Farm Bureau approves policies, by-law change

Janice Webster and Kathie Shelly present policies to Farm Bureau members.

BY HELEN B. FOSTER

Correspondent

Susquehanna County Farm Bureau members held their annual fall meeting on Oct. 8, at the Montrose Bible Conference for the express purpose of voting on local policies they supported.

These included on improving water quality; opposing tax credits that do not include agriculture, infrastructure and education; land use and building regulations; vehicle code pertaining to texing and non-hands-free use of cell phones; inspecting existing domestic and commerical septic systems and other policies that pertain to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; bluestone quarries and roll back taxes.

On the national level their support went to health care legislation pertaining to health care to fully include rural areas; rail transportation carrying municipal waste and other debris be required to  be covered.

All policies were presented to the members and they were given a chance to comment before voting on the numerous recommendations including a by-law change that would add the office of second vice-president.

Members also were given an opportunity to review a statement given by Vice President Kathie Shelly before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission pertaining to the gathering, transportation or conveying by pipeline of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale in Susquehanna County.

The major concern expressed by Shelly related to gas companies asking  for the first time for utility status and the privilege of eminent domain.

In the absence of President Donna Williams, Shelly welcomed guests including county officials, State Reps. Sandra Major and Tina Pickett and representatives from Congressman Chris Carney’s office and State Sen. Gene Yaw’s office.

Bob Perhacs presented County Star Awards to Pauline Fallon, Barbara Arnold,Tom Helmacy, Amy Klym, Bill Ord, Joe Plonski, Alton Arnold, Cheryl Matulevich, Tom Wooden, Ted Place, Williams, Shelly, Webster and others who have made the local organization  a top bureau in the state.

The membership committee recognized the Chamberlain/ Epstein Insurance Agency and the Rick Leet Agency for the great job they did to promote membership in the SCFB. The membership stands at 335 which exceeds its goal by 17 new or renewal members.