Measures A and B and oil drilling


It is legal for corporate interests to participate in the democratic process, which was previously limited to individual citizens. This participation comes in the form of money—creating a very large and influential voice over the air waves, internet, newspapers, billboards, etc.

What are the rewards for this intrusion into the democratic process?

In the case of measures A and B here in Ventura County, this is an attempt to overturn the authority of our elected county supervisors for the sake of the oil and gas industry at the expense of the health and preservation of a healthy environment.

The financial benefits gained by the oil and gas industry must far outweigh the $5 million to $6 million that Chevron and Aera Energy (Shell and Exxon/Mobil) are spending on this campaign. Such nefarious undertakings run the risk of payback.

A modest step would be for our citizens to decide to never again purchase gasoline nor any other services from all Chevron, Shell and Mobile stations across Ventura County and beyond.

Regardless of the outcome of this ballot measure, we can permanently reduce the revenue stream from these invaders of our democratic process.

Congress has equated money with free speech. That decision has distorted our democracy.

Until Congress corrects this mistake, let’s “self-correct” to the extent that it’s within our rights by never again purchasing gasoline or any other products from these companies.

Thomas Seigner
Westlake Village