suggested that board members come to a viewing of “Gasland,” none of them showed up. They could argue that the movie is controversial, but is that a reason not to judge for themselves? If they represent all of us, shouldn’t they be educating themselves on this issue? Have they read the articles by Ian Urbina in The Times; do they check out websites that report on fracking to keep up with “both sides?” When informed at a meeting about proposed legislation in the New York State Senate, including the so-called “Home Rule” bill, it’s obvious it’s the first they’ve heard of it.

There is no evidence that their “neutrality” includes knowledge of the hundreds of reports of fracking incidents from around the country. I’m not asking whether they are convinced by them, just whether they keep up with the news that doesn’t come from the industry. Neutrality suggests an open mind, one that seeks information. A made-up mind doesn’t need any.

Roy Tedoff

Hortonville, NY