(2/2023) January opened with plenty of action to usher in 2023. There was much dialogue among US House Representatives to select a new Speaker of the House. Some in the House and in the media were anxious to label the process as a catastrophe. Perhaps they did not know that there is such a provision in our constitutional law that allows for orderly debate and negotiation through that process. In the end a new Speaker arose along with amended rules and guidelines by which legislation must conform. I look forward to these much needed rules that can set the stage for better legislation.

It seems fitting that January also opens the year by honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. challenged all of our hearts to rise to our nation’s highest ideals. I truly believe Dr. King looked to honor God in his peaceful quest to bring equal rights to our nation. A former pastor of mine often summarized the nation’s discrimination environment as not a "skin problem", but a "sin problem". Dr. King truly understood this behavior and realized the cure was to love our neighbors as ourselves. Dr. King reflected on this in one of his famous statements; "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that". The companion quote is also appropriate: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that." Our Lord (The Light) often used this spiritual principle to bring peoples’ attention to their sin.

Moving to the secular realm, attention also needs to be given to stewardship of our nation’s resources, particularly our forests and wood lands. There are many reasons for wise forest conservation. Forests are extremely important in maximizing the capture of our rainfall. Minimizing water runoff helps to recharge our ground water and enhance stream water quality. We must not forget that a community’s water quality and supply are a reflection of the quality of its environment, its desirability and its value.

Also, if managed properly forests become a renewable resource for building materials and numerous paper products. So, when managed with common sense practices, forests provide a wealth of benefits. To help make that happen, new federal legislation is being proposed that will greatly reduce the risks of forest fires, enhance water conservation, utilize over mature trees that would otherwise be relegated to non-use, allow for thinning cuts that produce better quality lumber, healthier forests and pulpwood for paper production. It is hoped that this legislation, which was born out of western forest management challenges, will be replicated across the nation. Last year this legislation failed to pass, but Senator Daines, coauthor of the legislation is optimistic that the Republican controlled House has the votes needed to pass the legislation this year. Please help bring this advantage to Pennsylvania (Penn’s Woods) by encouraging your US Congressman to vote for the "Root and Stem Act".

Speaking of Pennsylvania, January ushers in perhaps the largest agricultural expo under roof in our nation, the Pennsylvania Farm Show. County Commissioners across Pennsylvania are regularly invited to the PA Farm Show for Elected Officials Day. On this day The PA Department of Agriculture hosts a huge luncheon for the elected officials. It features various guest speakers and remarkable presentations of agricultural success stories. This year PA Governor Josh Shapiro made a most anticipated announcement, the official reappointment of Russell Redding of Adams County as the PA Secretary of Agriculture. The Governor said that no one else even came close to being his choice for Secretary and, fortunately for PA and Adams County, Secretary Redding accepted the appointment.

Secretary Redding spoke of the direction the state is taking agriculture under his leadership. With his leadership and support of the PA legislature, new opportunities to make smaller farms more sustainable and programs to incentivize young farmers and professionals to enter the agricultural industry are in place. This is so very encouraging after hearing of European nations setting goals to eliminate the dairy and meat producers by 2030. As Russell Redding has said, that is a discussion we need to have. We wish Secretary Redding the very best, having oversight of PA’s largest industry, Agriculture.

Moving to the local stage, in January the Adams County United Way is entering the final leg of their Annual Fund-Raising Campaign. With your help the goal of $175,000 is well within reach. As of this publication United Way only needs an additional 20% of the goal to reach the finish line by March 15, 2023. That goal is easily attainable if each Adams County resident or business gave $6.00/ by March 15. Due to the COVID disruption of our economy, United Way revenues fell short of expenses. To help eliminate the shortfall, join me as I avoid the drive-thru for a fancy cup of coffee and donate that amount to the United Way (perhaps multiple times). By many doing a little, a lot can be accomplished. Send or bring your donations to the United Way Office. Their address is as easy as "123" – 123 Buford Ave., Gettysburg, PA 17325. These funds go back into the community to help neighbors in need.

In several weeks the United Way will be back in action helping lower-income individuals prepare their 2022 Income Tax Returns. This help is for those with income less than $60,000/year. Appointments must be made as there will be no walk-ins. Call 717-334-5809 now for an appointment, which will start the week of February 7 for eligible participants. This program is known as VITA and it is under the supervision of a tax professional. Hundreds are assisted by this program every year, saving families hundreds of dollars.

Finally, please check out the new look of the Adams County website. Also note, for a more secure experience, the website has been moved to a slightly different web address, adamscountypa.gov.