Rustic Roads - Representation Matters on the Advisory Committee
The Rustic Roads Master Plan Update is nearing passage at the Council. So far supporters of Rustic Roads have been successful in keeping key roads in the program. Thanks to all who wrote in.
But on Tuesday in Committee, Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe and Council President Evan Glass voted to amend the Bill 30-23 Rustic Roads Advisory Committee to require that all three commercial farmers on the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee be commodity farmers (i.e. corn, soy).
We believe the farmers on the committee should represent the diversity of farming now taking place in Montgomery County. There are scores of other farmers with horses, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and the like who should also have a voice. No one group should have an outsized influence.
Further, this amendment does not give enough representation on the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee to supporters of the program like bicyclists, hikers, kayakers, equestrians, and tourists. The bill encourages the County Executive to give preference to other farmers to fill the At-Large seats. There will be 3 At-Large seats which should include representatives of recreational users of the roads.
Timing is important as this will come before the Council on this coming Tuesday, July 25.
Please click "start writing" to send a letter to the Council to make sure the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee reflects the all Rustic Roads stakeholders.
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