As I read The Durango Herald on April 3, I was surprised by the misinformation that was perceived in the article submitted by Dan Olson, executive director of San Juan Citizens Alliance.

The Good Neighbor Policy created in 2007 has served the residents of La Plata County well. Christi Zeller, executive director of the Energy Council, worked to create and implement this policy. Other counties in the state use or have adopted this document. The policy reminds those involved that the gas industry is a business, and as most other businesses, needs the support of the community.

When a well is drilled on a property, the owner of that property develops a working relationship with the gas company. To gain this support, it is necessary to work together. The Good Neighbor Policy outlines the steps that the gas companies have taken, beyond the negotiated contract, to gain the support of its working partners and the community.

The gas companies have upheld their pledge. We have a gas well on our property, and if there is a concern and a call is made, action is taken. We have been continually surprised at the speed with which each concern was corrected. Several times there were employees at the ranch within the hour but never more than a day. To me, that more than meets the Good Neighbor Policy.

The success of a gas company is due to the job its employees do. The employees represent their company as members of the community. Their spouses and children likewise are members of the cities or county. These employees and their families’ involvement in community decisions helps to make our community a better place for all of us to live.

The key to all relationships is the ability to work together. If there is a concern pertaining to the gas industry, call an informed source and learn the possible solutions. Possibly, Olson could call Christi Zeller, give her an apology and begin a working relationship. I would be willing to bet Christi would be more than willing to participate.

Ned Jefferies

Durango