View 2007 Ballot Measures

Conservation Winning Streak Continues in Pennsylvania
Three Ballot Measures Win Big Tuesday. Add to Three Wins in the 2007 Primary

On Tuesday, voters in three Pennsylvania referenda overwhelming passed ballot measures supporting open-space purchases, farm and forest preservation, parks and recreation. In total, $103 million in spending was approved by voters in Bucks County and the two local municipalities.

Including the three conservation referenda held in the 2007 primary, over $122 million has been approved by voters statewide during 2007. On average, 2007 conservation referenda have passed by an overwhelming 2-1 margin.

“People want to protect special places in their communities and are willing to pay for it,” said Andy Loza, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. “Citizens are willing to tax themselves to pay for things that last. They want government to responsibly spend money to conserve dwindling green spaces, wildlife habitat and productive farmland. They want parks for safe, enjoyable retreats.”

2007 General Election Conservation Winners:

Voters in Bucks County approved a new bond offering totaling $87 million. The measure was approved by a 74-26% margin. The borrowing will allow Bucks County to continue preserving farmland, natural areas and open space throughout the next decade. The money will be spent on the following projects: $26 million for municipal grants, $25 million for farmland preservation, $19 million for parks, $11 million for natural areas and $7 million for Delaware riverfront projects and re-development.

“A 74% Yes-Vote for conservation from Bucks County residents underscores the fact that preservation is a high priority,” said Clifford C. David Jr., President of Heritage Conservancy. “Our partnership with county government in supporting passage of the measure has been gratifying, but now the exciting work for our organization begins. We look forward to working with municipalities to help update their open space plans and preserve their most important natural areas and resources.”

Six million dollars was approved by voters in Plainfield Township, Northampton County for land and farm preservation. The funding will come from a .25 percent increase in earned income taxes. The measure was approved by a 60-40% margin.

In West Pikeland Township, Chester County, voters considered and approved a .25 percent income tax increase, providing $11,000,000 towards open space and farmland preservation. The measure was approved by a 61-39% margin.

In Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, voters narrowly rejected a .1 percent income tax increase, which would have provided $1,480,000 towards open space preservation. The measure was defeated by a margin of only 8 votes. The final margin was 50.6% against, 49.4% in favor.

For more information, please visit http://conserveland.org/pp/pavotes2007.