For Immediate Release:
April 16, 2014
Curley proposes initiative that seeks State legislative action
Freeholders seek tightening farmland legislation
Resolution supports removal of potential conflicts of interest
in farmland preservation applicants
FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders have approved a resolution urging State legislators to enact legislation that would prohibit members of county and local boards and their immediate family members from participating in the government funded farmland preservation projects. The measure was introduced by Freeholder John P. Curley and seconded by Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone.
“Monmouth County is an ardent supporter and active participant in the State’s Farmland Preservation Program,” said Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry. “We strongly support the need for transparency throughout the process, thereby insuring the integrity of the farmland preservation programs.”
“In an effort to eliminate conflicts, I applaud this Freeholder Board for supporting this effort and recommending that the New Jersey Legislature create legislation expanding the list of individuals and their family members prohibited from participation in the State’s Farmland Preservation Program,” said Freeholder Curley.
Currently, the State has existing legislation that prohibits applicants from participating in farmland preservation grant programs if they or members of immediate family serve on a county Agriculture Development Board or a municipal Agricultural Advisory Committee.
“While the current legislation restricts agriculture board members and their immediate families from these programs, Monmouth County’s resolution proposes that the family restrictions extend to other boards,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich.
The Farmland Preservation Program, administered by the State Agriculture Development Committee, allows current landowners of New Jersey farmland to forever limit their property to agricultural use by selling the agricultural development easements and placing deed restrictions on the property.
“It is the duty of the State, the County and local municipalities to ensure the integrity of this important preservation program and all of its participants; this resolution solidifies our support for the integrity of the program,” said Freeholder Arnone. “As a former municipal official, I feel strongly that no elected or appointed official should be a landowner in a preservation transaction.”
The measure was approved at the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders meeting on April 10.
The Freeholders’ resolution advocates for legislation that would revise the law for the current program to prohibit any actively serving member or immediate family member of the State Agriculture Development Committee, Board of Chosen Freeholders, Agriculture Development Board, Planning Board or municipal governing body, including the mayor, or municipal Agricultural Advisory Committee from participating in a Farmland Preservation Program.
“I commend Director Burry and Freeholder Curley on their joint effort to protect public trust,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso. “I am proud to be a part of a proactive board that continually puts the people of Monmouth County first and foremost.”
Curley has spoken to Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (District-13) about the County’s resolution and the opportunity to advance it in the current legislative session.
A copy of the resolution is being sent to Governor Chris Christie, President of the New Jersey State Senate Steve Sweeney, Speaker of the General Assembly Vincent Prieto, the Monmouth County Legislative Delegation and all other Boards of Chosen Freeholders.
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