A3o—Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, May 3,1980 Eminent domain bill moves to joint committee HARRISBURG - SB 985 and SB 906 Wednesday were referred to a senate-house conference committee. The two bills would allow private property taken by eminent domain to be turned back to the original property owner if the condemning agency had not used the land within a limited period of time. The bills are being promoted by Senator Edwin G. Roll, Lansdale; and Representative Roosevelt Polite, Hatfield. The Senate voted to non concur with the two bills PFA farm-city festival held MOUNT JOY “Farm life is good, worthwhile and satisfying. Let’s bang on to it and not let it disappear. ” This combined description and appeal by a Clearfield County farm wife was given at a Farm-City Festival Wednesday attended by Pennsylvania Cabinet members’ wives and Gmny Thornburgh, wife of Gov. Dick Thornburgh. The festival luncheon program, whose purpose is to help foster better un derstanding between farm and non-farm people, was held at the Lancaster County dairy farm of Elvin and Marion Brenneman, R 1 Mount Joy. The role of the farm wife and appeal for farm Me preservation was outlined by Joyce Sankey, Clearfield County, before die combined audience of state govern ment and PFA farm wives. “The future will not be decided by what we think, know or say,” Mrs. Sankey explained, “but by what we do.” She defined farming “as a family working together not only to produce food and fibre, but a way of life.” “It is joy and sorrow, work and play, happiness and despair and the raising of grain, animals, fruits and vegetables. But our best crop is our kids.” She called the family farm the most efficient agricultural operation in the world that is being phased because the legislation as written applies only to the Howard Knapp family of Montgomery County. The Knapp land was condemned over 10 years ago by the North Penn School District. The district now wants to sell the land to a shopping center, and in cidents stands to reap huge profits in the bargain. State Grange Master Charles Wismer, who has been shepherding the legislation through the Capital, said the move to non-concur was a good sign for the two bills. The constitutionality of the out of existence. Urging better understanding, she cited the need for continued involvement in affairs and activities affecting the future of the family farm. Gmny Thornburgh briefly discussed the role of the wife of state governmental explaining her task was mainly one of learning at the meeting. “It’s really no different than that of any other wife,” she said. “When we were married, we took an important pledge to stand by that person and be as supportive as we can. Each of us made this same commitment. “The press and public may look into our lives more closely than yours. Sometimes, this may be painful but it is a wonderful growth time.” Similar meetings to en courage better un derstanding were held at county and state levels in the nationwide program. Attending cabinet wives were Irene Baran, wife of the secretary of general services; Isabel Dunn, wife of state police com missioner; Anne Muller, wife of secretary of health; Flo Scott, wife of adjutant general; Beth Bartle, wife of insurance commissioner; Charlotte Scanlon, ’Mfe of secretary of education; Elizabeth Biester, wife of attorney general; and Tnsh Hallowell, wife of secretary of agriculture. Legislative roundui measures has been questioned since they would apply to only the Knapp family. In the conference com mittee, the bills pan be reworked to apply to anyone who is in a similar situation. Both the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh school districts have objected to SB 985 and SB 986 because they have sizable holdings within then respective cities. They don’t like the impact of the bills since they might have to offer the land back to its original owners at its original pnce. The conference committee PFA farm wives attending included Nellie Crawford, Juniata County, women’s commitee chairman; Martha Rhoades, Clarion County, vice chairman; Betty Weaver, Snyder County; Marion Brenneman, Lancaster County; Gloria Christman, Berks County; Frances Fetterolf, Centre County; Helen Jackson, Lawrence County; Cmdi Kunz, Crawford County; Frances Lichtenwolner, Lehigh County; Miriam Long, Westmoreland County; Mildred Musselman, Adams County; Dorothy Replogle, Bedford County; Joyce Sankey, Clearfield County; Arlene Summers, Susquehanna County; Jean Tiffany, Bradford County; and LaVem Shafer, Schuylkill County.—DA 25* YEAR IWSS^^^liig is expected to rewrite the legislation so it applies only to Class II school districts. Most fanners are not too concemec about city schools since ther is no sizable body of farmland in the city, anyway. “We want to make sure this bill will win the day for the Knapps, ” Wismer said. At present the bill would need to have an U year life to assure the Knapps of getting their property returned. Present law eliminates return of land after three years. Pennsylvania Farmers’ Association also supports legislative action to lengthen the time period. Wismer pointed out that the bill could move with an 11 year period written in to protect the Knapps and then be ammended later to a shorter period. Action on the two bills could be swift. The school district, unable to sell its land until the question is decided, wants a prompt resolution of the problem. The Knapps and then supporters, too, want speedy action. The Senate had acted on the legislation within a day or two of the time it was received. Once the com mittee reaches accord, it should move swiftly. Another bill which is moving is HB 2406, the Scenic Rivers Act. This bill would include provisions for a pastoral district—one Rotary Mower Conditioners THE ULTIMATE HAY MAKER Because it’s a drum type mower, the Krone Turbo Mower offers an invaluable alternative for dependable hay making. The rotary drums eliminate clogging and plugging for less down time, and enable the mower to perform in wet or dry crop conditions. These high speed mowers mow, condition and windrow in just one pass; are easy to operate and virtually maintenance free. For efficiency and economy, Krone Mower Conditioners make sickle bar mowing obsolete! See for yourself.. .A KMN representative will be glad to arrange a demonstration. Call, or write today to: rv. / a product of Vravpi MODERN FARM EQUIPMENT INC. ''■Mnl 12 Sullivan St Westwood, N J 07675 • (201)666 3707 CUMMINGS & BRICKER, INC. < Distributors of Farm & Irrigation Equipment R.D. #l, Claremont Rd. (Stover Dr.) Carlisle, PA 17013 Ph: 717-249-6720 Serving Farmers through Farm Equipment Dealers which would define far mland as a natural use of rural land. HB 2406 also would restrict eminent domain provisions for Scenic Rivers. The bill has been reported out of the House Con servation Committee by unanimous vote. Observers say it should move within the next two weeks. This week the Senate did not move on the milk security fund legislation, SB 1287. Since PFA held its legislative tour this week, the Senate seemed reluctant to take any action. ■eeooooooooeoooeooei MILLER DIESEL INC. 6030 Jonestown Rd. M Harrisburg, Pa. 17112 association or 717-545-5931 DIESEL SPECIALISTS interstate 81 Exit 26 Diesel fuel injection and turbo charger specialists. »*: Locally owned and operated with over 22 years in business. Authorized Sales & Service For: • American Bosch • CAV • Robert Bosch • Simms • Roosa Master • RbtoMaster • Airesearch We Also Service: • IHC • Caterpillar • Cummins • Oeneral Motors injectors • Allis Chalmers • Blowers, governors etc. • Bacharach Tools Daily shipments by UPS. Parcel Post, or our representative who is in area regularly. Distributed by: PFA has demanded a two cent contribution rate as required by its policy. AH of the other involved parties agreed to a one cent con tribution by dealers. The conflict within ag circles has confused some non-farm and farm lawmakers, but Senate Ag Committee Chairman Patrick Stapleton has in dicated he will entertain no ammendments except technical ammendments on the bill as written, including the one cent rate. Look for action on SB 1287 next week.—CH
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