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Mahoney says accusations untrue

By State Rep. Tim Mahoney 2 min read

It has come to my attention that several disheartening and entirely untrue accusations have been made about my beliefs regarding a severance tax for the gas industry.

These false comments were made in an Aug. 16 letter to the editor by Gregory Chrash of South Union Township. I would like to address these misleading statements and give the people of Fayette County the truth they deserve.

First, I support a reasonable Marcellus shale severance tax that is fair to both the industry and the state. I fully understand the importance of the natural gas industry, which provides a great number of well-paying jobs for our community. I have been vocal with Gov. Wolf, saying that I will not support a budget that does not include an extraction tax that benefits the county and its municipalities. Such a tax ensures that the gas companies pay their fair share, while still keeping the money within the community. Here, it will give your local leaders the resources they need to keep Fayette County moving in a positive direction.

In addition to this, if the state adopts a reasonable and fair severance tax, the money generated will help school districts that have been badly hurt by the irresponsible handling of the budget by the Republican Party in the past.

I want the budget crisis to be resolved, however, I refuse to settle for any provisions that would jeopardize the future of our area. I stand with the people of Fayette County in order to fight for a better future for everyone.

Mr. Chrash’s letter is full of misleading information, however, the most misleading part is that he fails to mention that he is a Fayette County Republican Committee member. For the truth on this or any other issue, call me at 724-438-6100, write to me, or visit my office on 66 Lebanon Avenue in Uniontown.

State Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Township, represents the 51st legislative district, which includes parts of Fayette and Somerset counties.

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