Just before the first official filing day, Bernie Scheffler announced the intent of his campaign to his supporters. “Tomorrow morning I will file for a place on the special election ballot, because I've decided that it's time for someone to take a stand against the threat urban gas drilling poses to the safety and livability of our district's neighborhoods,” he said. “I take this stand because I believe it's the right thing to do.”
Urban gas drilling is a hot-button issue in District 9 these days, with everything from historic neighborhoods to public parkland feeling the pressure. “Gas companies and their landmen are overselling the few benefits of drilling in our neighborhoods, and downplaying the many risks,” Scheffler said. “A majority of homeowners who have sufficiently researched the issue, however, have concluded that the risks greatly outweigh the benefits of signing mineral leases.”
Scheffler cites a number of negative impacts associated with urban gas drilling, the sum of which he says is far too great to be worth and average $50-per-month royalty check. The potential negative impacts Scheffler expects include:
Scheffler had kind words for outgoing council member Wendy Davis. “Even as Wendy Davis serves the last days of her term, she has publicly acknowledged that there is a consensus building against urban drilling in District 9. Like Ms. Davis, I believe this growing consensus cannot be ignored. I wish Ms. Davis best of luck in her next challenge, and I hope to pick up right where she left off protecting our district."
In the coming days, Scheffler will be launching a new campaign website at www.iheartfw.com. He says he plans to use the site to help educate district 9 residents on the threat urban gas wells pose to neighborhoods. He will also use the site to garner campaign volunteers and collect financial contributions, he says.
