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Dincher gives his views on issues in race for state senate seat
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Three candidates are seeking the open seat for the 23rd Senatorial District in Pennsylvania. They are, Louis Trey Casimir, A Democrat; Michael Dincher, an Independent; and Gene Yaw, a Republican.
The seat has been held by Republican Roger Madigan, who is retiring.
The 23rd district includes all or parts of Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Union counties.
The Review submitted identical questionnaires to all three candidates. The verbatim responses from the candidates will be published in alphabetical order in the days ahead.
Today: Dincher
Sunday: Yaw.
State Senate race
20 Questions
Name: Michael A. Dincher
Age: 50
Address: 163 Cross Mountain Lane, Williamsport, Pa.
Office sought: State Senate District 23
Political Party: Independent
Occupation: Assistant Professor, Horticulture, Pennsylvania College of Technology
Marital Status: Married to Maureen, 31 years; four children, Michele, Miranda, James, Alexandra; six grandchildren
Education: My formal education includes the following:
• A.A.A. in General Studies (WACC)
• A.A.S. in Forest Technology (WACC)
• B.S. in Education Biology/General Science Certification (LHU)
• M.S. in Biology (BU)
• Currently enrolled as a PhD candidate in Workforce Development (PSU)
The 20 questions
Why are you seeking office?
George Washington warned that “the inordinate love of a political party is the worst enemy of America.” The evidence in recent decades points to a political system which has become by, for and of the party and NOT by for and of THE PEOPLE as it was intended. It is for this reason that I have decided to run for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate representing the 23rd District.
What are your credentials for being an effective representative?
I have spent my life paying taxes, working hard and raising my family just like the people I hope to represent. It’s not my formal education (though valuable) that has prepared me to serve in this capacity but the LIVING I have done in this commonwealth. It’s time OUR legislative decisions are made for the people and not the party.
What have you done to prepare for holding the office?
First, and foremost, I’ve prayed. I have also researched the dominant issues facing Pennsylvania and the 23rd District. In reality though, my connection with the people through common experiences has provided the primary preparation; after all, that’s the most important aspect of a representative, the fact that they are “in touch” with their constituents.
What are the top five issues as you see them?
Elimination of government waste and tax reform are absolutely the top priority. Recent developments including tolling Route 80, the Chesapeake Bay project and drilling for natural gas have caused a temporary shift away from those such as education reform, etc. in legislative priority although addressing the first two will affect all.
1. The main issue is the elimination of unnecessary government spending and it would be my No. 1 priority if elected to the state Senate. In order to achieve this goal, many areas of government will have to be reevaluated, and a determination will have to be made as to what unnecessary programs can be cut or reduced. This is an area in which government in its current culture targets certain people to gain at another’s expense. Government must become an equitable institution and, if at all, should error in favor of the taxpayer.
2. Tax reform is not really second; it is a component of the first. That being said ...
Tax reform is another high priority for me. Sen. Sam Rohrer’s program to eliminate property taxes and use available sales taxes to fund education seems to have merit. The plan is designed to take the burden off of the middle class working families and the elderly that are becoming overwhelmed by property taxes. HB1275, along with cuts in unnecessary pork projects, would seem to provide a workable solution to this problem. If elected, I look forward to working with Mr. Rohrer and others who understand that government spending must be curtailed and the economy is stabilized. Far too often, we hear of politicians claiming to have done great things such as creating jobs when what they’ve really done is grown the government, at taxpayer expense.
3-5.
Recent developments including tolling Route 80, the Chesapeake Bay project, and drilling for natural gas have created unique economic conditions for our area.
Tolling the Route 80 to bail out urban Pennsylvania should be abandoned.
With an estimated price tag of $620 million (if most authorities decide to upgrade their facilities to improve water quality through the reduction of nutrient loads) and the additional cost of sewer lateral replacement (which may in reality do little to improve water quality in the drainage basin) equivocates into a financial burden with an exponential impact on both communities and individuals. According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania’s compliance does not require sewer treatment plant upgrades for nutrient level reduction. This type of approach that is not based on information gathering is reckless and is quite possibly the most costly option available and creating the need for further investment almost immediately. The bay didn’t get where it is overnight and it won’t be remediated overnight. Therefore we need to proceed (slowly) and monitor the impact of our actions.
