This is a short, incomplete list of the high-paying blue- and white-collar jobs that would accompany a Carolina oil and natural gas drilling program:

Machinists and helpers; electricians and helpers; plumbers and helpers; pipefitters and helpers; welders and helpers; truck drivers and mechanics; heavy equipment operators and mechanics; helicopter pilots and mechanics; environmental engineers and staffs; surveyors and staffs; shipping and receiving people; paralegals and, yes, lawyers; geologists and staff; computer operators and repair folks; caterers and staff; small boat operators, mechanics and staff.

There are many more. What a great way to replace the jobs lost in furniture and textiles rather than send them to the chicken plant. Consider the long-term local job opportunities for our people that accompany an environmentally correct drilling program.

John Schlichenmaier

Raleigh

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