Tim Paulissen

 Conservative Leadership for League City’s Future

ISSUES I WANT TO ADDRESS

Drilling 

 Tough Issues Require Tough Decisions

Drilling in residential areas has been a very decisive issue in recent months. Drilling proponents have lined up to force their mineral extraction operations up against our backyards, where families bar-b-q and children play.  I have been and will continue to be opposed to mining and mineral operations in residential areas.

Recently, a drilling operation was approved on the east side of League City.  I voted against that drilling operation.  But it still won City Council approval on a 5 – 2 vote.

Some council members who voted for the drilling said that the applicant worked to meet many requirements to settle the nerves of residents negatively affected by the erection of a derrick near their homes. Some council members also claimed that the applicant complied with the new ordinance that the city is currently drafting. They therefore voted to allow the drilling to continue.

But I believe even carefully conducted industrial operations don’t belong in the middle of our neighborhoods. Some claim that we should roll over and accept such drilling in order to avoid the risk of lawsuits against the city. I say that it’s taking the easy way out to accept manifestly bad policy just to avoid a potential legal dispute.

This same issue will rear its head again in west League City, near Magnolia Creek.  There a mineral rights developer wants to drill less than 600 feet from a day care and less than 400 feet from homes. Most new ordinances require at least 600 feet of distance between drilling and incompatible uses. If we apply that standard to the Magnolia Creek project, it doesn’t pass muster.

The Magnolia Creek applicant will say that he is “close” to our new ordinance’s required distance, and he is willing to make the operation as safe as practical. But remember, the litmus test is 600 feet. “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.” I cannot in good conscience, and will not compromise people’s safety and the solitude of their homes. The threat of litigation is no reason to put people in harm’s way.

Our current mayor chose not to make any statements “pro” or “con” at a recent anti-drilling rally. She has refused to make these tough decisions publicly, but I have.

A leader must have the courage and conviction to stand up for those that elect him. Actions speak louder than words, and I have proven that time after time. On the east League City drilling project, I made the tough choice and voted “No.” I wasn’t afraid to stand up for you to oppose drilling in residential areas. And I will do the same again.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12. We must never give up.

You have a choice in the May 14th city elections. You can stand with me and your neighbors and say “No” to residential drilling.  I would appreciate your support and your vote for Mayor of League City.