The Lake County commissioners today, Tues. Jan. 5, in Tavares voiced unanimously their stance against fracking. They considered two resolutions, one banning fracking state-wide, and another, opposing the right of the state to preempt local control over fracking. Since several commissioners voiced opposition to taking counties’ right to local control, this resolution did not move before the board. The 2nd resolution, against state control of fracking vs. local control, did pass 5-0, with some changes in language.
So one might say this was not a total victory but certainly a positive outcome as fracking was considered a negative issue in all respects. Special thanks to Commissioner Welton Cadwell, writer of the resolutions and strong opponent, and also to Chairman Sean Parks, equally opposed.
Thanks also to Linda Bystrak whose efforts resulted in the attendance of approximately three dozen local residents who supported the resolutions, many of whom spoke at the podium. Speakers included representatives from the League of Women Voters, the Lake Co. Democratic Party, and Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson of Our Santa Fe River.