Encourage gas companies to fulfill the leases in order to create jobs and economic growth in our area. There is much work needed to insure the protection of property owners involved in the exploration and drilling of natural gas. The legislation must include language which does this and at the same time encourages steady progress. Progressing steadily leads to economic growth with permanent and positive influence on our communities. It also sends a message of confidence to those investing in our economy, which leads to real recovery and not just a boom.
What have you been doing to campaign?
I hesitate to reveal my strategy to my opponents, however: My wife has been scheduling with television and radio stations, those conducting forums, browsing community calendars so that we can attend church socials, citizen groups, entertainment venues, etc. We’ve knocked on doors, made phone calls, and invoked the help of friends and family and we’ve asked those we’ve spoken with to spread the word.
What is your plan to provide tax relief?
The main issue is the elimination of unnecessary government spending and it would be my No. 1 priority if elected to the state Senate. In order to achieve this goal, many areas of government will have to be reevaluated, and a determination will have to be made as to what unnecessary programs can be cut or reduced. This is an area in which government in its current culture targets certain people to gain at another’s expense. Government must become an equitable institution and if at all should error in favor of the taxpayer.
Tax reform is not really second, it is a component of the first. That being said ...
Tax reform is another high priority for me. Sen. Sam Rohrer’s program to eliminate property taxes and use available sales taxes to fund education seems to have merit. The plan is designed to take the burden off of the middle class working families and the elderly that are becoming overwhelmed by property taxes. HB1275 along with cuts in unnecessary pork projects would seem to provide a workable solution to this problem. If elected, I look forward to working with Mr. Rohrer and others who understand that government spending must be curtailed and the economy is stabilized. Far too often, we hear of politicians claiming to have done great things such as creating jobs when what they’ve really done is grown the government, at taxpayer expense.
How do you propose funding schools, especially rural districts, in an equitable manner?
Since these issues are addressed in my top priority my answers here are also answers found in others of the 20 questions.
Sen. Sam Rohrer’s program to eliminate property taxes and use available sales taxes to fund education seems to have merit. The plan is designed to take the burden off of the middle class working families and the elderly that are becoming overwhelmed by property taxes. HB1275 along with cuts in unnecessary pork projects would seem to provide an equitable and workable solution to this problem. If elected, I look forward to working with Mr. Rohrer and others who understand that government spending must be curtailed and the economy is stabilized.
How would you represent Bradford County in a way that you would be visible to residents?
The 23rd District covers a large geographic area. I would hope that through the use of the Internet I would be available to many with little turnaround time. I would also drive to Bradford County when necessary. I believe it is important to establish a working relationship with county officials.
Are you in favor of broadening sheriff’s powers? Why or why not?
Yes, the 23rd District is a large geographic area and the sheriff must have the ability to enforce the law since, in many areas, he is the only source.
Should the Legislature define the specific duties of constables statewide, establish strong qualifications and provide for standard training?
Not at this time. However with legislative proposal looming that would require townships to pay a state tax for state police services in areas without township police, restructuring constables’ duties may provide a more affordable alternative.
Should same-sex marriage or unions be allowed in Pennsylvania? Why or why not?
No. I believe, as did our Founding Fathers, that our republic is governed at three levels; 1. One nation under God’s governance 2. Civil governance 3. Individual governance (through the family unit); therefore same-sex marriage cannot be sanctioned by civil or family government since ultimately we are under God’s authority.
Should power utility caps be extended?
In 1996, the state legislature passed, and Gov. Tom Ridge signed into law, the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, which gives Pennsylvanians the right choose an electricity supplier. The problem is in part that your choice is limited by the area where you live. You may have the ability to choose the company that generates your electricity (EGS). This is not equitable to all Pennsylvanians and therefore must be restructured. Your current electric company (the one distributing power or EDC) will continue to provide the transmission and distribution facilities of your electric service. In some cases these are one in the same. In other words, electric companies separated their generation and distribution into separate businesses under the same umbrella, which creates a loophole in the law. Therefore, in fairness to consumers and the power companies must be renegotiated. Electric generation rates will have been capped for 14 years by 2010 while the costs of generation and distribution have risen.
Extending rate caps will only mask the problem of rising energy costs and create an even larger jump in prices when caps are eventually removed. A moderate rate increase should be implemented now before the caps end while legislation providing equity in the market for all providers and users.
