The results of a survey on gas drilling were tallied on September 7, with respondents saying by a two to one margin that they were opposed to gas drilling with hydraulic fracturing in the town.

The survey questionnaires were picked up at the Callicoon Post Office by this correspondent, who is also the editor of The River Reporter and Frank Rizzo, editor of the Sullivan County Democrat.

The questionnaires, which are post cards, were taken to the offices of the Democrat and counted by Rizzo and this correspondent, in the presence of the couple who arranged the survey, Alvin and Raizi Shoop.

A total 3514 surveys were mailed out using tax rolls and voter registration rolls; 91 of the surveys were not delivered to their addresses.

A total of 669 respondents marked the box that indicated they were opposed to drilling and fracking, 328 marked the box indicating they were in favor of it, and 35 questionnaires indicated the respondents were unsure.