To the editor,

After learning about CAFO’s (factory farms) in this newspaper, and reading how the lives of families living near them have been irreparably damaged through no fault of their own, in June I decided to attend a meeting with a group of farmers and neighbors affected by CAFO's in Salem Township. I wanted to hear directly from these folks. I reasoned: if a CAFO pops up down the road from my home I should somehow prepare to protect my family and my property. Makes sense, right?

I’ve raised my family on a century farm believing we had a right to clean potable water. I believed that if someone contaminated our water that we would have recourse. And that the person or entity responsible for this travesty would be held accountable. Makes sense, right?

I’ve assumed that if our property was grossly devalued by proximity to a CAFO because of unhealthy air quality- ammonia and hydrogen sulfide given off by manure stored in pits, and the ceaseless odor of 4,000 cows within a half-mile from your home, someone would be held accountable. Reparations would be made. Makes since, right?

One by one the farmers at this meeting dispelled my assumptions. I heard stories of contaminated water resulting in debilitating illnesses, loss of property values and inadequate county resources to monitor CAFO’s. I also heard a sense of betrayal by our local government for failing to protect these families, as if, inexplicably, the “rights” of CAFO’s somehow trumps theirs. I can understand their feelings. Makes sense, right?

In August the Pierce County Board of Supervisors will vote Yes or No on adopting a moratorium on CAFO expansion to address issues raised by farmers and property owners. Call your County Supervisor today and demand they vote YES on the CAFO moratorium. Makes sense, right?

Mary Anne Weiss

Stockholm