Friday, Jul. 25, 2008

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

The Flower Mound Town Council should support the decision of the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals, rendered on June 18, to deny Red Oak Gas Company’s variance requests.

Flower Mound must defend its right to make decisions for its residents. The outcome of the Red Oak lawsuit will set a precedent regarding future variance requests. Companies should not be allowed to ruin the beautiful neighborhoods of Flower Mound. Our town should not be "bullied." We believe the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals was fully within its right to deny the variance requests.

We live here for the quality of life – a community with clean air, clean water, and a safe environment. We do not want to see it threatened by unsightly drilling rigs, truck traffic, environmental hazards, and possible explosions.

We are not against drilling in Flower Mound where rigs are far removed from homes.

Urban gas drilling is a new issue – never acceptable in the past. It is interesting that companies must run infomercials and employ a trusted actor to make what is clearly wrong seem right. If urban drilling is good for our interests, then it would not be necessary to "sell it."

Residential Flower Mound is not the place for gas drilling. We have a chance to preserve our urban areas, to attract business, and to continue to be rated as "one of the most desirable cities in America in which to live."

We should protect our citizens and our quality of life.

— Deanna and Dallas Miles,

Flower Mound