Save the 'Womenfolk!'
The debate over natural gas drilling heads in a new direction as a House Democratic leader warns against social downfall.
Save the 'Womenfolk!'
John Baer, Daily News Political Columnist
UPDATE: Rep. Sturla today apologized for using the term “womenfolk.” He couched it with the usual “if anyone was offended.”
A member of state House Democratic leadership is offering a new argument against expanded drilling for natural gas -- one that's got the GOP all gassed up.
Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster County, head of the House Democratic Policy Committee, was asked by the online news service capitolwire.com to respond to a Corbett administration contention that expanding drilling in state forests would "solve just about every economic problem we have."
Apparently, Sturla saw the remark by Commerce and Economic Development Secretary Alan Walker as something of a red flag.
Here's part of what Sturla emailed capitolwire in response: "...exactly what are all those things the drillers are doing for the local communities? Patronizing the bars are night? Driving up the cost of rental housing? Spreading sexually transmitted disease amongst the womenfolk?"
One wag immediately labeled Sturla "Rep. Mike Sturla, D-19th Century."
The official GOP response wasn't as kind.
“Talk about wrong-headed, misinformed, archaic, and just shocking,” said Rep. Sandra Major, House Republican Caucus Chair. “The House Democrat leadership attitude, after studying the impacts of the Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania, is insulting.”
And then there was this:
"The people of this Commonwealth deserve better than hyperbole or fear mongering.” Rep. Matt Baker, R-Bradford County, said. “The hate-speech, misinformation, stereotyping and sensationalism from the House Democrat Policy Committee chairman is deplorable.”
And this:
"Drunks and promiscuous `womenfolk' -- that is what the House Democratic leaders are calling the hard-working men and women living within the Marcellus Shale region," Rep. Sheryl Delozier, R-Cumberland County, said. "Who can really support such notions from leaders who think so little of those working in a growing industry?"
And then the GOP state party weighed in:
“I don’t know what is more offensive, Sturla’s reference to Pennsylvania women as `womenfolk' or his assertion that we are promiscuous? Rep. Mike Sturla should apologize for these incredibly stupid comments and his Democratic colleagues should denounce them immediately," said party vice chair Joyce Haas.
Ah, Pennsylvania politics. Part throwback. Part sniper. All nonsense all the time. Grrr.
I'm not a democrat or a liberal by any means. Calling women "womenfolk" is unusual, but I don't see how that's insulting. Unless womenfolk has some hidden meaning that I don't know about.— Hamlin- I have to agree. I see no insult with saying "womenfolk". Just sounds antiquated but who cares?— pauljack
- like the sign says at the border:
Welcome to Pennsyltucky. Please set your watch back 100 years.— ekw555 - What a crep. Womenfolk isn't the insulting part. Wht he said about the men is what is insulting. Why isn't that the focus of the story and the need for an apology?— dontavoidtheobvious
- Wow, more offended politicians who don't know what they're doing and who rarely accomplish anything worthwhile.— dblankj
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- You know what's offensive - the fact PA is the ONLY state in the US NOT to tax natural gas extraction.— DennyP
- Drilling is still bad.— scargosun
- Comment removed.
- Comment removed.
- Idiot. There are many good, legitimate reasons to oppose drilling and disagree with Corbett's plan for "community impact fees"... none of which Sturla mentioned in this unhinged rant.— Whatjugot
- Comment removed.
- Rep. Sturl apparently was just quoting a medical source, according to the version of the AP story printed in the West Chester Daily Local:
"Sturla was apparently citing testimony by Troy Community Hospital from May that says among its experiences with the influx of drilling crews is an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. " Republicans haven't let facts get in their way so far; why start now?— Jay375 - I do not see it as insulting but if the Democrats/Liberals are going to jump all over comments made by Republicans its only fair that door swings both ways.— psyrus
- Mmm...I do love me some PA womenfolk after a good hard day of frackin'.— everydayguy
- Psyrus, what is the problem with the comment? I think the Republicans actually make insulting, fear-mongering, and, to be honest, coldly calculate statements to foment hate. This guy's comment is just worthless. I mean, if I hear one more time about birth certificates, sharia law, socialism, etc., it will probably be about the millionth.— HandNik
- I'm still trying to figure out how "expanding drilling in state forests would solve how just about every economic problem we have". Corbett refuses to tax the gas industry or make them pay impact fees so where is the economic benefit to solve the problems?— rarosen
- DUHHHH! The drilling companies themselves pay taxes to the state and the workers that are EMPLOYED pay state taxes. So if we employ hundred or thousands and have many companies buy land and pay real estate taxes, transfer taxes, school taxes where they do business plus other business taxes. Don't be a typical "gotcha" type and think your questions/answers through. BTW I don't like Corbett either but I understand where he is coming from. He wants companies doing business in other states to come here, hence no tax or impact fees. For the short term that maybe a good idea but once they are here the state could rethink and then tax more.
- Comment removed.
- The term "womenfolk" has a slight racist tone to it, although it is not in this case. At the same time it also insinuates poverty when it's used, which is rarely unless you want to go back 100 yrs. Apparently this hack agenda filled "journalist" can't find a more important story to write about so he just wants to fan the flames and get people arguing as usual. Nothing to see(or read) here, move on people.— TomM
- Comment removed.
- I'm just glad some of you leaches would rather collect your 99 weeks instead of grabbing those $30/hr jobs my fellow Texans are glad to have in the marcellus plus some of our illegals. Hey, thanks bro. Down here north of houston we're growing exponentially, thanks for the extra jobs.— DNC
- Anyone who has ever interacted with this arrogant, crude, and undignified man is not surprised by anything he would say. Sturla is a perfect example for reasons we should purge Harrisburg of his type and replace all these egomaniacs with public servants.— Chantal
John is the author of the book "On The Front Lines of Pennsylvania Politics: Twenty-Five Years of Keystone Reporting" (The History Press, 2012). Reach John at baerj@phillynews.com.
