MVCC Forum Sheds Light On Hydrofracking Debate

Utica, NY (WIBX) - They had to brave the dark but most of those who participated in this weekend's Hydrofracking Forum at Mohawk Valley Community College say that the presentations made shed some light on the debate.

In fact, WIBX's Jeff Monaski made the initial introductions with the aid of a flashlight as a nearby accident caused a transformer to fail immediately prior to the event. The forum was quickly reorganized and proceeded in the dark until power to MVCC was restored about half an hour into the discussion.

The forum, organized by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, featured speakers on both proverbial sides of the issue.

Each group made sometimes passionate arguments about the pros and cons of hydrofracking.

About half of the attendees said that they made up their minds about the issue prior to the discussion, with the other half there to listen and learn.

During the comment session voices were raised slightly but overall the coversation remained civil.