Should the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council be extended?
At a cost of $5 million annually my immediate reaction is to say no; however, as I’ve stated in all my responses, prudence must override knee-jerk reactions. According to the director of Consumers for Health Care Choices at Heartland Institute, the Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is worth preserving because it provides data of hospital-by-hospital pricing for specific services and is an agent for transparency. He admits the council does little to contain cost and its mission should probably be redefined. Data analysis will provide insight into the underlying reasons health care has skyrocketed in price and for now it would be wise to continue the (PHC4) until its mission is complete.
Should the state move ahead to lease the turnpike? Why or why not?
Leasing the turnpike may be a plausible option to ease the current fiscal problems but the time period of the proposed lease agreement and the amount of compensation acquired through the transaction should be feasible. Leasing the property for a period of 75 years is irresponsible, since such an agreement is designed to give up the property for nearly a century and spend the money received through the transaction today. What this translates into is more spending today and paying tomorrow or, in other words, spending the future of not only our grandchildren but their children. We need to be very careful and be sure we understand the impact such a transaction will have on Pennsylvania. Today’s political culture embraces overspending and lacks the discipline necessary to ease the burden of taxation on the general public.
Should the legislature conduct hearings on the status of the big state-supported pension plans — the Pennsylvania Employees Retirement System and the Pennsylvania School Retirement System — and to the means to spare school districts the skyrocketing costs? Why or why not?
In our current financial situation, with those holding private sector pension plans losing much of their value and the request for those same people to pay for an infusion (a common practice to offset losses) in public systems being right around the corner, changes are necessary. We all have to be willing to sacrifice in order to bring our government back into fiscal health.
What should the state be doing about the surge in natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale?
Natural gas heats about half of U.S. homes and provides energy for 20 percent of U.S. power plants. It also supplies raw materials for fertilizer anti-freeze and other products. This means reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy and new jobs. A barrel of oil is equivalent to 6,000 cubic feet of NG and is one-third cheaper. New drilling is expected to drop that cost by 30 percent or more. People need an energy source for heating their homes that is cheaper than oil. The drilling is bringing wealth and jobs to our area; we must promote that. Since 2004, $4 billion have been spent in Pennsylvania. Instead of contemplating why we can’t drill, let’s figure out how we can. First and foremost, however, we need to be sure not to stifle the economic upturn in an area of Pennsylvania in need of the boost being driven by drilling.
Should the legislature be reduced to bring its size and annual budget in line with other states of comparable population?
State population should not be the sole barometer for the size of the legislature. However, this is certainly an area where cuts may be warranted. There can be no “sacred cows” when the readjustments of government spending are made. All areas must be equally considered, not only for cuts but for positive adjustments. Equal representation must be the driving force behind all changes in the size or makeup of the legislature.
Should the state Alcoholic Beverage Control board be privatized and the sale of such beverages be conducted in the unregulated marketplace?
In the United States, 32 states, called “licensure states,” issue licenses to private sellers and operate without control boards. The rest, called “control states,” like Pennsylvania, directly regulate alcohol sales by controlling its retail and/or wholesale distribution. Conditions can be placed on these licenses, which help the states more indirectly control the sale of alcohol. Most of the nation (32 states) successfully operates without PLCBs; it’s time Pennsylvania joins them.
What should the state do about the rising cost to municipalities of water and sewage treatment?
With an estimated price tag of $620 million (if most authorities decide to upgrade their facilities to improve water quality through the reduction of nutrient loads) and the additional cost of sewer lateral replacement (which may in reality do little to improve water quality in the drainage basin) equivocates into a financial burden with an exponential impact on both communities and individuals. According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania’s compliance does not require sewer treatment plant upgrades for nutrient level reduction. This type of approach that is not based on information gathering is reckless and is quite possibly the most costly option available and creating the need for further investment almost immediately. The bay didn’t get where it is overnight and it won’t be remediated overnight. Therefore we need to proceed (slowly) and monitor the impact of our actions. Our representatives in Washington need to be pressured by state representatives and most importantly their constituents to fund this mandate since all of America benefits from it. Development around the bay should be done with the sensitivity of the estuary centered in the process, and the permitting procedure for all activities should reflect a concern for the overall health of its ecosystems. In other words, don’t place the heavy burden of compliance to the Clean Water Act on those living upstream, while those on the water front continue unfettered development, dismantling our efforts inland.
