Laurie A. Parendes
Department of Geosciences
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Scott H. Burris
Department of Agricultural Education
University of Missouri—Columbia
Sam Waters anxiously awaited the start of the county commission meeting. This would be his first official responsibility as a newly elected county commissioner. Little did he know when he won the November election that his first meeting would have such significant consequences for the residents of Johnsonville County. As people began to enter the conference room, these implications became all too real.
Sam recognized many of the faces in the room. John Shakely, the Commissioner of Agriculture, obviously was there to represent the diverse local farming community, which included both large and small operations. Commissioner Shakely and Sam had one thing in common: they had both recently been elected to their positions. Sam also recognized others from various political events, including Susan Fletcher, president of the local homeowner’s association, and Josh Martin from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). He quickly picked out Terry Halleran in the room as well. Terry was president of the local chapter of the Sierra Club and was very passionate for his cause. There were also unfamiliar faces in the room.
As everyone began to take their places, silence fell over the room. Commissioner Grant, chairman of the commission, began the proceedings: “Good morning and welcome to the county commission meeting. As you know, today we will decide if we will ban pesticide use in Johnsonville County.”
Image Credit: © Duncan Walker.
Date Posted: 07/18/05 nas
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