Nov 22, 2013 2 min read

The “Eye on Greene” column in the Nov. 15-21 issue of the Greene County Messenger poses the question: What do you think the Marcellus Shale revenue should be used for in Greene County?

Of four people identified, one suggested public transportation from Waynesburg to Wal-Mart. A second person suggested fixing abandoned and empty buildings in Waynesburg. A third person suggested new books and computers for school kids. A fourth person suggested, because of pollution issues, pulling out of the extraction operations.

All suggestions have some degree of merit. But boy oh boy, how I wish I had a chance to respond to the question!

I would make two proposals: First, construct a brand new state-of-the-art building to house the Flenniken Public Library in Carmichaels. Second, develop a countywide storm water management program.

I could go on and on, but editors encourage brevity for readers’ letters.

The effete rebuttals “Where is the money gonna (sic) come from?” and “We can’t afford it” are now moot. In other words, Halliburton does not set up shop at dry holes.

Beyond that, the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America contains a phrase that reads, “Promote the General Welfare.” In context, what does that phrase mean to you?

Paul Lagojda

Cumberland Township