Kent environmental group proposes charter amendment banning fracking

The Kent Environmental Rights Group held a public meeting Monday to spread the word about its Community Bill of Rights on this year’s election ballot. The proposed “Kent Community Bill of Rights” is a charter amendment that grants the citizens of Kent the right to fresh air, clean water, and prohibits fracking within city limits. Perry Phillips, community organizer for KERG, says he’s hopeful for the upcoming election.

ANCHOR INTRO
This year’s general elections are just over a month away, and Portage Country residents have some big decisions to make. TV2 reporter Abu Zafar has a preview of what issues to look out for this election season.

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Fifty three. That’s the number of issues on this year’s general election ballot on which voters must decide. Of the 53, the ones that stand out most to voters are usually school tax levies, says Brad Cromes, Deputy Director of the Portage County Board of Elections. But another issue stands out this year for residents of Kent: Issue 21.

A Community Bill of Rights, drafted by the Kent Environmental Rights Group (KERG), grants the citizens of Kent the right to clean water and fresh air and prohibits fracking within the city. KERG held a public meeting Monday to dispel rumors about the bill and raise awareness.

Community organizer and member of KERG, Perry Phillips, explains what the proposed bill means to this community.

ANCHOR TAG
Elections will be held November 4 this year and Perry says he is optimistic about the bill.