This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
On the evening of October 16th, about 25 people working in the oil and gas industry gathered at the intersection of Martin St. and East Ken Pratt Blvd. for 2.5 hours to demonstrate against Proposition 112 for this year's election. Proposition 112 would mandate that any oil well which uses hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, be at least 2,500 feet from areas such as homes, schools, playgrounds, or sources of drinking water.
Many of the demonstrators worked in the oil and gas industry, including Joe Gaona who was identified by others as one of the leaders of the group. When asked why he was against Proposition 112, Joe stated that it would "take jobs away from thousands of people...schooling, roads, government. Anything to do with oil and gas." Joe works for Covenant Testing Technologies, a Texas-based oil and gas services provider which is publicly against Proposition 112.
Also taking part in the protest was Jonathan Severance, also a Covenant employee. Jonathan shared Joe's concern about 112, particularly with respect to the economy which he believes "it could crush, if it passes." He expressed confidence that the people of Longmont broadly are against it, but acknowledged that those in favor of Proposition 112 also believe that it's the right thing to do that that both sides are simply exercising their rights.
