Rose Vargo McFarland, Pickaway County Farm Bureau
The lynchpin of a representative democracy is the communication between the elected official and the constituent. As technology pushes to hasten our day, it is imperative that we take time to ensure that those whom we elect continue to be accountable to their constituents on days other than those on which we vote.
Ohio Farm Bureau’s AgDay at the Capitol is just such an opportunity. On Feb. 9, I had the honor of serving Pickaway County Farm Bureau’s membership as their public policy chair in communicating the concerns of our farmers and farming community. Locally, our trustees have been working hard to educate our membership on the ways road and bridge maintenance and building are being funded and attempting to craft a proposal for addressing the insufficient funding on this issue. On Feb. 9, we were able to engage our elected officials in that dialogue.
Further, the topics of CAUV and water quality were discussed. Support for an objective CAUV formula that accurately values farmland for its agricultural use is a major focus for Pickaway County members. The concept of a voter-approved bond measure for water quality and the creation of a water trust is also promoted by the Farm Bureau.
Ag Day at the Capitol is an example of our government working. Too often we ruminate on the negative aspects of government without being grateful when it works. It worked on Feb. 9, and for that, I am grateful.
Pickaway County Farm Bureau extends an invitation to its membership and other interested individuals to the Feb. 18 Public Policy Breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Watt Street Tavern and the April 19 educational seminar on funding for the maintenance and building of roads and bridges to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Circleville High School. Please RSVP by calling the office at (740) 474-6284.
Rose Vargo McFarland, treasurer and public policy chair
Pickaway County Farm Bureau
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
