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Mar. 10, 2011
The mayor and town council of Mountain Lake Park unanimously adopted a Community Bill of Rights that “removes legal powers from gas extraction corporations within the town.”
Ordinance No. 2011-01, titled Mountain Lake Park’s Community Protection from Natural Gas Extraction Ordinance, was introduced to the council by Mayor Leo Martin. The first reading of the measure was held Jan. 6, followed by a public hearing on Feb. 3, and the ordinance was adopted at last Thursday’s regular March meeting.
At the heart of the ordinance is a statement of law: “It shall be unlawful for any corporation to engage in the extraction of natural gas within the Town of Mountain Lake Park, with the exception of gas wells installed and operating at the time of enactment of this ordinance.”
The bill also recognizes the right of the people to “a form of governance where they live which recognizes that all power is inherent in the people, that all free governments are founded on the people’s authority and consent, and that corporate entities and their directors and managers shall not enjoy special privileges or powers under the law which make community majorities subordinate to them.”
“Our town government is responsible for the health, safety, and rights of our citizens,” stated Mayor Martin. “When the county, state, and federal governments fail in their duties, it is our duty to take action.”
