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Mayor Hates the Frackers, Loves Their Money
Michigan Capitol Confidential ^ | 4/8/2015 | Tom Gantert

Posted on 04/09/2015 12:41:35 PM PDT by MichCapCon

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell has become a hero to the global warming movement with his anti-oil comments. The mayor has said, “Our planet is sick and it is we who have infected it.”

In a January speech, Heartwell called for an end to hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as “fracking”) and said he would ask the county and governor to do the same.

However, Heartwell appears to have no problem with taking money collected from oil companies for using hydraulic fracturing when drilling on state land to fund city government spending. MLive reported that Grand Rapids plans to request a $7.5 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The city would use that money, which comes from royalties paid by oil and gas drillers, to buy six properties that are owned by Kent County, Michigan State University and the city's parking system.

The trust fund was created in 1976 and is funded with oil, gas, and other mineral lease and royalty payments to the state. Companies in Michigan have been using “fracking” for oil and gas production for about 50 years. The trust fund money is earmarked for the acquisition of public land and for recreation projects.

Grand Rapids has tapped the trust fund nine different times for a total of $2.8 million.

“It seems inconsistent at best to be against oil and gas development in your community but then go ask for a grant funded by oil and gas development elsewhere,” said John Griffin, executive director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Michigan.

Heartwell’s office didn’t respond to an email seeking comment.


TOPICS: Government
KEYWORDS: drilling; energy; gas

1 posted on 04/09/2015 12:41:35 PM PDT by MichCapCon
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To: MichCapCon

Just your typical hypocrite liberal.


2 posted on 04/09/2015 12:46:19 PM PDT by Blood of Tyrants (True followers of Christ emulate Christ. True followers of Mohammed emulate Mohammed.)
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To: Blood of Tyrants

And the voters are too “stupid” to figure it out.


3 posted on 04/09/2015 1:02:01 PM PDT by dhs12345
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To: dhs12345

I would not argue with your calling voters “stupid” as look who was elected as President TWICE! However, do consider adding “corrupt.”


4 posted on 04/09/2015 1:23:22 PM PDT by AEMILIUS PAULUS
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To: AEMILIUS PAULUS
Absolutely. Corrupt usually follows stupid. Corruption happens when people are “stupid.”

I was referring to Grubers “stupid voters” comment.

5 posted on 04/09/2015 1:40:20 PM PDT by dhs12345
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To: dhs12345

In general I agree with you. The American people seem to have “Lost It!”


6 posted on 04/09/2015 1:41:35 PM PDT by AEMILIUS PAULUS
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To: AEMILIUS PAULUS

Yup. When voters vote for a person purely based on skin color and not ability we have definitely lost it.


7 posted on 04/09/2015 1:51:39 PM PDT by dhs12345
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To: MichCapCon

Heartwell is a whiney Liberal jackass. Listen to him for over 2 seconds and your IQ will immediately suffer.


8 posted on 04/09/2015 2:50:33 PM PDT by VRWCarea51 (The original 1998 version)
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To: VRWCarea51

The whole city council is full of like minded thieves, which is why they were surprised and angry when a recent city wide election finally put term limits in place.

I think the informed citizens have had enough.


9 posted on 04/09/2015 3:02:55 PM PDT by kevslisababy
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