TO THE EDITORS:

Last week, County Commissioner Scott Martin floated the idea that the county stop funding farmland preservation. If he really believes, as he said when running for office, that alternative funding must be found, I ask, why he has done nothing since elected to find that alternative? We can only conclude that he doesn't care.

Lancaster County and its municipalities have made tremendous strides to protect farmland and redevelop towns and cities. Placing Clipper Magazine Stadium in the city instead of on farmland provided an excellent example of the symbiotic nature of urban redevelopment and a sound rural strategy, as we discuss in the county growth management plan I worked on 10 years ago.

Farmland preservation not only boosts agriculture and protects our heritage, it encourages economic prosperity.

I challenge Martin to ask the people of the county what their priorities are. I think he will find that farmland preservation is very high on the list. He underestimates how important farms are to the people of Lancaster County.

Lois Herr

Mount Gretna