Opinion

Suppose you hire a group of college kids to provide

Back surgery will keep Gavilan College President Steve Kinsella out of his office for a month this spring. But presumably following the surgery and an initial recovery period, he’ll be available on the phone should any need for a critical emergency decision arise.

The first and most important step in securing our future is to place the goal of increasing private sector jobs and economic activity at the top of the priority list alongside public safety. That is the only way we can prosper without regressive taxes and fees. Things that have the attention of leadership usually get done.

My argument here is not against the utilization of natural gases or oil; nor is it against hydraulic fracturing in and of itself. I believe that if it can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the process does not lead to the contamination of groundwater, the leaching of radioactive gases into the air, the reduction of property values, and an increase in both traffic and crime, then it is certainly a viable alternative to augment America’s dependence on nonrenewable energy sources. The facts as they are, however, do not support this.