The seat has been held by Republican Roger Madigan, who is retiring.
The 23rd district includes all or parts of Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Union counties.
The Review submitted identical questionnaires to all three candidates. The verbatim responses from the candidates will be published in alphabetical order in the days ahead.
Today: Dincher
Sunday: Yaw.
State Senate race
20 Questions
Name: Michael A. Dincher
Age: 50
Address: 163 Cross Mountain Lane, Williamsport, Pa.
Office sought: State Senate District 23
Political Party: Independent
Occupation: Assistant Professor, Horticulture, Pennsylvania College of Technology
Marital Status: Married to Maureen, 31 years; four children, Michele, Miranda, James, Alexandra; six grandchildren
Education: My formal education includes the following:
• A.A.A. in General Studies (WACC)
• A.A.S. in Forest Technology (WACC)
• B.S. in Education Biology/General Science Certification (LHU)
• M.S. in Biology (BU)
• Currently enrolled as a PhD candidate in Workforce Development (PSU)
The 20 questions
Why are you seeking office?
George Washington warned that “the inordinate love of a political party is the worst enemy of America.” The evidence in recent decades points to a political system which has become by, for and of the party and NOT by for and of THE PEOPLE as it was intended. It is for this reason that I have decided to run for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate representing the 23rd District.
What are your credentials for being an effective representative?
I have spent my life paying taxes, working hard and raising my family just like the people I hope to represent. It’s not my formal education (though valuable) that has prepared me to serve in this capacity but the LIVING I have done in this commonwealth. It’s time OUR legislative decisions are made for the people and not the party.
What have you done to prepare for holding the office?
First, and foremost, I’ve prayed. I have also researched the dominant issues facing Pennsylvania and the 23rd District. In reality though, my connection with the people through common experiences has provided the primary preparation; after all, that’s the most important aspect of a representative, the fact that they are “in touch” with their constituents.
What are the top five issues as you see them?
Elimination of government waste and tax reform are absolutely the top priority. Recent developments including tolling Route 80, the Chesapeake Bay project and drilling for natural gas have caused a temporary shift away from those such as education reform, etc. in legislative priority although addressing the first two will affect all.
1. The main issue is the elimination of unnecessary government spending and it would be my No. 1 priority if elected to the state Senate. In order to achieve this goal, many areas of government will have to be reevaluated, and a determination will have to be made as to what unnecessary programs can be cut or reduced. This is an area in which government in its current culture targets certain people to gain at another’s expense. Government must become an equitable institution and, if at all, should error in favor of the taxpayer.
2. Tax reform is not really second; it is a component of the first. That being said ...
Tax reform is another high priority for me. Sen. Sam Rohrer’s program to eliminate property taxes and use available sales taxes to fund education seems to have merit. The plan is designed to take the burden off of the middle class working families and the elderly that are becoming overwhelmed by property taxes. HB1275, along with cuts in unnecessary pork projects, would seem to provide a workable solution to this problem. If elected, I look forward to working with Mr. Rohrer and others who understand that government spending must be curtailed and the economy is stabilized. Far too often, we hear of politicians claiming to have done great things such as creating jobs when what they’ve really done is grown the government, at taxpayer expense.
3-5.
Recent developments including tolling Route 80, the Chesapeake Bay project, and drilling for natural gas have created unique economic conditions for our area.
Tolling the Route 80 to bail out urban Pennsylvania should be abandoned.
With an estimated price tag of $620 million (if most authorities decide to upgrade their facilities to improve water quality through the reduction of nutrient loads) and the additional cost of sewer lateral replacement (which may in reality do little to improve water quality in the drainage basin) equivocates into a financial burden with an exponential impact on both communities and individuals. According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania’s compliance does not require sewer treatment plant upgrades for nutrient level reduction. This type of approach that is not based on information gathering is reckless and is quite possibly the most costly option available and creating the need for further investment almost immediately. The bay didn’t get where it is overnight and it won’t be remediated overnight. Therefore we need to proceed (slowly) and monitor the impact of our actions.
Encourage gas companies to fulfill the leases in order to create jobs and economic growth in our area. There is much work needed to insure the protection of property owners involved in the exploration and drilling of natural gas. The legislation must include language which does this and at the same time encourages steady progress. Progressing steadily leads to economic growth with permanent and positive influence on our communities. It also sends a message of confidence to those investing in our economy, which leads to real recovery and not just a boom.
