I am pleased that someone from Center Township countered the negativity leveled at township Supervisor Andy Erie by Tom Schiebel prior to Schiebel leaving his supervisor position.

Erie is a seasoned, capable public servant and is deserving of more courteous treatment and respect than what he received from Schiebel in a Dec. 25 letter to the editor.

I also commend Erie for having the courage to stand up to the gas companies and represent his constituency.

Another subject mentioned by Ray Eifler in his letter of response to what Schiebel wrote was township residents’ lack of attendance at supervisors meetings — not only in Center Township, but in most townships throughout this county.

If residents want to know what their officials are doing, they should attend meetings.

Lancaster Township is actively drilling and is planning for two gas processing plants. Residents who are concerned about their water and the air should attend the supervisors’ meetings.

The Lancaster supervisors meet at 8 p.m. on the first Wednesday and third Monday of each month. Planning commission meetings are at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month.

Whatever township or other municipality people reside in, they should learn their municipality’s schedule and attend meetings. Anyone who is as concerned about the gas industry as I am should attend meetings and ask questions.

Seneca Valley School District parents need to be aware that the gas processing plant to be built on Hartmann Road about a mile from the high school has received state approval to proceed. Development already has begun, and the plant is scheduled to be commissioned in May.

I believe that gas plant is a travesty that ignores the health of our young people and might be a catalyst for a spike in asthma-related illnesses.

Taxpayers should think of how much money they have invested in Seneca Valley’s campus. They should think about the well-being of our young people.

What a waste! What a disgrace!