2005 News

May 6, 2005
BUCKS COMMISSIONERS PUT SUPPORT BEHIND GROWING GREENER BOND ISSUE
Voters Urged to Vote Yes On Primary Day, May 17

With the Delaware Valley College farm market as a backdrop, the Bucks County Commissioners announced their support of a primary ballot question authorizing a $625 million bond to fund several statewide environmental initiatives, including open space and farmland preservation.

Bucks County Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin pointed out Bucks County's high priority open space and farmland preservation program will possibly be completely replenished if voters approve the new Growing Greener bond issue on Tuesday, May 17.

"Today, my fellow commissioners and I are here to implore voters to go to the polls on Primary Day and vote "yes" on the Growing Greener bond question concerning land preservation. With voter approval, Bucks County will be able to continue moving forward with the preservation of precious open space," Martin said.

County and state funds were used to preserve 88 Bucks County farms and more than 8,000 acres of farmland in perpetuity. Because of several environmental initiatives wrapped into the Growing Greener program, including open space and farmland preservation, the commissioners are anxious to breathe new life into the plan, with public support.

In supporting a "yes" vote on the referendum question for future preservation, county commissioners illustrated the success of the existing county-state partnership that preserved a 233-acre farm located behind the farm market at Delaware Valley College, the site of the press conference.

In his remarks, Commissioner James F. Cawley, Esq. encouraged a block grant as a means to disperse funding should the referendum get voter support, which would empower counties such as Bucks to utilize funding to best suit their respective needs.

Commissioner Sandra A. Miller joined her fellow commissioners in urging voter support, and pointed out the proposed legislation has earned bi-partisan support throughout the state.

Heritage Conservancy President Clifford Davis led the press conference. Other speakers included Bucks County Association of Township Officials Vice President and Doylestown Township supervisor Tom Scarborough, Doylestown Township Chairman Walter Berry, Doylestown Borough Mayor William Neis, Doylestown Borough Council Member Chip Thome and Delaware Valley College President Dr. Tom Leamer. All speakers endorsed a 'yes' vote for the Growing Greener bond issue.

With voter approval this month, the state would borrow $625 million. Commission Martin is "cautiously optimistic" for a sizeable allocation to the County of Bucks, where he hopes spending decisions will be made locally.

To review the ballot question, please go to
http://www.buckscounty.org/departments/board_of_elections/question_7_2005.htm.