State Rep. Accused of Attacking Resident Through Online Comments Apologizes in Statement

A local state representative accused by a Cecil Township resident of attacking her anonymously in online comments has issued a statement apologizing for what he called an "error in judgement."

KDKA-TV reported Wednesday that Janice Gibbs, of Cecil, has accused state Rep. Jesse White, also of Cecil, of using anonymous online identities to post comments critical of her and her stance on Marcellus Shale drilling.

The TV report also indicated that IP addresses linked to an Energy In Depth comment belonged to White—and that it was associated with a state House account. Energy In Depth is a web site devoted to Marcellus Shale issues, and is funded by the industry.

White on Thursday stressed that no government resources had been utilized. A spokesman from the state House Democratic Caucus confirmed that the IP address referenced is not associated with a government account.

Here is White's statement:

"For the past several years, I have asked the tough questions few have been willing to ask to ensure natural gas drilling is done the safest way possible in Pennsylvania.

My efforts have drawn the attention of multi-million dollar energy industry groups like Energy In Depth, who have published numerous misleading and personal attacks against me in an attempt to distract people from the real issues and discredit my character. These attacks have included anonymous or fictitious posts on various websites.   

On occasion, I have exercised my First Amendment rights and responded in kind, which was an error in judgment that I regret.

To be clear, I did not use government resources while posting comments on these sites.  

I apologize to Janice Gibbs and Donald Roessler for any action I’ve taken that may have been offensive or hurtful, and I will be extending a private invitation to meet with them to discuss our viewpoints face-to-face in an effort to find common ground and foster a more professional and respectful level of communication.  

I will not stop asking the tough questions and standing up for what I believe in, because the stakes are too high to allow petty differences to distract us from ensuring that we're developing our natural resources in a responsible way that generates an economic benefit to our community but also protects the people who live and work here."

Reached for further clarification, White said that he admits to having made anonymous comments online, but declined to give further information.
The KDKA report was sent out in mass emails by several nonprofit groups Thursday, and the state House Republicans also issued a statement regarding White.

“While Rep. White’s comments and behavior are deplorable, the real question is whether Allyson Schwartz, Rob McCord, John Hanger, Tom Wolf and other Pennsylvania Democrats stand by his shameful attacks on an industry that has created thousands of Pennsylvania jobs. Do Allyson Schwartz, Rob McCord, John Hanger, Tom Wolf and others share Rep. White’s views that people supporting good paying jobs in the shale supporters are ‘trolls’? The Pennsylvania Democratic Party, along with Schwartz, McCord, Hanger, Wolf or of its candidates seeking higher office should not only demand an apology from Rep. White, but use this opportunity to clarify their positions on this job-creating industry," state GOP spokeswoman Valerie Caras said.
Editor's Note: To read the Observer-Reporter's report on the issue, click here. 

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