What have you been doing to campaign?
I hesitate to reveal my strategy to my opponents, however: My wife has been scheduling with television and radio stations, those conducting forums, browsing community calendars so that we can attend church socials, citizen groups, entertainment venues, etc. We’ve knocked on doors, made phone calls, and invoked the help of friends and family and we’ve asked those we’ve spoken with to spread the word.
What is your plan to provide tax relief?
The main issue is the elimination of unnecessary government spending and it would be my No. 1 priority if elected to the state Senate. In order to achieve this goal, many areas of government will have to be reevaluated, and a determination will have to be made as to what unnecessary programs can be cut or reduced. This is an area in which government in its current culture targets certain people to gain at another’s expense. Government must become an equitable institution and if at all should error in favor of the taxpayer.
Tax reform is not really second, it is a component of the first. That being said ...
Tax reform is another high priority for me. Sen. Sam Rohrer’s program to eliminate property taxes and use available sales taxes to fund education seems to have merit. The plan is designed to take the burden off of the middle class working families and the elderly that are becoming overwhelmed by property taxes. HB1275 along with cuts in unnecessary pork projects would seem to provide a workable solution to this problem. If elected, I look forward to working with Mr. Rohrer and others who understand that government spending must be curtailed and the economy is stabilized. Far too often, we hear of politicians claiming to have done great things such as creating jobs when what they’ve really done is grown the government, at taxpayer expense.
How do you propose funding schools, especially rural districts, in an equitable manner?
Since these issues are addressed in my top priority my answers here are also answers found in others of the 20 questions.
Sen. Sam Rohrer’s program to eliminate property taxes and use available sales taxes to fund education seems to have merit. The plan is designed to take the burden off of the middle class working families and the elderly that are becoming overwhelmed by property taxes. HB1275 along with cuts in unnecessary pork projects would seem to provide an equitable and workable solution to this problem. If elected, I look forward to working with Mr. Rohrer and others who understand that government spending must be curtailed and the economy is stabilized.
How would you represent Bradford County in a way that you would be visible to residents?
The 23rd District covers a large geographic area. I would hope that through the use of the Internet I would be available to many with little turnaround time. I would also drive to Bradford County when necessary. I believe it is important to establish a working relationship with county officials.
Are you in favor of broadening sheriff’s powers? Why or why not?
Yes, the 23rd District is a large geographic area and the sheriff must have the ability to enforce the law since, in many areas, he is the only source.
Should the Legislature define the specific duties of constables statewide, establish strong qualifications and provide for standard training?
Not at this time. However with legislative proposal looming that would require townships to pay a state tax for state police services in areas without township police, restructuring constables’ duties may provide a more affordable alternative.
Should same-sex marriage or unions be allowed in Pennsylvania? Why or why not?
No. I believe, as did our Founding Fathers, that our republic is governed at three levels; 1. One nation under God’s governance 2. Civil governance 3. Individual governance (through the family unit); therefore same-sex marriage cannot be sanctioned by civil or family government since ultimately we are under God’s authority.
Should power utility caps be extended?
In 1996, the state legislature passed, and Gov. Tom Ridge signed into law, the Electricity Generation Customer Choice and Competition Act, which gives Pennsylvanians the right choose an electricity supplier. The problem is in part that your choice is limited by the area where you live. You may have the ability to choose the company that generates your electricity (EGS). This is not equitable to all Pennsylvanians and therefore must be restructured. Your current electric company (the one distributing power or EDC) will continue to provide the transmission and distribution facilities of your electric service. In some cases these are one in the same. In other words, electric companies separated their generation and distribution into separate businesses under the same umbrella, which creates a loophole in the law. Therefore, in fairness to consumers and the power companies must be renegotiated. Electric generation rates will have been capped for 14 years by 2010 while the costs of generation and distribution have risen.
Extending rate caps will only mask the problem of rising energy costs and create an even larger jump in prices when caps are eventually removed. A moderate rate increase should be implemented now before the caps end while legislation providing equity in the market for all providers and users.
Should the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council be extended?
