DEAR EDITOR:

In the race for the 33rd Ohio Senate District between Ohio State Sen. Michael Rulli and Bob Hagan, each of us needs to take a hard look at where both candidates align on pressing issues. This includes the natural gas and oil industry.

Mr. Hagan’s stance on this critical issue is not in line with Carroll County or even the communities he hopes to represent. Statements from Mr. Hagan regarding Ohio energy production are extremely concerning, to say the least. During his previous tenure at the Ohio Statehouse, Hagan spent a majority of his time trying to undercut natural gas and oil operations, not only in his region, but across the entire state. He even protested on the Statehouse lawn!

In the midst of an energy crisis, we cannot afford to elect someone who seeks to increase taxes and fees which will affect all Ohioans. These increases on an industry that is producing clean, green and reliable energy will not allow companies to continue to aggressively explore or increase production and bring the good-paying jobs that benefit us all. They would prohibit future plans due to the uncertainty of more taxes, regulations and fee increases. These increases alone will contribute to limiting production, cutting jobs, and they cost each citizen more!

Sen. Michael Rulli is an advocate for Ohioans and industries that are so important to Carroll County, to the energy corridor of eastern Ohio and to Ohio’s economy — and to the energy security of our entire nation. He knows we need to continue pushing for innovative solutions that bring good-paying jobs and decrease energy costs, while producing consistent and clean reliable energy.

Michael is the right choice for Ohio’s 33rd Senate District. Vote for Michael Rulli in November.

JACK EMERSON

Malvern