SALISBURY, October 7, 2002 - Jim Maza, the Democratic candidate for the State Senate in the 24th District unveiled today his plan to assist communities in their efforts to safeguard themselves from unwanted development and protect groundwater supplies.

At the double venue press conference held along the banks of the Little Lehigh Creek in Lehigh County and at the Springfield Township building in Bucks County, Maza also accepted the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, and Clean Water Action.

“Without open space to recharge wells and aquifers, our homes and businesses will be worthless. Throughout my career in public service, protecting our communities and natural resource has always been among my highest priorities, and as such, I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the League, the Sierra Club, and Clean Water Action.”

In addition to co-chairing the task force that created Montgomery County’s $100 million open space plan, Maza spearheaded the effort to protect the Unami Creek Watershed in Montgomery, Bucks, and Lehigh counties. He also was founding chairman of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Regional Planning Commission, the largest regional planning board in Pennsylvania.

“There is nothing I’m more proud of than the fact that over 4,000 acres have been preserved in Montgomery County, and that every one of the county’s 67 municipalities has benefited from the open space program,” said Maza.

Maza unveiled a four-point plan designed to address conservation problems.

First, Maza announced his support for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell’s proposal for a $1 billion bond issue, designed to bolster the Growing Greener program and provide funds for the preservation of open space, and the protection of environmentally sensitive waterways and watersheds.

“Pennsylvania has not sufficiently utilized its borrowing ability, and there can be no worthier investment than protecting our natural resources,” said Maza.

Second, Maza called for tougher rules and steeper fines for polluters of the Commonwealth’s waterways.

Third, Maza called for the imposition of real impact fees for developers whose projects stress roadways, sewer systems, and public schools.

“What qualifies as impact fees now are little more than chump change,” said Maza. “It’s the communities and school districts that are left to pay the real costs of strip malls and other development projects.”

Fourth, Maza called for giving municipalities the statutory tools they need to protect themselves and from unwanted development, including the promotion of regional zoning and planning.

“We have to provide local governments with the ability to steer development towards our boroughs and towns that are in need of revitalization through regional planning. To do otherwise will endanger the way of life that our rural communities now enjoy. Our aquifers and wells need open spaces in order to be recharged, and our school districts can’t afford to be strapped with the costs of paying for new school construction.”

“The homebuilders admit they want to dismantle open space and farmland preservation programs. They admit they are opposed to regional planning. And they admit that the gloves are coming off,” said Maza referring to a recent memorandum circulated among members of the Home Builders Association of Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Joining Maza at the press conference was Vice Chair of the Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors, Joy Leach, and former Salsibury Township Commissioner Jan Keim.

Also on hand and representing the League of Conservation Voters was Ms. Jennifer Klein. Mr. David McGuire represented the Sierra Club, and Mr. Rick Loomis represented Clean water Action.

“We must take decisive and definitive steps to preserve open space and protect groundwater and streams,” said Maza. “This isn’t about protecting frogs and meadows. This is an economic and quality of life issue.”

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