September 22, 1999

The Honorable Tom Ridge
Governor
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Room 225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

Dear Governor Ridge:

The Agricultural Advisory Board met on August 25, 1999. During the meeting, Board members unanimously recommended that Donald Needham be appointed to the Board to fill the vacant position of agri-bisiness industry representative; and Gerald Seyler be appointed to fill the vacancy for the grain producer representative. Since you make the final appointments, I am forwarding the Board's recommendation and copies of resumes for Mr. Needham and Mr. Seyler. Prior to the Board meeting, a committee had reviewed all nominations received for these positions and forwarded the names of Mr. Needham and Mr. Seyler to the full Board for consideration. Mr. Needham and Mr. Seyler have both expressed a desire and interest to serve on the Board, and both receive the majority of their gross income from the specific activity they are nominated to represent.

The Agricultural Advisory Board is a legislatively mandated Board comprised of farmers, agricultural businesses, state legislators, and state and federal regulatory agencies. Its purpose is to review and provide comments on policies, rules and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection which will have an impact, or a potential impact, on agriculture or the agricultural community in the Commonwealth. Due to the diverse and comprehensive nature of the issues addressed by the Board, it is imperative that the Board be at full membership to adequately ensure that all segments of Pennsylvania's Agricultural producers are properly represented. I urge you to quickly fill the two current vacancies, agri-business industry and grain producer, that exist on the Board. The Board by its unanimous recommendation of Mr. Needham and Mr. Seyler for membership has expressed confidence that both gentlemen will be an asset to the Board as members.

I thank you for your consideration regarding this matter. If I may be of further assistance, please contact me at 570-784-9326.

Enclosure