Living like a serf on my own land

Dear Editor,

The following is a letter I sent to Governor Cuomo.

Governor, Cuomo, 

I learned at a young age that God placed me on this earth to be a fourth generation farmer. I love the job! To arise every day and be able to walk to work on the same original ground Great Grandparents walked on is a priceless blessing to me.

I am a retired dairy farmer (45 years). My farm is located in Tioga County, just four miles by the way the crow flies, to the Pennsylvania state line. For the last six years, I have watched with interest and envy the huge economic and financial benefit fracking for natural gas has brought to the citizens of Bradford County, Pa. The growth there of roads, buildings, new businesses, high paying jobs, etc. have been amazing. The pluses far outweigh the minuses. I view the gas beneath this farm as a crop, just like the crop grown on top of the ground.

Politicians pass executive orders. President Trump has signed many since being elected. In June 2015, you issued an executive order banning fracking for natural gas in New York State. At that time, I could not understand your reasoning, and I still can’t. 

Why are you against America being weaned off Arab oil and becoming energy independent? Personally, I think your decree is illegal, because it violates the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gives Americans the right to own and use private property. When government (executive order) steals that right, there must be compensation. 

I am an old man who is tired of living like a serf on my own land. You have taken my crop and denied all landowners their rights to use private property. Pay for the privilege! New York needs cash; let’s drill for gas! 

Governor Cuomo, you act like a king. Hopefully, next election, the voters of the Empire State will dethrone you, and then New York State will prosper.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Bell

Barton, N.Y.