Pam Faerber acted as our area representative regarding the issue of rezoning of agricultural land to “excess residential” on the first day of the new state legislature (“Organization Day”). Pam reports as follows:
…each session was only long enough to get sworn in and do a bit of work (about an hour). It would have been a waste of everyone’s time to be there. We were not allowed to “pass notes” into various members of the House or Senate—normally yes, but not on organization day!
…here are a few things that were good:
- I met with Sheila Klinker—a rep from Lafayette IN whom I have known since Purdue days and she is interested
- She told me about Randy Truitt and another Lafayette area reps whom I have known since those days as well, so I will contact them for support
- I did get to speak with Katrina Hall and again ask that Farm Bureau take the lead and tell us how to be a help
- I did promise most of YOU will join Indiana Farm Bureau
- I did get about 3 minutes with Senator Jim Biuck—so he does know we are serious and he is supportive
- BTW, Senator Brandt Hershman was NOT in session!!!
So not much, but a tiny start in a long process toward a change in state law.
Going forward: if any of you are in the appeal process, please keep all of us informed. Turn downs in appeal—we recommend appeal of the appeal. If we get a “hot” case, several may go in toward a lawsuit, so keep us informed.
Many thanks to Pam for taking this on and keeping us all informed!
