Time has come for local politicians to respond to constituents

Frontiersman editorial board

It's time for Scott Ogan and Vic Kohring to step up to the plate and take some hacks at the fastballs coming from Valley voters over the coal-bed methane issue. Kohring sponsored legislation that has effectively cleared a path for gas developers to skirt around much of the public process, and Ogan voted in favor of that legislation, even though he's repeatedly said he would recuse himself from any vote that pertained to the coalbed methane issue. That promise was made necessary because Ogan collects a paycheck from Evergreen Resources, so far the only developer showing keen interest in the coal-bed seams in the Mat-Su.

There have been several public hearings in recent weeks, and neither Ogan nor Kohring have been present to discuss their views on this issue that affects so many of their constituents. Ogan's relationship with Evergreen has been questioned, and he insists that either there is no conflict of interest or that, if there is, it may actually be a good thing. He seems unwilling, however, to defend that position in a public forum. Ogan scheduled a press conference to explain his position to the media, but canceled it at the last minute. When he learned that about 30 of his constituents had turned out for the event, he expressed concern that members of the press had leaked information about the conference to potential protesters. Missed on Ogan was the fact that the turnout was evidence that his constituents are deeply concerned about this issue, and they want to hear from him about it.

Ogan and Kohring both were elected as fiscal conservatives and champions of development in the Valley. Each continues to be steadfastly opposed to taxation and supportive of development such as that proposed by Evergreen Resources. Assuming they maintain the courage of their convictions, they should be anxious to meet with their constituents and explain the benefits of gas development in the Valley, the reasons they believe it will carried out safely even with the apparent lack of regulatory legislation that exists.

In fairness, it should be said that Ogan appeared at a Lazy Mountain community council meeting on Thursday, but he continues to avoid the large-audience affairs. It may be that the passage of Kohring's legislation, the lack of regulatory protections and Ogan's questionable relationship with a developer all will add up to good news for the Valley. Whatever the case, the decisions made in this community in the near future will continue to affect us all for years to come. It seems reasonable for people to ask their representatives to stand up publicly and explain the reasons behind the decisions that have brought us this far, and also explain their vision of where coal-bed methane development will take us.