Remember where the food came from

That there are councillors representing the Township of King who have the time and opportunity to attempt a hike of farmland taxes, and to complain of lost revenue is shameful.

Is it not the responsibility of the rural countryside to cater and develop its foodstuffs for the millions to the south of us? Is it not our duty as citizens to encourage the farmer and give him a break on his already cashstrapped operation?

In fact, the growth coming into our township, the multi-million dollar "big pipe," the cost of real estate, and general residential taxation much shadows the apparent loss of a few thousand dollars from the struggling farmer.

We would do well as a community to consider the importance of growing our own food and should make brave efforts to secure productive lands in the service of our township, if only to make an example for the desolate ruins to the south of us (Woodbridge, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Oak Ridges, etc.) If we choose to imitate the trend of sprawl and build up a resort for the wealthy commuter without remembering that "It's the land that provided food for you and I," then we may simply falter under the weight of development pushing its bounds to the city limits.

Robert T. Lipscombe,

Kettleby