Jensen ripped for task force comments
Hell hath no fury like a pseudo scientist scorned.
This comment best explains Karen Jensen’s self-serving rant against Angela Zimmerlink and the Marcellus Shale Task Force. I use the term “pseudo scientist” because Jensen’s latest edition of her trials and tribulations is devoid of factual information or rational thought.
A bit of historical perspective would be helpful. On Oct. 2, 2010, Jensen made her first “I am a victim” speech to the task force via a four-page e-mail. The tenor of that communication exuded anger and self-righteous indignation. Clearly Jensen had issues with a lot of people including Zimmerlink.
At one point she accused the commissioner of having a “Harvard MBA philosophy.” Silly me, I always thought that was a good thing, but Jensen said it, so it must be bad. She is “disappointed” in the individual members of the task force, “expecting them to be more professional” and was “wary of the credentials of those participants”
Her scornful approach was not limited to the task force. She has referred to Dr. Conrad Voltz, a man with 30 years experience in environmental health, as a “quack,” stating “the man has no credibility.”
The gas industry also incurred the Jensen wrath as she criticized Henry Jacot, vice president of Atlas Energy. There is a recurring theme in the world of Jensen that everyone is shoveling fertilizer except her. Jensen does not play well with others. When things don’t go her way she is not only willing to take her ball and go home, she also proceeds to burn down the playground on the way out.
As a member of the task force since it’s inception, I wish to address some of the baseless charges made by Jensen and presented as fact.
She said the task force is politically motivated. I have been a registered Democrat my entire life and have voted for the majority commissioners on more than one occasion. To suggest that the task force was a covert political tool insults every individual who is concerned with the future of Fayette County and understands that many issues transcend politics. I have not voted for the minority commissioner but fully support her efforts on the task force issue. We all appreciate a little political intrigue, but sorry folks, this one is pure fantasy.
She said the task force is anti drilling. I question how she would know that. Not once did she ask my position. For the record, I support the responsible development of this resource and have suggested ways to expand the demand for natural gas by using it as a transportation fuel. That’s hardly an anti-drilling position.
She said the task force censored her. The entire task force was asked to provide written questions in advance of the forum. Common sense dictates that some advance preparation is required to ensure that we didn’t have a lot of redundant questions. This is referred to as good planning not censorship. The non-issue here is that time simply ran out at the forum and Jensen was deprived of her moment in the spotlight. Sorry, nothing personal. Again for the record, no one has ever made any attempt to control my communications with anyone.
Jensen’s frustration stems from her unrealistic expectations regarding the goals of the task force and what her role on the task force would be. We never intended to become researchers pouring over volumes of data. We did not aspire to criticize individuals who provided information that was contrary to any preconceived notions we may have had. We most certainly did not intend to be an intensive care unit for extremely fragile egos, and because of this we may have inadvertently failed to meet her expectations.
In conclusion, a word of thanks to Zimmerlink and all of the task force members. I believe that your good efforts will have a positive effect on the future of Fayette County.
As for Jensen, your participation will forever be remembered as a legacy of cheap shots and sour grapes. Thanks for nothing.
John Cofchin is a resident of Uniontown