At a cost of $5 million annually my immediate reaction is to say no; however, as I’ve stated in all my responses, prudence must override knee-jerk reactions. According to the director of Consumers for Health Care Choices at Heartland Institute, the Cost Containment Council (PHC4) is worth preserving because it provides data of hospital-by-hospital pricing for specific services and is an agent for transparency. He admits the council does little to contain cost and its mission should probably be redefined. Data analysis will provide insight into the underlying reasons health care has skyrocketed in price and for now it would be wise to continue the (PHC4) until its mission is complete.
Should the state move ahead to lease the turnpike? Why or why not?
Leasing the turnpike may be a plausible option to ease the current fiscal problems but the time period of the proposed lease agreement and the amount of compensation acquired through the transaction should be feasible. Leasing the property for a period of 75 years is irresponsible, since such an agreement is designed to give up the property for nearly a century and spend the money received through the transaction today. What this translates into is more spending today and paying tomorrow or, in other words, spending the future of not only our grandchildren but their children. We need to be very careful and be sure we understand the impact such a transaction will have on Pennsylvania. Today’s political culture embraces overspending and lacks the discipline necessary to ease the burden of taxation on the general public.
Should the legislature conduct hearings on the status of the big state-supported pension plans — the Pennsylvania Employees Retirement System and the Pennsylvania School Retirement System — and to the means to spare school districts the skyrocketing costs? Why or why not?
In our current financial situation, with those holding private sector pension plans losing much of their value and the request for those same people to pay for an infusion (a common practice to offset losses) in public systems being right around the corner, changes are necessary. We all have to be willing to sacrifice in order to bring our government back into fiscal health.
What should the state be doing about the surge in natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale?
Natural gas heats about half of U.S. homes and provides energy for 20 percent of U.S. power plants. It also supplies raw materials for fertilizer anti-freeze and other products. This means reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy and new jobs. A barrel of oil is equivalent to 6,000 cubic feet of NG and is one-third cheaper. New drilling is expected to drop that cost by 30 percent or more. People need an energy source for heating their homes that is cheaper than oil. The drilling is bringing wealth and jobs to our area; we must promote that. Since 2004, $4 billion have been spent in Pennsylvania. Instead of contemplating why we can’t drill, let’s figure out how we can. First and foremost, however, we need to be sure not to stifle the economic upturn in an area of Pennsylvania in need of the boost being driven by drilling.
Should the legislature be reduced to bring its size and annual budget in line with other states of comparable population?
State population should not be the sole barometer for the size of the legislature. However, this is certainly an area where cuts may be warranted. There can be no “sacred cows” when the readjustments of government spending are made. All areas must be equally considered, not only for cuts but for positive adjustments. Equal representation must be the driving force behind all changes in the size or makeup of the legislature.
Should the state Alcoholic Beverage Control board be privatized and the sale of such beverages be conducted in the unregulated marketplace?
In the United States, 32 states, called “licensure states,” issue licenses to private sellers and operate without control boards. The rest, called “control states,” like Pennsylvania, directly regulate alcohol sales by controlling its retail and/or wholesale distribution. Conditions can be placed on these licenses, which help the states more indirectly control the sale of alcohol. Most of the nation (32 states) successfully operates without PLCBs; it’s time Pennsylvania joins them.
What should the state do about the rising cost to municipalities of water and sewage treatment?
With an estimated price tag of $620 million (if most authorities decide to upgrade their facilities to improve water quality through the reduction of nutrient loads) and the additional cost of sewer lateral replacement (which may in reality do little to improve water quality in the drainage basin) equivocates into a financial burden with an exponential impact on both communities and individuals. According to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania’s compliance does not require sewer treatment plant upgrades for nutrient level reduction. This type of approach that is not based on information gathering is reckless and is quite possibly the most costly option available and creating the need for further investment almost immediately. The bay didn’t get where it is overnight and it won’t be remediated overnight. Therefore we need to proceed (slowly) and monitor the impact of our actions. Our representatives in Washington need to be pressured by state representatives and most importantly their constituents to fund this mandate since all of America benefits from it. Development around the bay should be done with the sensitivity of the estuary centered in the process, and the permitting procedure for all activities should reflect a concern for the overall health of its ecosystems. In other words, don’t place the heavy burden of compliance to the Clean Water Act on those living upstream, while those on the water front continue unfettered development, dismantling our efforts inland.
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Discouraged Voter wrote on Oct 25, 2008 11:24 AM: