Column did not note that farmer has subdivision plan in progress

The Dec. 5 edition of the News Transcript contained an interesting Your Turn article written by Hal Rifkin. I read the entire passage, as I am in favor of restraining the growth explosion we are experiencing here in Western Monmouth County.

At the same time, I found that Mr. Rifkin made some valid points about helping farmers, though a bit over-impassioned and repetitive.

The heart of his article — while in reality a speech delivered to the Manalapan Planning Board — proclaimed the goodness of farmers and the absolute necessity to protect them.

He pleaded that the township not take much away from its farmers lest they be forced to sell out and leave.

He had me believing that if he were treated fairly, his farm would remain in operation.

Amazingly, without shame, Mr. Rifkin presented himself as an honest and forthright person, while at the very same time, he has his farm under contract with a developer to build homes. It is unconscionable that he would say and do these two opposite things, and publicly, no less.

Kelly Barry

Freehold Township