On Nov. 6, the voters of Ferguson Township will have the opportunity to help protect our community by voting in favor of a Community Bill of Rights and fracking ban.

The amendment to the Ferguson Township Home Rule Charter enumerates our rights to pure water, clean air and rights of nature. It would prevent the state from usurping our power of self-governance, as the Corbett administration tried to do with Act 13.

With passage of this amendment, we would no longer be forced to accept drill pads wherever and whenever the gas corporations desire. Toxic frack fluids and waste would not be permitted passage through Ferguson Township. And it would not allow our township to fall into a downward destructive spiral by accommodating the fossil-fuel and nuclear industries.

The Community Bill of Rights would create a path forward to a sustainable energy future and protect our forests and farms from industrialization.

I hope the people of Ferguson Township realize this amendment is in our best interest and would protect us into the future.

Vote yes on this important issue.

Bill Hechinger

State College