Easton Still Debating Community Rights Bill

As it's written now, a proposed has no chance of passing, city officials said Tuesday night.

"What you're doing and your group is doing is commendable," Mayor Sal Panto told Matt Munsey, one of the residents lobbying for the bill. "But for me to approve this would be reckless."

Panto made his comments following nearly two hours of discussion with supporters of the bill, which is aimed at giving citizens more control over corporate influence in city affairs.

City officials called the ordinance too vague, and said they had hoped for a more specific anti-fracking ordinance, although Munsey argued that if it was written that way, it would be overruled. The city passed an in 2010.

The meeting began with Joel Scheer, the city's atttorney, warning council that the bill would open the city up to a host of possible litigation.

"This document is just 100 lawsuits waiting to happen," Scheer said. There's "good motivation behind it, but it's not being addressed to the bodies it needs to be addressed."

The mayor said he's willing to challenge the state on specific issues, "but to take it on globally, you'll never win."

Resident Curt Ehly argued that Panto's specific issues might not be the same as everyone else. 

"It sounds like each of these pet issues are issues that certain ones of you feel are worth fighting for," Ehly said. "The point is, the city of Easton would be making a stand."

Denis Leib, one of the supporters of the bill, noted that there are 100 other communities that have similar ordinances.

"Every one of these communities is saying ‘We’re starting this revolution at a grass roots level," Leib said.

Even if they go to court and lose, he said, it still shows the public what local goverments are up against.

Supporters of the bill will work with members of city council to try to revise the ordinance. Munsey said he hopes they can come up with something "that still has teeth," but will also stand up to any challenges.